Statically Determinate Beams

Abstract

Our focus in this chapter is on describing how beams behave under transverse loading, i.e., when the loading acts normal to the longitudinal axes. This problem is called the “beam bending” problem. The first step in the analysis of a statically determinate beam is the determination of the reactions. Given the reactions, one can establish the internal forces using equilibrium-based procedures. These forces generate deformations that cause the beam to displace. We discuss in detail the relationship between the internal forces and the corresponding displacements and describe two quantitative analysis procedures for establishing the displacements due to a particular loading. The last section of the chapter presents some basic analysis strategies employed in the design of beams such as influence lines and global envelopes.