Chapter 5 Symmetric Bending of Beams (I)  Stresses

Question 5.1

For the beam shown in Figure 5.1,

(1) derive equations for the shear force V and the bending moment M for any location in the beam;
(2) use the derived functions to plot the shear force and bending moment diagrams for the beam.
Specify the values for key points on the diagrams.

Figure 5.1

Answer:
𝑃𝑏−𝑄𝑐 𝑃𝑏−𝑄𝑐
(1) For 𝑥 < 𝑎 , 𝑉 = , 𝑀= 𝑥
𝑎+𝑏 𝑎+𝑏
𝑃𝑎+𝑄𝑐 𝑃𝑏−𝑄𝑐
For 𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝑎 + 𝑏 , 𝑉 = − 𝑎+𝑏 , 𝑀 = 𝑎+𝑏 𝑥 − 𝑃(𝑥 − 𝑎)
For 𝑎 + 𝑏 < 𝑥 < 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐 , 𝑉 = 𝑄 , 𝑀 = −𝑄[(𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐) − 𝑥]

(2)

𝑃𝑎(𝑎 + 𝑏)
𝑥=
𝑃𝑎 + 𝑄𝑐
Question 5.2

For the beam shown in Figure 5.2,

(1) derive equations for the shear force V and the bending moment M for any location in the
beam.
(2) use the derived functions to plot the shear force and bending moment diagrams for the beam.
Specify the values for key points on the diagrams.

Figure 5.2

Answer:
𝑤𝑎
(1) For 𝑥 < 𝑎 , 𝑉 = −𝑤𝑎 𝑥 , 𝑀 = − 𝑥2
2
𝑎 (𝑥−𝑎)2
For 𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝑎 + 𝑏 , 𝑉 = −𝑤𝑎 𝑎 − 𝑤𝑏 (𝑥 − 𝑎) , 𝑀 = −𝑤𝑎 𝑎 (𝑥 − 2) − 𝑤𝑏 2

(2)
Question 5.3

For the beam shown in Figure 5.3,

(1) derive equations for the shear force V and the bending moment M for any location in the
beam.
(2) use the derived functions to plot the shear force and bending moment diagrams for the beam.
Specify the values for key points on the diagrams.

Figure 5.3

Answer:

(1) For 𝑥 < 𝑎 , 𝑉 = −𝑃 , 𝑀 = −𝑃𝑥

For 𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝑎 + 𝑏 , 𝑉 = −𝑃 , 𝑀 = 𝑀𝐵 − 𝑃𝑥

(2) M B  Pa

Pa < M B  P  a  b 
 𝑥 = 𝑀𝐵 /𝑃

M B  P a  b

Question 5.4

For the beam shown in Figure 5.4,

(1) derive equations for the shear force V and the bending moment M for any location in the
beam.
(2) use the derived functions to plot the shear force and bending moment diagrams for the beam.
Specify the values for key points on the diagrams.

Figure 5.4
 𝑤𝑜 (𝑎2 +3𝑎𝑏+3𝑏 2 ) 𝑤𝑜 𝑥 2 𝑤𝑜 (𝑎2 +3𝑎𝑏+3𝑏2 ) 𝑤𝑜 𝑥 3
(1) For 𝑥 < 𝑎 , 𝑉 = − , 𝑀= 𝑥−
6(𝑎+𝑏) 2𝑎 6(𝑎+𝑏) 6𝑎

𝑤𝑜 (2𝑎2 +6𝑎𝑏+3𝑏 2 )
For 𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝑎 + 𝑏 , 𝑉 = 𝑤𝑜 (𝑎 + 𝑏 − 𝑥) − 6(𝑎+𝑏)

𝑤𝑜 (2𝑎2 +6𝑎𝑏+3𝑏 2 ) 𝑤𝑜 ∙(𝑎+𝑏−𝑥)2

𝑀= ∙ (𝑎 + 𝑏 − 𝑥) −
6(𝑎+𝑏) 2

(2)

Question 5.5

Construct the shear force and bending moment diagrams for the beam in Figure 5.5. Label all
significant points on each diagram and identify the maximum moments (both positive and
negative) along with their respective locations.

1200 lb
6000 lb·ft

Figure 5.5
Answer:

𝑥 = 9.5833 ft

Question 5.6

Construct the shear force and bending moment diagrams for the beam in Figure 5.6. Label all
significant points on each diagram and identify the maximum moments (both positive and
negative) along with their respective locations.

80 kN·m 50 kN·m

Figure 5.6
Answer:

𝑥 = 3.2 m

𝑥 = 1.24 m 𝑥 = 5.16 m

Question 5.7

Construct the shear force and bending moment diagrams for the beam in Figure 5.7. Label all
significant points on each diagram and identify the maximum moments (both positive and
negative) along with their respective locations.

2400 lb

6000 lb·ft

Figure 5.7
Answer:

𝑥 = 10 ft

𝑥 = 5.5 ft 𝑥 = 14.47 ft

Question 5.8

Draw the shear force and bending moment diagram for the beam shown in Figure 5.8. Assume the
upward reaction provided by the ground to be uniformly distributed. Label all significant points
on each diagram.

25 klb 25 klb
2 klb/ft

Figure 5.8
Answer:

𝑥 = 8 ft

Question 5.9

For the beam in Figure 5.9,

(1) draw the shear force and bending moment diagram, label all significant points on each
diagram;
(2) determine shear force V and bending moment M in the beam at a point located 0.75 m to the
right of B;
(3) determine shear force V and bending moment M in the beam at a point located 1.25 m to the
left of C.

120 kN·m

Figure 5.9
Answer:

(1

𝑥 = 2.14 m

𝑥 = 3.86 m

(2) 𝑉 = −21.25 kN , 𝑀 = 16.09 kN·m

(3) 𝑉 = 31.25 kN , 𝑀 = 23.59 kN·m

Question 5.10
For the beam in Figure 5.10, draw the shear force and bending moment diagram, label all
significant points on each diagram.

Figure 5.10

Answer:

Question 5.11

For the beam in Figure 5.11, draw the shear force and bending moment diagram, label all
significant points on each diagram.
 60 kN·m

Figure 5.11

Answer:

𝑥 = 1.57 m 𝑥 = 6.5 m

𝑥 = 0.6435 m 𝑥 = 5m

Question 5.12

A beam is subjected to equal bending moments of Mz = 3200 N·m, as shown in Figure 5.12. The
cross-sectional dimensions are b = 150 mm, c = 30 mm, d = 70 mm and t = 6 mm. Determine

(1) the centroid location, the moment of inertia about the z axis;
(2) the bending stress at point H;
(3) the bending stress at point K;
(4) the maximum bending stress produced in the cross-section.

C z
N.A.

y
b
Figure 5.12
Answer:

(1)

𝑆 = 26.166 mm , 𝐼 = 1.336 × 106 mm4

(2) 𝜎𝐻 = −90.62 MPa (Compression)

(3) 𝜎𝐾 = 48.3 MPa (Tension)

(4) 𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 62.67 MPa (Tension) , 𝜎𝑚𝑖𝑛 = −105 MPa (Compression)

Question 5.13

A beam is subjected to equal bending moments of Mz = 45 klb·ft, as illustrated in Figure 5.13. The
cross-section dimensions are b1 = 7.5 in, d1 = 1.5 in, b2 = 0.75 in, d2 = 6 in, b3 = 3 in and d3 = 2 in.
Determine
(1) the centroid location, the moment of inertia about the z axis;
(2) the bending stress at point H;
(3) the bending stress at point K;
(4) the maximum bending stress produced in the cross-section.

Figure 5.13
Answer:

(1)

𝑆 = 3.66 in , 𝐼 = 256.6 in4

(2) 𝜎𝐻 = 8081.1 psi (Tension)

(3) 𝜎𝐾 = −4545.6 psi (Compression)

(4) 𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 12289.9 psi (Tension) , 𝜎𝑚𝑖𝑛 = −7702.3 psi (Compression)

Question 5.14
A beam is subjected to equal bending moments of Mz = 240 N·m, as shown in Figure 5.14. The
cross-sectional dimensions are a = 20 mm, b = 40 mm, d = 80 mm and r = 12 mm. Determine

(1) the centroid location, the moment of inertia about the z axis;
(2) the bending stress at point H;
(3) the bending stress at point K;
(4) the maximum bending stress produced in the cross-section.

Figure 5.14
Answer:

(1)

𝑆 = 36.71 mm , 𝐼 = 1.48 × 106 mm4

(2) 𝜎𝐻 = 2.71 MPa (Tension)

(3) 𝜎𝐾 = −1.83 MPa (Compression)

(4) 𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 5.95 MPa (Tension) , 𝜎𝑚𝑖𝑛 = −7.02 MPa (Compression)

Question 5.15
The dimensions of the beam cross-section shown in Figure 5.15 are a = 7 mm and b = 45 mm.
The internal bending moment about the z centroidal axis is Mz = 325 N·m. What is the magnitude
of the maximum bending stress in the beam?

C
z

Figure 5.15
Answer:

𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 27.55 MPa

Question 5.16

An aluminum alloy tee-shaped bar is used as a beam. The cross-section of the tee shape, shown in
Figure 5.16, has a total depth of d = 7.5 in. The centroidal z axis of this cross-section is located
2.36 in above point H. The beam spans in the x direction and it bends about the z centroidal axis.
A strain gage is affixed to the side of the tee stem at a distance of a = 1.25 in below the top surface
of the tee shape. After loads are applied to the beam, a normal strain of x = –810  is measured
by the strain gage. What is the bending stress at point H? For aluminum alloy E = 10300 ksi.

C
z

y
 Figure 5.16

Answer:

𝜎𝐻 = 5061.52 psi

Question 5.17

The cross-section dimensions of the beam shown in Figure 5.17 are a = 5 in, b = 6 in, d = 4 in and
t = 0.5 in. The internal bending moment about the z centroidal axis is Mz = −4.25 klbft. Determine

(1) the maximum tension bending stress in the beam;

(2) the maximum compression bending stress in the beam.

S
C
z

Figure 5.17

Answer:

(1) 𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 4586 psi (Tension)

(2) 𝜎𝑚𝑖𝑛 = −3321 psi (Compression)

Question 5.18
Two uniformly distributed loads of w = 3600 lb/ft act on the simply supported beam shown in
Figure 5.18. The beam spans are a = 8 ft and L = 16 ft. The beam cross-section has dimensions of
b1 = 16 in, d1 = 6 in, b2 = 10 in and d2 = 10 in. Calculate the maximum tensile and compressive
bending stresses produced in segment BC of the beam.

S
C
z

Figure 5.18

Answer:

𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 2300 psi (Tension) , 𝜎𝑚𝑖𝑛 = −2897.31 psi (Compression)

Question 5.19

An extruded polymer beam is subjected to a bending moment M as shown in Figure 5.19. The
beam length L = 800 mm. The cross-section dimensions of the beam are b1 = 34 mm, b2 = 20 mm,
d1 = 100 mm, d2 = 20 mm and a = 7 mm. For this material, the allowable tensile bending stress is
16 MPa, and the allowable compressive bending stress is 12 MPa. Determine the largest moment
M that can be applied as shown to the beam.
 C
z

Figure 5.19

Answer:

𝑀 = 611842 Nmm

Question 5.20

A 1.125 in diameter solid steel shaft supports loads PA = 65 lb, PC = 150 lb and PE = 55 lb as shown
in Figure 5.20. Assume that a = 10 in, b = 25 in, c = 13 in and d = 16 in. The bearing at B can be
idealized as a roller support and the bearing at D can be idealized as a pin support. Determine the
magnitude and location of the maximum bending stress in the shaft.

Figure 5.20

Answer:

𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 6629 psi Largest bending stress occurs at pulley C.

Question 5.21

The U-shaped aluminum bar shown in Figure 5.21 is used as a dynamometer to determine the
magnitude of the applied load P. The aluminum bar has a square cross-section with the dimensions
a = 30 mm and b = 65 mm. For aluminum E = 70 GPa. The strain on the inner surface of the bar
was measured and found to be 955 What is the magnitude of load P?

Figure 5.21

Answer:

𝑃 = 3537 N

Question 5.22

A horizontal force of P = 1200 lb is applied to the rectangular bar shown in Figure 5.22. Calculate
the normal stress at points H and K. Use the following dimensional values: d = 1.5 in, b = 2.5 in
and e = 2 in.

Figure 5.22

Answer:
𝜎𝐻 = −2240.46 psi (Compression) , 𝜎𝐾 = 2880.46 psi (Tension)

Question 5.23

A load of P = 32 kN is applied parallel to the longitudinal axis of a rectangular structural tube as

illustrated in Figure 5.23. The cross-sectional dimensions of the tube are b = 100 mm, d = 150 mm
and t = 5 mm. Assume that a = 500 mm and c = 40 mm. Determine the normal stresses produced
at points H and K.

C
z
y

Figure 5.23

Answer:

𝜎𝐻 = 49.91 MPa (Tension) , 𝜎𝐾 = −23.25 MPa (Compression)

Question 5.24

For a wall-mounted jib crane in Figure 5.24 overall dimensions are a = 102 in, b = 52 in, c = 66 in
and e = 5 in. The cross-sectional dimensions of the crane rail are bf = 4 in, tf = 0.5 in, d = 6 in and
tw = 0.3 in. A hoist load of P = 2000 lb is applied on the crane. What is the maximum normal stress
in the crane rail?
 C
z

Figure 5.24

Answer:

𝜎 = 6507.09 psi (Tension) , 𝜎 ′ = −7551.83 psi (Compression)

Question 5.25

A wooden I-beam is fabricated from three pieces of dimension lumber as shown in Figure 5.25.
The cross-sectional dimensions are bf = 90 mm, tf = 40 mm, dw = 240 mm and tw = 40 mm. The
I-beam is used as a simply-supported beam to carry a concentrated load P at the center of a span
of 5 m. The wood has an allowable bending stress of 8300 kPa and an allowable shear stress of
620 kPa. The flanges of the beam are fastened to the web with screws that can safely transmit a
force of 800 N in direct shear.
(1) If the screws are uniformly spaced at an interval of s = 200 mm along the span, what is the
maximum concentrated load P that can be supported by the beam based on the strength of the
screw connections? Demonstrate that the maximum bending and shear stresses produced by
P are acceptable.
(2) Determine the magnitude of load P that produces the allowable bending stress in the span.
What screw spacing s is required to support this load magnitude?

Figure 5.25

Answer:

(1) 𝑃 = 2984.13 N

𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 3.17 MPa < 𝜎𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤 = 8.3 MPa , 𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.157 MPa < 𝜏𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤 = 0.62 MPa

(2) 𝑃 = 7802 N , 𝑠 = 76.5 mm

Question 5.26

A wooden box beam is fabricated from four boards, which are fastened together with nails, as
shown in Figure 5.26. The nails are installed at a spacing of s = 125 mm and each nail can provide
a resistance of Vf = 500 N. In service, the box beam will be installed so that bending occurs about
the z axis. Determine the maximum shear force V that can be supported by the box beam based on
the shear capacity of the nailed connections.
 z

C
z

Figure 5.26

Answer:

𝑉 = 3418.8 N

Question 5.27

A wooden box beam is fabricated from four boards, which are fastened together with screws, as
shown in Figure 5.27. Each screw can provide a resistance of 800 N. In service, the box beam will
be installed so that bending occurs about the z axis, and the maximum shear force in the beam will
be 9 kN. Determine the maximum permissible spacing interval s for the screws.
 z

C
z

Figure 5.27

Answer:

𝑠 = 52.82 mm

Question 5.28

The cantilever beam shown in Figure 5.28 is fabricated by connecting two hat shapes with rivets
that are spaced longitudinally at intervals of s along each side of the built-up shape. For an applied
load of P = 6800 N, determine the maximum spacing interval s that can be used if each rivet has a
shear strength of 1700 N.
 C
z

z’

y
𝐴 = 2400 mm2
𝐼𝑧′ = 3.76 × 106 mm4

Figure 5.28

Answer:

𝑠 = 86.12 mm

Question 5.29

A wooden beam is fabricated by bolting together three members, as shown in Figure 5.29. The
allowable shear stress of the wood is 850 kPa and the allowable shear stress of the 10 mm diameter
bolts is 40 MPa. Determine
(1) the maximum shear force V that the cross-section can withstand based on the allowable shear
stress in the wood.
(2) the maximum bolt spacing s required to develop the shear force computed in part (1).

Figure 5.29

Answer:

(1) 𝑉 = 6826 N

(2) 𝑠 = 280.36 mm

Question 5.30

A steel wide-flange beam in a structure is strengthened by adding a cover plate to its lower flange,
as shown in Figure 5.30. The wide-flange shape has dimensions bf = 7.5 in, tf = 0.57 in, d = 18 in
and tw = 0.355 in. The cover plate has a width of b = 15 in and t = 1 in. The cover plate is attached
to the lower flange by pairs of 0.875 in diameter bolts spaced at intervals of s along the beam span.
Bending occurs about the z centroidal axis.

(1) If the allowable bolt shear stress is 14 ksi, determine the maximum bolt spacing interval s
required to support an internal shear force in the beam of V = 55 klb.
(2) If the allowable bending stress is 24 ksi, determine the allowable bending moment for the
existing wide-flange shape, the allowable bending moment for the wide-flange shape with the
added cover plate, and the percentage increase in moment capacity that is gained by adding
the cover plate.

C
z

Figure 5.30

Answer:

(1) 𝑠 = 6.37 in

(2) 𝑀 = 2110373.33 lbin , 𝑀′ = 2532577.22 lbin , 𝛿 = 20%