BEAM REACTIONS

(AND THEIR CALCULATION)

Sanghaar Bhutto
 CONTENTS
• Introduction
• What is a Reaction?
• Beam Supports
• Beam Types
• Beam Loads
• Statically Determinate & Indeterminate
Structures
• Steps To Calculate Reactions
• Solved Example
 INTRODUCTION
• A beam that primarily resists loads applied laterally to
the its axis has the mode of deflection in bending. The
loads that are applied to the beam are countered by the
beam's support points.

• While designing buildings, frames or beams it is

important to know the magnitude and direction of the
load that resides within a support.

• Therefore, the loads that are applied to the beam result

in Reaction forces at the beam's support points.
 What is a Reaction?

• “Reaction is a RESPONSE to the action

that is acting on a beam, in the form of
vertical forces.”
 BEAM SUPPORTS
• Simple Support

• Roller Support

• Pinned (Hinge) Support

• Fixed Support
 Simple Support
• In this type of support, beam is simply supported
on the support.

• There is no connection
between the beam and the
support.

• At this type of support, only vertical reaction will

be produced.
 Roller Support
• In this type of support, rollers are placed below
beam and beam can slide over the rollers.

• Reaction will be perpendicular to the surface

on which rollers are supported.
 Pinned (Hinge) Support
• Beam and support are connected by a hinge.
• Beam can rotate about the hinge.
• Reactions will be vertical and horizontal.
 Fixed Support
• Beam is completely fixed at end in the wall or
support.
• Beam cannot rotate at end.
• Reactions may be vertical, horizontal, inclined
and moment.
 Beam Types

• Simply Supported Beam

• Fixed Beam

• Cantilever Beam
 Beam Types

• Overhanging Beam

• Continuous Beam
Beam Loads
 Statically Determinate &
Indeterminate Structures

• If the reaction forces can be calculated using

equilibrium equations i.e

• Number of reactions ≤ Number of equilibrium

equations,

• Then beam/structure is said to be

DETERMINATE.
 Statically Determinate &
Indeterminate Structures

• If the reaction forces cannot be calculated

using equilibrium equations i.e

• Number of reactions Number of

equilibrium equations,

• Then beam/structure is said to be

INDETERMINATE.
 Steps To Calculate Reactions

• Draw the free body diagram.

• Replace the UDL or UVL (if any) into

equivalent point load.

• Apply equations of equilibrium i.e ΣX = 0, ΣY

= 0 and ΣM = 0 which will give Rx.
 Solved Example

Question

A B
 Solved Example

Solution: Free Body Diagram

Rax

Ray Rby
 Solved Example

• Solution:
ΣX = 0
(Not used since there is a lone horizontal
reaction which will not have an effect
vertically.)
ΣY = 0
Ra + Rb – 10 KN = 0
Ra + Rb = 10 KN (eq. 1)
 Solved Example
• Solution:
ΣM = 0
So ΣMB = 0
(Ra X 3) – (10 X 1.5) = 0
3Ra – 15 = 0
» Ra = 5 KN; put this value in eq. 1
» Rb = 5 KN
THANKYOU