Internal forces in a beam for a point load

Last modified on 13.03.2014

Category: Beams and Frames

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The internal forces in a structure can be determined graphically.
The reaction forces are determined using a trial funicular polygon. Through the trial pole o', a parallel line to the closing string of the trial funicular polygon is transferred to the force diagram to find point c. Using points a, b and c, the V-diagram can be constructed.
The horizontal pole distance H can be chosen. The M-diagram can be constructed by multiplying the vertical intercept between the thrust line and the system line of the structure with the horizontal pole distance H.
Use the sliders to change the magnitude of P_{d} and H, the horizontal distance of the pole to the closing string. Note that the inclination of the thrust line adpats while the M-diagram remains constant when changing H. Move the point load along the beam and see the implications on the V- and M-diagrams.