3.1. Simply Supported Beams

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define a simply supported beam.

   Hint

   Think about the supports and how they affect the beam.

2. 2.

   What is the load transfer path for a floor system?

   Hint

   Visualize the path that loads take.

3. 3.

   What type of supports does a simply supported beam have?

   • Fixed at both ends
   • Free at both ends
   • Supported at both ends

   Hint

   Remember how the supports are designed.

4. 4.

   True or False: Simply supported beams can resist moments at their supports.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the definition of 'simply supported'.

5. 5.

   Given a simply supported beam of 8 m length subjected to a uniform load of 12 kN/m, calculate the reactions at the supports and the maximum bending moment. Also, assess if a beam with a section modulus of 150 cm³ is adequate if the permissible bending stress is 200 MPa.

   Hint

   Use the static equilibrium equations to solve for reactions first.

6. 6.

   If a simply supported beam deflects 5 mm under a load and the permissible limit is span/325, what should the span of the beam not exceed?

   Hint

   Remember to convert that deflection into a span limit.