Solve Indeterminate Beam using Force Method: Step-by-Step Guide | Homework Help

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving an indeterminate beam problem using the Force Method of Analysis. Participants are seeking assistance with setting up the Free Body Diagram (FBD), determining the degrees of indeterminacy, and identifying redundant forces in a supported structure, specifically a triple propped cantilever beam.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about applying the Force Method to a supported structure, contrasting it with examples given for cantilever beams.
  • Another participant identifies the beam as a triple propped cantilever, noting the number of unknown support reactions and equilibrium equations, concluding that the beam is statically indeterminate to the third degree.
  • There is a discussion about the nature of the supports, with one participant questioning whether the hinged reactions are rigid or flexible, which could affect the analysis.
  • A later reply acknowledges a mistake in the participant's understanding of the supported reactions and clarifies that one should replace one of the supports with a redundant force to make the system determinate.
  • Some participants propose using the equation 3L - H to determine the number of indeterminate forces, leading to different interpretations of the problem setup.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct approach to the problem, with multiple competing views on the setup and analysis of the beam. There is acknowledgment of mistakes and corrections, but no definitive resolution is presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the assumptions about the supports and the implications of those assumptions on the analysis. There are also unresolved steps in the mathematical setup of the problem.

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Homework Statement


I need help starting with this question.. I am very confused because the lecturer gave examples when its a canteleaver beam but not when it is in supported structure. I

For the given beam (Table 1, Figure 1):
• determine the number of degrees of freedom to which the
beam is indeterminate
• use Force Method of Analysis to determine the redundant
force(s)
• sketch the Free Body Diagram (FBD)
• construct the Shear Force Diagram (SFD) and the Bending
Moment Diagram (BMD)
• define dimensions for the cross section of the I-beam by
using the Main Strength Condition
• determine the deflection (or the slope) at a point A.
Take [ ] 160MPa; E 200 GPa; a 1m






Homework Equations



wont require yet as i just need help to set up the FBD

The Attempt at a Solution


I just needs step on how to set up using the Force method... Please view my attempt and comment if i am correct or wrong...

img.photobucket.com/albums/v236/ilmman/Ass2attempt1.jpg

img.photobucket.com/albums/v236/ilmman/Ass2attempt2.jpg
 
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At points 1 and 2, what is represented by those lines with the circles at the top and bottom?
 
PhanthomJay said:
At points 1 and 2, what is represented by those lines with the circles at the top and bottom?

those are supposed to be supported beams... the circles are hinges. Using the 3L - H I got 3(2)-3 = 3 ... Indeterminates... I have to make it determinate by adding redundant forces which i have attempted from the links above. Can someone please confirm if it is correct?
 
So it looks like you've got a triple propped cantilever beam, that is fixed at one end and pinned or hinged supported at three other locations along the beam, with an applied force and applied couple and applied uniform load. Thus, you have 5 unknown support reactions (4 vertical forces at the 4 reaction points, plus a couple at the fixed end, = 5), and just 2 equilibrium equations (sum of y forces =0 and sum of momemts about any point = 0), so the beam is statically indeterminate to the 3rd degree. Your free body diagram is therefore correct. Now you must solve for the unknowns. I am also assuming that those hinged beam reactions X1 and X2 are near rigid, that is, they are similar to a pinned support such as you have at X3, such that the vertical deflections at points 1, 2, and 3, as well as at the fixed end, are 0. Otherwise, if the beam supports are flexible ('springy'), you've got yourself a problem. That's why I asked what the symbols represented.
 
PhanthomJay said:
So it looks like you've got a triple propped cantilever beam, that is fixed at one end and pinned or hinged supported at three other locations along the beam, with an applied force and applied couple and applied uniform load. Thus, you have 5 unknown support reactions (4 vertical forces at the 4 reaction points, plus a couple at the fixed end, = 5), and just 2 equilibrium equations (sum of y forces =0 and sum of momemts about any point = 0), so the beam is statically indeterminate to the 3rd degree. Your free body diagram is therefore correct. Now you must solve for the unknowns. I am also assuming that those hinged beam reactions X1 and X2 are near rigid, that is, they are similar to a pinned support such as you have at X3, such that the vertical deflections at points 1, 2, and 3, as well as at the fixed end, are 0. Otherwise, if the beam supports are flexible ('springy'), you've got yourself a problem. That's why I asked what the symbols represented.


Thanks for the help. Unfortunately My Supported reactions were screwed up and I did it completely wrong, the correct proceedure was to keep the PIN and replace one of the other support reactions with a redundant foce, so I can make it determinate (Using 3L - H I got 1 meaning I should have 1 indeterminate force). Your knowledge seem too far ahead as I haven't gone up to third degree yet :P thank you anyways for helping me
 

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