Calculating the maximum bending moment on a bridge

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the maximum bending moment on the bridge, the mass of the bridge (9250 kg) and the car (2250 kg) are considered along with the bridge's length (26 m). The maximum bending moment occurs at 13 m, where the shear force is zero. Three methods were attempted to calculate this moment, with the first two yielding incorrect results. The third method, which incorrectly used the total weight of the bridge instead of the weight per meter, was corrected and provided the right answer. The discussion highlights the importance of using appropriate values for accurate calculations in structural analysis.
Kasthuri
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Homework Statement



Calculate the maximum bending moment on the bridge section using the values given.

(REFER TO DIAGRAM ATTACHED)

mass of bridge = 9250 kg
mass of car = 2250 kg
length of bridge section = 26 m

Homework Equations



I worked out previously that:
Reaction at A = reaction at B = 56407.5 N , which I got right

ƩFx = 0;
ƩFy = 0;
ƩM = 0;

The Attempt at a Solution



I know the maximum Bending Moment is at x = 13m (because shear force = 0 ant x = 13m)weight of bridge = 6250 x 9.81 = 90742.5 N
weight of car = 22072.5 N

I tried three ways, I know the 1st is wrong.

1st method:

Bending Moment max:
= 90742.5N x 13m + 22072.5N x 13m
= 1466595 N.m

2nd method:

Bending Moment max:
make a cut at 0≤x<13m , (shear force) v = 56407.5 N
so integrate this to get BM at x = 13m:
BM = 56407.5x
so at x = 13m:
Bending Moment max = 56407.5 x 13 = 733297.5 N.m

3rd method:

Bending Moment max
= wL/4 (for point load car) + wL^2/8 (uniformly distributed load of bridge)
= 22072.5 x 26/4 + 90742.5 x (26 x 26)/8
= 7811212.5 N.m

So, I'm quite stuck on the method.

Thank you so much for any help!
 

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Last edited:
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In the third bending moment calculation, you have used the entire weight of the bridge rather than the weight per meter for w.
 
Thanks!
I did what you said and got it right :D
 
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