Finding maximum bending moment when shear force equation is known

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum bending moment of a bridge section using a given shear force equation. The shear force equation was initially incorrect, leading to an erroneous maximum bending moment calculation. After reviewing the calculations and correcting the shear force equation, the maximum bending moment was recalculated and confirmed. Participants emphasized the importance of ensuring the shear force equation is accurate for correct bending moment results. Ultimately, the correct maximum bending moment was determined to be 457024.483 Nm after resolving the issues with the shear force equation.
Kasthuri
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Homework Statement



Calculate the Maximum Bending Moment of the bridge section using the values given.
Ra = 61837.91667 N
Rb = 78304.5833 N
(please refer to attached diagram)

Homework Equations



shear force is = 0 when x = 13.755998 m
(I worked this distance and the shear force equation out and found it to be correct)

Shear force equation is: v = (950/13)x2 + 3490.096154x - 61837.91667

The Attempt at a Solution



The Attempt at a Solution



Integrate shear force equation:
∫(950/13)x2 + 3490.096154x - 61837.91667

= (950/39)x3 + (3490.096154/2)x2 - 61837.91667x + C

when x = 0, c = 0

Maximum bending moment = (950/39)x3 + (3490.096154/2)x2 - 61837.91667x when x = 13.755998 m

∴ Maximum bending moment = -457024.4582 Nm

BUT, I know that the max bending moment is definitely not the answer I calculated.

Any help you can offer me will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
 

Attachments

  • maximum bending moment.JPG
    maximum bending moment.JPG
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First, restrict your calculations to four significant figures, to reduce errors (ironically). Then check with standard formula WL/6 where W is the total load. That is for the triangular load. Add WL/8 for the UDL. Since first writing this I have found an error in your work The coefficient 950/13 for the x^2 term needs checking. In general you would do better to work in kN units.
 
Last edited:
Your shear force equation is wrong. To check, substitute x = 0 and x = 26, and get the corresponding shear values. Check these with the reactions to see if the bridge is in equilibrium.
 
Kasthuri: Your shear force equation appears correct. Your maximum bending moment in post 1 appears correct. Nice work. I currently do not know why you, and others, currently seem to think it is wrong. Why do you think your answer is wrong?
 
I reiterate, your shear force equation is incorrect.
Where does the factor 950/13 come from? The load diagram clearly states that q at the right end of the bridge is 3800 N/m.
Why do you take Ra as negative in the shear force equation?
Clearly, if you evaluate the shear force equation at x = 0, you should obtain a shear force equal to the reaction at A.
Your bending moment calculation won't be correct until you get the correct shear force equation.
 
This is the shear force equation: (I missed the '2' initially, I'm sorry for that!)

v = (9250/13)x2 + 3490.096154x - 61837.9166

So through integrating from x = 0 to x = 13.756m I get that bending moment:
MAX BM = 885754.75 Nm
 
SteamKing said:
I reiterate, your shear force equation is incorrect.
Where does the factor 950/13 come from? The load diagram clearly states that q at the right end of the bridge is 3800 N/m.
Why do you take Ra as negative in the shear force equation?
Clearly, if you evaluate the shear force equation at x = 0, you should obtain a shear force equal to the reaction at A.
Your bending moment calculation won't be correct until you get the correct shear force equation.

I just now realized that it isn't in equilibrium, thanks.
Ignore my earlier comment. I looked back on my working and found the 950/13 comes from the weight of the triangular loading:
W = 1/2(base)(height)
= 1/2(x)(3800/26)(x)
= 950/13(x^2)
 
I have fixed my shear force equation and integrated it:
∫ - (950/13)x2 - 3490.096154x + 61837.91667 from x = 0 to x = 13.756 metres:

BM = 61837.91667x - (3490.096154x2)/2 - [(950/13)]x3/3

so integrating from x=0 to x=13.756m:

BM max = 457024.483 Nm
 
Sorry, but 1/2(x)*(3800/26)*x is NOT equal to (950/13)*x^2
 
  • #10
Cancel last post. Sorry.
 
  • #11
Thank you so much for your help SteamKing! :D
I got it right :)
 

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