Calculating Moment of a Beam | PSU Professional Portfolio

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the moment of a beam and its deflection, focusing on the application of formulas and unit conversions in structural engineering. Participants explore the implications of beam dimensions and loading conditions, as well as the significance of accurate measurements in calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a formula for calculating the moment of a beam, Mu = w L^2 / 8, and questions a discrepancy in the calculated moment compared to a source.
  • Another participant points out a potential error in unit conversion related to the length of the beam, emphasizing the importance of precision in measurements.
  • A different participant discusses the non-linear behavior of beam deflections for spans between 6 and 7 meters, suggesting that this is a reason for limiting beam spans in construction for economic reasons.
  • One participant seeks assistance in determining the Moment of Inertia for input into an online calculator for deflection, providing specific parameters for the beam.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the accuracy of calculations and the significance of measurement precision. There is no consensus on the correct approach to the calculations or the implications of the findings.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific formulas and unit conversions, but there are unresolved issues regarding the accuracy of the initial moment calculation and the implications of beam span on deflection. The discussion does not resolve these mathematical uncertainties.

Who May Find This Useful

Engineers, students, and professionals interested in structural design, particularly those dealing with beam calculations and deflection analysis.

rodsika
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http://www.personal.psu.edu/kar5230/blogs/kyles_professional_portfolio/How%20to%20Design%20a%20Singly%20Reinforced%20Concrete%20Beam.pdf

I'm stuck with a formula above. It says that to calculate for Moment of a beam... use the formula

Mu= w L^2 / 8

now given w = 1000 lb/ft, L=20 feet... then Mu= w L^2/8 = 1000(20)^2/8 = 50,000 lb-ft
(although it's written as 500,000 lb-ft in the site.. i think it's wrong?)

Anyway. my question is.. i have spent half a day doing conversion from lb-ft to KiloNewton-meter and I can't seem to get it right.

I found out the following formula for converting between the two units:

1 kN - m = 737.56 ft-lb
1 kN/m = 68.52 lb/ft

Now in the above example given w = 1000 lb/ft, L=20 feet

1000 lb/ft = (14.59 kn/m x 6^2) / 2 = 525 kn-m/8 = 65.65 Kn-m

Now converting Kn-m to ft-lb...

65.65 KN-m x 737.56 ft-lbs / 1 KN-m = 48424 ft-lb or (lb-ft I assume this is the same).

Now why can't it be equal to the 50,000 lb-ft in earlier calculation??
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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20 feet = 6.096 meters, not 6.
 
AlephZero said:
20 feet = 6.096 meters, not 6.

Thanks. I have spent a day trying to find out even going to this particular Theorem in math which says some equations just can't be solved. So 0.1 is significant.. :)
 
I'm trying to determine the deflection of the above beam. An engineer told me that deflections of beams from 6 meter to 7 meter is non-linear and high that is why many in constructions limit beam span to 6 meters for economy. What do you think of this. Anyway. Let's prove it by formula/calculations. On the following page is online calculator to solve for deflection.

http://civilengineer.webinfolist.com/str/sdcalcuf.php

Supposed span of beam is 6 meters, w of beam is 4.23 Kn/m, distance of deflection measured is at middle, Modulus of Elasticity is 57000x sqrt (fc=21) or 261206, what is the formula or how do you determine the Moment of Inertia so I can input it to the online calculator above, thanks?
 

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