Learning topic
Statically Determinate Beams
Analysis of statically determinate beams: support reactions, internal forces, shear and bending-moment diagrams, and Gerber beams.
Statically determinate beams are fundamental structural systems whose support reactions and internal force effects can be determined from equilibrium. Because basic reactions and the section method are also covered in mechanics of materials, this section emphasizes structural-system analysis and verification rather than repeating the entire introductory treatment.
From loads to internal forces
The analysis begins with support reactions. The beam is then divided into characteristic intervals and section equilibrium is used to determine shear force $V$ or $Q$ and bending moment $M$.
Diagrams as analytical tools
Shear-force and bending-moment diagrams describe the variation of internal actions along the structure. In structural mechanics, their shapes are checked against load distribution, discontinuities, differential relations, and boundary conditions.
Compound beams
Internal hinges can be used to form statically determinate multispan systems. Their analysis requires an understanding of how forces are transferred between structural parts and in what sequence those parts should be solved.
About this topic
This section covers statically determinate beams: support reactions, shear forces and bending moments, internal-force diagrams, differential load-shear-moment relations, and hinged multispan beam systems.