What is the relationship between slope and bending moment in a penstock beam?

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SUMMARY

The relationship between slope and bending moment in a penstock beam is critical for accurate calculations. The bending moment (M) is calculated using the formula M = w * L² / 9, where w is the unit load (13,205 lb/lin ft) and L is the horizontal distance between supports (100 ft). The inclusion of the cosine of the slope (cos(8.306)) in the formula accounts for the effective load distribution along the slope of the beam. This adjustment is necessary to ensure that the bending moment reflects the actual conditions of the penstock beam.

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Zohra
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Hi ,
Please I have to understand the solution of an exercice about calculating bending moment in penstock :
It is assumed that maximum moment from penstock beam bending occurs at supports.
The bending moment M is approximated by the formula : M =w * L² /9
where w = unit load (lb/ft) and L span (ft)

w in my case is the total weight = 13 205 lb/lin ft and L=100 ft so easily i did M= 13 205 * 100² /9 =...
but in the solution i find M = (13 205 / cos(8.306) *100 /9 !
cos(8.306) is the penstock slope
Can you please explain me why divise by the slope ? I thank you so much
Zohra
 
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Is L the horizontal distance between supports or is it measured along the slope?
 
PhanthomJay said:
Is L the horizontal distance between supports or is it measured along the slope?
Thank you very much for your answer .
L is the horizontal distance between supports.
 
Zohra said:
Thank you very much for your answer .
L is the horizontal distance between supports.
Okay. Thus, the beam is longer than L. Use the sloping direction as the x-x axis. What value should you then use for the portion of the uniform load that causes bending?
 
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PhanthomJay said:
Okay. Thus, the beam is longer than L. Use the sloping direction as the x-x axis. What value should you then use for the portion of the uniform load that causes bending?
Thank you very much
Please , by "lin ft " it means horizontal foot or foot along the slope ?
 
Please , by "lin ft " it means horizontal foot or foot along the slope ?
weight is distributed along the beam itself, along the slope
 
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PhanthomJay said:
weight is distributed along the beam itself, along the slope
Understood Thank you very much for your great help
 

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