2

SHEAR FORCE AND

BENDING MOMENT

OBJECTIVES:
This chapter starts with an introductory of a beam, types of a beam, the
loading and the discussion how the loads acting on a beam. The main
topic is how to construct the shear and moment diagrams for a beam.
These diagrams provide a useful means to determine the largest or
maximum shear and moment occurs in a member. One of the purpose
of the diagrams is the bending stress can be calculated once the
internal moment is determined.

1.1 Introduction

Beams are defined as a slender members and support loadings that are applied
perpendicular to their longitudinal axis. Generally, beams are long, straight bars and
having a constant cross sectional area. Several types of the beam are classified with
the different types of supports. Beams can be classified as one of the most important
of structural members.

1.2 Types of beams, supports and loadings

1.2.1 Types of beams

Statically determinate beams;

Mechanics of Materials 51
 i) Simply supported beam

ii) Cantilever beam

iii) Overhanging beam

Figure 2.1
Statically determinate beams

Statically indeterminate beams;

iv) Continuous beam

v) Beam fixed at one end and simply

supported at the other end

vi) Fixed beam at both support

Figure 2.2
Statically indeterminate beams

Mechanics of Materials 52
1.2.2 Load action on a beam

(a) (b)

(c)

Figure 2.3
Example; (a) bending of a simply supported beam
(b) bending forces, (c) typical beam cross section

Figure 2.3 shows the beam bends under the vertical load, the bending action causes
the beam to shorten along its top edge and extend along the bottom edge. The
shortage of members is caused by compressive forces. Meanwhile (b), the
compressive force, C and the tensile force,T must have equal magnitude but act in
opposite directions. Means that the sum of the forces acting on any vertical cross
section is zero and the effect of the two opposing forces is to produce bending
moment within the beam.

1.2.3 Types of support

a) Pinned support

Figure 2.4
Pinned support

Mechanics of Materials 53
 ƒ Figure 2.4 shows, the example of a mechanical bearing that
provides this support. The horizontal beam is connected to the
foundation by interlocking steel leaves pivoting around a steel
pin.

ƒ Prevents the structure from moving translationally in any

direction at the support point but provides no resistance to
rotation.

ƒ Assuming the assembly to be frictionless, there is no resistance

to rotation about the pin.

ƒ This bearing prevents rotation about an axis perpendicular to

the pin and allows rotation about any horizontal axis.

b) Roller support

Figure 2.5
Roller support

ƒ Figure 2.5 shows, an example of elastomeric bearing. This

consists of a block of very flexible elastomer bonded to and
reinforced by several layers of horizontal steel plates.

ƒ Allows some translational as well as rotational movement.

ƒ The plates make the elastomer very hard to deform in the

vertical direction but it remains easy to deform sideways and
rotationally.

ƒ This bearing prevents vertical movements (upward and

downward) but allows rotations and horizontal translations.

Mechanics of Materials 54
 c) Fixed support

Figure 2.6
Fixed support/built-in support

ƒ Figure 2.6 illustrates casting a member into a heavy concrete

foundation. The symbol for a fixed support and the nature of
structural deformation at the support as shown.

ƒ Consider as the fixed or built-in support.

ƒ Prevents all movements of the structure at the support point

both translations and rotations.

(a) (b)

Figure 2.7: (a) Typical “pin-supported” connection (metal),

(b) Typical “fixed-supported” connection (metal)

Mechanics of Materials 55
 (a) (b)

Figure 2.8: (a) Typical “roller support” connection (concrete),

(b) Typical “fixed-supported” connection (concrete)

1.2.4 Types of loading

a) Axial/point load b) Uniform distributed load

c) Triangular distributed load

d) Non-uniform distributed load

Mechanics of Materials 56
 Figure 2.9: Support for structures

Mechanics of Materials 57
1.3 Stability and determinancy

• In general, the structures mechanics involves determination of

unknown forces on the structures.

• Some of these structures can be completely analyzed by using the

equations of equilibrium.

ΣFx = 0 (F = F)
ΣFy = 0 (F = F ) The structures are known as statically determinate.
ΣMz =0 (M = M)

• On the other hand, if there exist extra redundant reaction components,

then the structure is said to be statically indeterminate.

Determinancy Criteria for Structures

• To be in a state of static equilibrium, a structure must meet the

requirements of stability.

• A statically indeterminate structure is a structure that had more

unknown forces.

For beam;
i) r < n + 3…..(unstable)
ii) r = n + 3…..(statically determinate)
iii) r > n + 3…..(statically indeterminate)

n = number of hinges

EXAMPLE 2.1

Classify each of the beams as statically determinate or statically indeterminate. If

statically indeterminate, give the degree of indeterminancy.

Eg;

Mechanics of Materials 58
 a)

b)

1.4 The reaction determination

This sub topic was learned in the subject of Statics and Dynamics (BFC 1022). The
detailed explanation in calculating the support reactions are not discussed here. All
students have to do some revisions.

After determined the support reactions, shear force diagram-SFD and bending
moment diagram-BMD can be constructed. The moment is also can be obtained by
summing moments about the sectioned end of the segment.

EXAMPLE 2.2

Determine the reactions at support A and B for the beams and loading as shown
below.
a)

300N/m 400N/m

A B
HA VB
1.5m 1.5m 1.5m
VA

Solution;
VA + VB = 300(1.5) + ½ (400)(1.5) HA = 0
= 750N

+ Σ MB = 0

-300(1.5)(1.5/2 + 3) + VA (4.5) - ½ (400)(1.5)(2/3 x 1.5) = 0

VA = 441.7N (↑)
VB = 308.3N (↑)

Mechanics of Materials 59
b)

8 kN/m 10kN/m

4 kN/m

A B
HA VB
4m 3m
VA

Solution ;

8kN/m 10kN/m
R2

4kN/m

R1
R1 = 4(4) = 16 kN
R2 = ½ (8-4)(4) = 8 kN
R3 = ½ (10) (3) =15 kN

VA + VB = 16+ 8 +15 HA = 0
= 39 kN

+ Σ MA = 0

16 (½ x 4) - VB (7) + 8 (2/3 x 4) +15 (4 + 1/3 x 3) = 0

32 + 21.33 + 75 -7VB = 0
VB = 18.33 kN (↑)
VA = 20.67 kN (↑)

Mechanics of Materials 60
EXERCISE 2.1

Calculate all the support reactions for the beam as shown in the figures.
a) P

A B

L/2 L/2 [Ans: VA = VB

= P/2 (↑)]
b)
w

A B

[Ans: VA = VB =
L wL/2 (↑)]

c) 9 kN/m
5kN/m

A B

20m

d) 20kN
6 kN/m

B
A
6m 6m

e) 2kN/m

B
A

4.5m

Mechanics of Materials 61
1.5 Relationship between shear forces and bending moment

Shear force and bending at a point are determined by cutting a section through the
beam and applying an equilibrium analysis on the beam sections on either left or
right. Figure 2.10 shows the sign convention for shear forces and moments.

Figure 2.10
Beam sign convention

Mechanics of Materials 62
1.6 Constructing shear force diagram (SFD) and bending moment
diagram (BMD)

SFD and BMD can be constructed by using two ways on either applying an
equilibrium analysis on the beam portions or can straight away draw from the
value of support reactions.

First Method:

EXAMPLE 2.3

Draw SFD and BMD acting on the beams by applying an equilibrium analysis on
the beam portions.
a) 5 kN

A C B
HA
VA 5m 5m VB

x
Solution;

VA + VB = 5 kN HA = 0

+ Σ MA = 0

5(5) – VB (10) = 0
VB = 2.5 kN = VA

The beam is sectioned at an arbitrary distance x from the support A, extending

within region AC and the free body diagram of the left segment is shown.

x 0 < x < 5;
Mx ΣFy = 0, V = 2.5kN
A
V + Σ Mx = 0
2.5 kN = -Mx+ 2.5x
Mx= 2.5x kNm

x(m) V(kN) M= 2.5x (kNm)

0 2.5 0
1 2.5 2.5
3 2.5 7.5
5 2.5 12.5

Mechanics of Materials 63
If the beam is extended a distance within the region CB, the free body diagram is
as shown below.
5 < x < 10;
ΣFy = 0, V + 5 = 2.5
5m 5kN
V = - 2.5 kN
Mx
+ Σ Mx = 0
A
= - Mx + 2.5x – 5(x-5)
V
2.5 kN x Mx = (25 -2.5x) kNm

x(m) V(kN) M= 25 -2.5x (kNm)

5 -2.5 12.5
6 -2.5 10
8 -2.5 5
10 -2.5 0

5 kN

A C B
HA
VA 5m 5m VB

SFD
2.5
x(m) V(kN) M= 2.5x
(+) (kNm)
0 2.5 0
(-) 1 2.5 2.5
3 2.5 7.5
2.5 5 2.5 12.5

BMD x(m) V(kN) M= 25 -2.5x

12.5 (kNm)
5 -2.5 12.5
6 -2.5 10
8 -2.5 5
(+) 10 -2.5 0
(-)

Mechanics of Materials 64
b)
10 kN/m

A C B
HA
VA
10m VB

VA + VB = 100 kN HA = 0
+ Σ MA = 0

10 (10)(10/2) – VB (10) = 0
VB = 50 kN = VA

The beam is sectioned at an arbitrary distance x from the support A, extending

within region AC and the free body diagram of the left segment is shown below.

10kN/m 0 < x < 5;

Mx ΣFy = 0, V + 10(x) = 50
A V = 50 – 10x
x V
+ Σ Mx = 0
50 kN = -Mx + 50x – 10(x) (x/2)
Mx = (50x - 5x2 ) kNm

x(m) V=50 – 10x (kN) M= 50x - 5x2 (kNm)

0 50 0
1 40 45
3 20 105
5 0 125

If the beam is extended a distance within the region CB, the free body diagram is
shown below.

10 kN/m 5 < x < 10;

Mx
A -same-
V
50 kN x

Mechanics of Materials 65
 x(m) V=50 – 10x (kN) M= 50x - 5x2 (kNm)
5 0 125
6 -10 120
8 -30 80
10 -50 0

10 kN/m

A C B
HA
VA
10m VB

SFD
50

x(m) V=50 – 10x M= 50x - 5x2

(kN) (kNm)
(+) 0 50 0
1 40 45
(-)
3 20 105
5 0 125

50 x(m) V=50 – 10x M= 50x - 5x2

(kN) (kNm)
BMD 125 5 0 125
6 -10 120
8 -30 80
10 -50 0
(+)
(-)

Mechanics of Materials 66
EXAMPLE 2.4

Draw SFD and BMD acting on the beams by applying an equilibrium analysis on
the beam portions.
x

2kN/m

B
A

4.5m [Ans: VA = 1.5 kN (↑),VB = 3kN(↑)]

x

Solution;

Cut x – x at any distance.

y = 0.44x
2
2 y
=
B 4.5 x
A x y = 0.44 x

4.5m

R = ½ (x) (0.44x) = 0.22x2

y = 0.22x2

Mx-x
1/3x V
VA = 1.5 kN

ΣFy = 0, V + 0.22x2 = 1.5

x(m) V= 1.5 - 0.22x2 Mx-x= 1.5x –
V = 1.5 - 0.22x2
(kN) 0.073x3 (kNm)
0 1.5 0
+ Σ M= 0
1 1.28 1.43
= -Mx-x + 1.5x – (0.22x2) ( 1 x ) 2 1.6 2.42
3 2.5 0.13 2.609
3
Mx-x = (1.5x – 0.073x ) kNm 3 -0.5 2.53
4.5 -3 0

Mechanics of Materials 67
 2kN/m

B
A

4.5m

1.5

(+)

(-)
x is the distance of the
x inflection point;

from V = 0
3 = 1.5 - 0.22x2
1.5 = 0.22x2
x = 2.61m

From x = 2.61m, substitute

to Mx-x,
(+) = 1.5x – 0.073x3

(-) M at x =2.61m is 2.62kNm

Mechanics of Materials 68
EXERCISE 2.2

Draw SFD and BMD acting on the beams by applying an equilibrium analysis on
the beam portions.

a) P

A B

L/2 L/2 [Ans: VA = VB

= P/2 (↑)]
b)
w

A B

[Ans: VA = VB =
L wL/2 (↑)]

c) 6 kN/m
2kN/m

A B
[Ans: VA = 30kN (↑),
18m VB = 42kN(↑)]

d) 15kN
5 kN/m

B
A
5m 5m [Ans:VA = 13.75kN(↑),
VB = 26.25kN(↑)]

Mechanics of Materials 69
Second Method:

EXAMPLE 2.5

Draw the shear and moment diagrams for the shaft. The bearings at A and D exert
only vertical reactions. The loading is applied to the pulleys at B, C and E.
a) Determine the maximum shear force and bending moment.
b) Determine the bending moment at x = 1m from A.
c) Identify the number of inflection point and determine its location.

Solution;

400N 550N 175N

A
D

0.35m 0.5m 0.375m 0.3m

Calculate the support reactions.

VA + VD = 400 + 550 + 175

= 1125 N

+ Σ MA = 0

400(0.35) + 550(0.85) + 175(1.525) – VD (1.225) = 0

(1.225)VD = 874.4
VD = 713.8 N
VA= 411.2 N

Mechanics of Materials 70
Draw SFD
400N 550N 175N

A
D
VA = 411.2N VD = 713.8N

(411.2- 400) (-538.8 + 713.8) = 175

411.2 = 11.2
(+) A1 A4

(-) A2
A3
Vmax = -538.8 N

(11.2-550)
= -538.8

Draw BMD

(144+ 5.6)
= 149.6 Calculate the areas;
144 A1 = 411.2 (0.35) = +144
A2 = 11.2 (0.5) = + 5.6
A3 = -538.8 (0.375) = -202
(+) A4 =175 (0.3) = + 52.5
0
(-) x=? All units in Nm
52.4
(149.6-202)
Mmax = 149.6 Nm

a) Determine the maximum shear force and bending moment.

Vmax = -538.8 N
Mmax = 149.6 Nm

Mechanics of Materials 71
b) Determine the bending moment at x = 1m from A.

400 N 550 N
0 < x < 1;
ΣFy = 0, V + 400 + 550 = 411.2
V = -538.8 N
Mx
Σ Mx = 0
V Σ Mx = 411.2x – 550 (x-0.85) – 400 (x-0.35)
0.35m 0.5m = -538.8x + 607.5 Nm

x at x = 1m, M = 68.7Nm
411.2N

c) Identify the number of inflection point and determine its location.

Only one inflection point.

149.6

x 0.375 − x
x 0.375-x =
149.6 52.4

x = 0.28m …..location of inflection point.

0.375m

-52.4

EXAMPLE 2.6

Draw SFD and BMD for the beam as shown below.

15kN
5 kN/m
80kNm
A B
HB
VA VB
5m 5m

Solution;

Calculate the support reactions.

VA + VB = 15 + 5(5) HB = 0
= 40 kN

Mechanics of Materials 72
 + Σ MA = 0

15(5) + 5(5)(5 + 5/2) – VB (10) + 80 = 0

VB = 34.25 kN
VA = 5.75 kN
Draw SFD

15kN
5 kN/m
80kNm
A B

VA =5.75 VB=34.25
5m 5m

(5.75 – 15)
5.75
(+) A1

(-) A2

= -9.25
[-9.25-(5x5)]
= -34.25
Draw BMD

(80 + 28.75)
= 108.75
Calculate the areas;
80 A1 = 5.75 (5) = 28.75
A2 = [-9.25 (5)] + [½ (-25
x 5)]
(+) 0 = -46.25- 62.5
(108.75 – 108.75) = - 108.75
(-)
All units in kNm

Mechanics of Materials 73
EXERCISE 2.3

Draw the SFD and BMD for the beam shown below.

2 kN/m 4kN 2 kN/m

A B

2 1.5 3 2 (m)

Solution;
Calculate the support reactions.
[Ans: VA = 6.67 kN (↑), VB = 5.33 kN(↑)]

Draw SFD

2 kN/m 4kN 2 kN/m

A B

2 1.5 3 2 (m)

Mechanics of Materials 74
Draw BMD

EXAMPLE 2.7

Draw the SFD and BMD for the beam shown below.

8kN
2 kN/m

HA
A B C D

4m 6m 4m
VA VC
Solution;

Calculate the support reactions.

[Ans : VA = 4.4 kN (↑), VC =17.6 kN (↑) ]

Mechanics of Materials 75
Draw SFD
8kN
2 kN/m

B C D
A
4m 6m 4m
VA = 4.4 VC = 17.6

(-9.6 + 17.6)
4.4 =8

(+) A1 A3 [8 – (2 x 4)]
=0
(-) A2
(4.4 – 8)
=-3.6
[-3.6-(½ x 6 x 2)]
= - 9.6

Draw BMD

Mechanics of Materials 76
EXERCISE 2.4

Draw the SFD and BMD for the beam.

750N/m

A B

Solution;
[Ans : VA = 1250N (↑), VB =1000N (↑), Mmax = 2177.32Nm ]

EXAMPLE 2.8

Draw the SFD and BMD for the beam shown below.

1000 N/m 5000N 4000N/m

9000Nm

A B

3m 3m 3m 3m 3m

Solution;

Calculate the support reactions.

[Ans : VA = 8000 N (↑), VB =9000 N (↑) ]

Mechanics of Materials 77
Draw SFD

1000 N/m 5000N 4000N/m

9000Nm

A B

3m 3m 3m 3m 3m

(+)

(-)

Draw BMD

Mechanics of Materials 78
EXAMPLE 2.9

Draw the shear and bending-moment diagrams for the beam and the given
loading.

Solution;

Replace the 45-kN load with an equivalent force-couple system at D. Find the
reactions at B by considering the beam as a rigid body.

45x 0.6= 27kNm

D

45kN
SFD

(+) Calculate the areas;

(-) A1 A2 A1 = ½ (108) (2.4) = -129.6
A3
A2 = 108 (0.9) = -97.2
45x2.4=108 A3 = (153)(1.5) = -230

108+45=153 All units in kNm

BMD
(+)

(-)
(-226.8+27)= -200

-129.6
(-129.6 + A2) (-200 - A3 )= - 430
= - 226.8

Mechanics of Materials 79
EXAMPLE 2.10

Determine the determinancy of the beam and draw SFD and BMD for the beam
shown below. The beam is connected with pinned at B.

10kN
hinge 5kN/m

A B C D

1m 1m 2m 3m

Solution;
Calculate the support reactions.

There are 6 reactions exist in the beam. Calculate the determinancy of the beam
before determine the support reactions.
r=n+3 n = 1…AB and BD
4 = 1 + 3 ….statically determinate beam.

10kN VB
HA HB 5kN/m
M

VB
VA VC

1m 1m 3m

ƒ To calculate the support reactions, the beam is separated to 2

sections.
ƒ Consider the right section to simplify the calculation.

VB + 5(3) = VC HB = 0

+ Σ MB = 0

5(3)(2 + ½ x 3) – VC (2) = 0
VC = 26.25 kN
VB = 11.25 kN

ƒ Consider the left section.

VA + VB = 10 HB = HA = 0
= 10 kN

Mechanics of Materials 80
+ Σ MA = 0

+M + 10(1) – VB (2) = 0
+M = 11.25(2) – 10 = 12.5kNm
VA = - 1.25 kN

Draw SFD
10kN
5kN/m

A B C D

1m 1m 2m 3m

(-11.25+26.25)
=15
Calculate the areas;
(+) A3 A1 = 1.25 (1) = -1.25
A2 = -11.25 (3) = -33.75
(-) A1 A3 = ½ (15)(3) = +22.5
-1.25 A2
All units in kNm

(-1.25-10)
= -11.25

Draw BMD

12.5

12.5-1.25=11.25

(+)
(-)

11.25-33.75= -22.5

Mechanics of Materials 81
TUTORIAL 1 : Solve all problems by using equilibrium analysis or straight
away from the value of support reaction.

1)
The beam is simply supported. By replacing the 75N load with an equivalent
force-couple system at C and D, determine the support reaction at A and B. Draw
the SFD and BMD and identify the inflection points and its location if exist.

[Ans : VA = 85N (↑), VB = 65N (↑)

2)
A simply supported beam carries a uniformly distributed load of 10 kN/m as
shown in figure. A couple of 30 kNm and a point load of 80 kN are applied at B
and C respectively.

a) Calculate the reactions at supports A and D.

b) With using the method of sections, draw the shear force and bending
moment diagram for the beam. Showing all the important values.

c) Determine the maximum moment for the beam.

A 10 kN/m B C D

30 kNm 80 kN
3m 2m 1m

(FINAL EXAM SEM II 2007/2008 UTHM)

Mechanics of Materials 82
3)
A cantilever beam of length 2.5m is subjected to a triangular load of 6kN/m, a
point load of 3kN and a uniformly distributed load of 4kN/m as shown in figure
below. Determine;
a) reactions at support A.
b) the shear force and bending moment diagram.
c) the magnitude of shear force and bending moment at point A,B and
C.

4)
A simply supported beam is subjected to loadings as shown in figure.

a) Sketch the shear force and bending moment diagrams.

b) Determine the shear forces and bending moments at A,B,C,D and
E.
c) Determine the position and magnitude of the maximum bending
moment.
[Ans : VA = 40kN (↑)]

Mechanics of Materials 83
5)
A simply supported beam is loaded with a uniformly distributed load and a point
load as shown in figure. Determine all the reaction forces and draw the SFD and
BMD.

6)
The simply supported shown in figure below is subjected to a uniformly
distributed load of 35kN/m between A and B. A bracked component at C is
subjected to a 10kN load at its free end. Ignore section x-x in this calculation.
a) Sketch the SFD and BMD for the beam.
b) Determine the shear forces and bending moments at A,B,C,D and
E.

Mechanics of Materials 84