Mechanics Question: Simply Supported Beam with Load

[Sarang490]

Homework Statement

A bridge is idealized as a simply supported beam AB of length L, as shown in Figure 2. A
four-wheeled vehicle of weightW now drives across the bridge. Sketch the shear force diagram
for the case illustrated, where the rear wheel is a distance a from the left support. Notice that
the two wheels are a distance d apart and the center of gravity of the vehicle is a distance d/3
behind the front wheel. Use your results to determine the value of a at which the maximum
bending moment reaches its greatest value, and find this value.

http://i43.tinypic.com/11ry5us.png

Homework Equations

Equilibrium equations, M(x)= ∫V(x), V(x) being shear force

The Attempt at a Solution

Drew a free body diagram of the car and bridge to find the reaction forces, one at each end and at the contact points of the car and the wheel. R1=W(1-(a+2d/3)/L), R2=W/3, R3=2W/3,R4= W(a+2d/3)/L from left to right. I then sketched a shear force diagram starting at
V(0) = -R1
V(a) = -R1 + R2
V(a+d) = V(a)+R3
V(L) = 0

I tried to use the areas under this curve (3 rectangles) and have them equal 0 and try to solve for a, but I couldn't get anywhere with that. any help/direction would be awesome.

 

[Sarang490]

Never mind, got it. Same approach but more perseverance.