Distributed load - model bridge project

[aidan.s]

Homework Statement

check out:

so this is for a bridge project right and that picture is simply a basic design just enough to get the jist to answer my question.

what I am wondering is, if 20kg's was applied to the very centre of that loading plate - is it fair to say that each of the long side beams are supporting 10kg's each? or am i looking at this all wrong

also, 20kg's = 196 Newtons, but in this case - is it 196N/m, or just a evenly distributed load of 196N hence each long side beam supporting 98N

all I am after is just looking for a way to simplify the loading plate so i can find out moments and shears etc, stuff like that

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

at the moment I've simplified the load to a point load in the middle of the loading plate, just trying to clear up my confusion

what i really need to find is the tension in the cables

thanks for any help

 

[aidan.s]

bump cause i fixed pic, might make more sense now :)