Calculating the Required Section Modulus for a 200mm Wide Flange Beam

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the required section modulus for a beam subjected to a uniform load and a concentrated load. Participants are working through the mechanics of beam bending, including determining maximum moments and shear forces, and selecting an appropriate beam size based on calculated values. The scope includes homework-related problem-solving and technical calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a calculation of reactions at supports and attempts to derive the maximum moment using shear and moment equations.
  • Another participant suggests that the maximum moment occurs at the point of zero shear and advises drawing a shear diagram, noting the discontinuity caused by the concentrated load.
  • A later reply indicates a recalculation of the point of zero shear and provides a new maximum moment value, but expresses confusion over the resulting section modulus calculation.
  • Another participant points out discrepancies in the calculations, suggesting that the maximum moment occurs at the concentrated load and provides a different value for the maximum moment, while also noting a potential unit conversion issue in the section modulus calculation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the method of calculating reactions and moments, but there are discrepancies in the calculated values for maximum moment and section modulus. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct values and calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about specific calculations, including the maximum moment and section modulus, and there are indications of potential unit conversion issues. The discussion does not resolve these uncertainties.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and practitioners in engineering or physics who are interested in beam mechanics, structural analysis, and related calculations may find this discussion useful.

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Homework Statement


A simple beam of length L = 5m carries a uniform load of intensity q = 5.8kN/m and a concentratexd load 22.5kN. Assuming stress allow = 110MPa, calculate the required section modulus S. Then select a 200mm wide flange beam (W shape) from the table. recalculate S taking into account the weight of the beam. select a new 200mm beam if necessary.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Of first I was trying to calculate the Mmax and i made a boo boo somwhere.

First I found the Moment about A

0 = 5.8(5)(2.5) + 22.5(3.5) - 5RB... RB = 30.25kN

About B

0 = 22.5(1.5) + 5.8(5)(2.5) - 5RA... RA = 21.25kN

Then so determine the Maximum Moment I was preparing the Shear & moment graphs. I took x starting from the left where x = 0 @ A

0<x<3.5

Force sum in y = 0 = RA - qx - V... V = 21.25 - 5.8x
Sum of M = 0 = RAx - qx2/2 - M... M = 21.25x - 2.9x2

3.5<x<5

Force in y = 0 = RA - qx - P -V... V = -1.25 - 5.8x
Sum of M = 0 = RAx - qx2/2 - 22.5(x - 3.5) - M... M = 78.75 - 1.25x - 2.9x2

when I graph the V's, the lines do not intersect... did i do something wrong. Would it even matter as long as I did the M's correctly. Could someone just double check my work.
 

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Your equations look OK. Max moment occurs at point of zero shear. Draw a shear diagram. There is an abrupt change in shear at the applied concentrated load. If you plot your 2 shear equations, they won't intersect at a common point because of the concentrated load discontinuity.
 
ok i found V = 0 @ x = 3.664

So pluged this into the second M equation and got Mmax = 35.7kN*m

S = M/\sigma = 3.25X10^-4 what happened here
 
Your numbers are off a bit...point of zero shear ocurs at the concentratd load at x =3.5 m. M_max at that point is about 40 kN-m. Then when you calculate S, the result is in m^3. (i don't work in SI units, so i don't have a feel for the numbers)
 

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