8.

1 Internal Forces in Structural Members

8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 1, page 1 of 4
1. Determine the normal force, shear force, and
moment at sections passing through a) B and b) D.

4 kN

B C D E
A

2m 2m 4m 4m
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 1, page 2 of 4
Part a): Internal forces and moment at B

4 kN 1 Pass a section through point B.

B C E
A

4 Solving Eqs. 1, 2, and 3 gives

2 Free-body diagram of part of beam to left of B (This is a much
better choice of free body than the part of the beam to the right, NB = 0 Ans.
since we won't have to calculate the reactions at C and E.)
4 kN VB = 4 kN Ans.

VB MB = 8 kN·m Ans.
B
A NB
5 Free-body diagram showing correct senses of
MB internal forces and moment at B:
2m
4 kN
3 Equations of equilibrium for part of beam to left of B:
VB = 4 kN
+ Fx
 = 0: NB = 0 (1)
B
A NB = 0
Fy = 0: VB 4 kN = 0


(2)
+

MB = 8 kN·m
MB = 0: (4 kN)(2 m) + MB = 0
+

(3) 2m
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 1, page 3 of 4
Part b): Internal forces and moment at D
6 Pass a section through point D.
4 kN

A C D E

7 Free-body diagram of part of beam to right of D

MD VD
D E Ex
ND
Ey

4m

8 Equations of equilibrium for part of beam to right of D: 9 Three equations but five unkowns.
Another free body is needed.

+
Fx = 0: ND + Ex = 0 (4)

Fy = 0: VD Ey = 0


(5)
+

MD = 0: MD + Ey (4 m) = 0 (6)

+
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 1, page 4 of 4
10 Free-body diagram of entire beam
4 kN

A C D E Ex

Cy Ey

4m 8m

11 Equilibrium equations for entire beam: 13 Free-body diagram showing correct senses
of internal forces and moment at D

+ F = 0: E = 0
x x (7)
MD = 8 kN·m
MC = 0: (4 kN)(4 m) + Ey (8 m) = 0 (8)
+

D E
Solving Eqs. 7 and 8 gives ND = 0
VD = 2 kN
Ex = 0 and Ey = 2 kN 2 kN
12 Using these results in Eqs. 4, 5, and 6 and solving gives

ND = 0 Ans.

VD = 2 kN Ans.

MD = 8 kN·m Ans.
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 2, page 1 of 2
2. Determine the normal force, shear force, and moment at a
section passing through B.

300 lb/ft 3 Note that the resultant of the entire distributed

load, (300 lb/ft)(12 ft) = 3,600 lb, does not
A act at B. The entire distributed load acts on
C the entire 12-ft span; the free body shown
B below has 300 lb/ft acting over only a 6-ft
6 ft 6 ft span, and the resultant of this distributed load
acts halfway between B and C.

1 Pass a section through point B.

300 lb/ft 4 Equations of equilibrium for part of beam to right of B:


+
Fx = 0: NB = 0 (1)
A
C
B Therefore

NB = 0 Ans.
2 Free-body diagram of part of
Fy = 0: VB + Cy 300 lb/ft)(6 ft) = 0

+
beam to right of B (2)
300 lb/ft
V MB = 0: MB (300 lb/ft)(6 ft)( 6 ft )
+

B
+ Cy(6 ft) = 0 2 (3)
C
NB B Eqs. 2 and 3 involve three unknowns. An additional free-body
MB Cy diagram is needed.
6 ft
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 2, page 2 of 2

5 Free-body diagram of entire beam.

300 lb/ft

A
C
Ax B
Ay Cy

12 ft

6 Equation of equilibrium for entire beam:

MA = 0: Cy(12 ft)  (300 lb/ft)(12 ft)( 12 ft) = 0 (4)

+

2
Solving Eq. 4 gives Cy = 1800 lb.

Using Cy = 1800 lb in Eqs. 2 and 3 and then solving gives

VB = 0 Ans.

MB = 5,400 lbft Ans.

8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 3, page 1 of 2
3. Determine the normal force, shear force, and moment
acting at a section passing through point B on the 2 Free-body diagram of portion above B
quarter-circular rod shown.
70 lb
70 lb
C
30 lb C 30 lb

B VB
MB B
4 ft 4 ft
40° NB
A  40°
O
O

1 Pass a section through point B

70 lb 3 Equilibrium equations for part of rod to right and above
section at B:
C
30 lb 
+ F = 0: N sin   V cos 40° + 30 lb = 0
x B B (1)
B
Fy = 0: NB cos  + VB sin 40° + 70 lb = 0

+ (2)

MO = 0: MB + NB(4 ft)  (30 lb)(4 ft) = 0 (3)

+

A Choosing point O for summing moments eliminates

both the 70-lb force and the shear VB from the moment
equation because their lines of action pass through O.
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 3, page 2 of 2

4 Geometry
C

 = 90°  50° = 40° 50°

40°
O

5 Substituting = 40° into Eqs. 1, 2, and 3 and solving

gives

NB = 72.9 lb Ans.

VB = .0 lb Ans.

MB = 171.6 lb Ans.
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 4, page 1 of 6
4. Determine the internal torque at sections passing
through points a) B and b) D of the shaft.

2 kip

2 ft

A 6 kip·ft (Torque applied at end)

B 2 ft C D

2 kip
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 4, page 2 of 6
Part a) point B

1 Pass a section through point B.

2 kip

2 ft

A 6 kip·ft (Torque applied at end)

B 2 ft C D

2 kip
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 4, page 3 of 6
2 Free-body diagram of part to right of B. This is a better choice
than using the part to the left because the reaction at the support
would have to be calculated, if we used the part to the left.

2 kip

2 ft

B 6 kip·ft (Torque applied at end)

2 ft C D x
MB
Torque from part
of the shaft to the
left of point B
acting on the part 3 Equilibrium equation for part of shaft:
to the right.
2 kip + Mx = 0: MB  (2 kip)(2 ft)  (2 kip)(2 ft) + 6 kip·ft = 0

The choice of
sense of the torque Solving gives
is arbitrary.
MB = 2 kip·ft Ans.
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 4, page 4 of 6
4 Free-body diagram of part to
right of B showing correct sense 2 kip
of torque at B

2 ft

B 6 kip·ft (Torque applied at end)

2 ft C D x
MB = 2 kip·ft

2 kip
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 4, page 5 of 6
Part b) point D

5 Pass a section through point D.

2 kip

2 ft

A 6 kip·ft
B 2 ft C D

2 kip
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 4, page 6 of 6

6 Free-body diagram of part to right of D

D 6 kip·ft
x
MD

7 Equilibrium equation for part of shaft:


+
Mx = 0: MD + 6 kip·ft = 0

Solving gives

MD = 6 kip·ft Ans.
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 5, page 1 of 6
5. Determine the axial force, shear force, and moment at
sections passing through a) C and b) immediately to the left
of roller E, and c) immediately to the right of roller E.
4 kN
Hinge (pin connection)
5 kNm
A C D E
F
B

4m 5m 5m
2m 1m

Part a): point C

4 kN
1 Pass a section through point C.
Hinge
5 kNm
A C D E
F
B

4m 5m 5m
2m 1m
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 5, page 2 of 6
2 Free-body diagram of part of beam to right of section. This is a
better choice than the part to the left because only one
unknown reaction (the vertical force at E) occurs on the right
while three (two force components and a moment) occur at A.
4 kN
VC Hinge

C D E
NC
MC
Ey
5m 5m
1m

3 Equilibrium equations for part of beam:


+ Fx = 0: N = 0
C (1)

Therefore,

NC = 0 Ans.

Fy = 0: VC + Ey  4 kN = 0


(2)
+

MC = 0: MC + Ey(1 m + 5 m)  (4 kN)(1 m + 5 m +5 m) = 0

+

(3)

4 Three equations but four unknowns so an additional equation is needed.

8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 5, page 3 of 6
5 To calculate the reaction at E, pass a
section immediately to the left of hinge D.
4 kN
Hinge
5 kNm
A C D E
F
B

4m 5m 5m
2m 1m

7 The moment is zero at a hinge 6 Free-body diagram of part of beam to right

(a "hinge" is just another of section 4 kN
name for a pin connection
between two parts of the VD Hinge
beam; no moment is MD = 0
transmitted at a pin D E
connection). We will make ND
use of this fact by summing
moments about D. Ey
5m 5m
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 5, page 4 of 6
8 Equilibrium equation for part of beam:

MD = 0: Ey(5 m)  4(5 m +5 m) = 0 (4)

+

Note that VD does not appear in this equation because

its moment arm about D is infinitesimal.

Solving Eq. 4 gives

Ey = 8 kN

Substituting Ey = 8 kN in Eqs. 2 and 3 and solving

gives
9 Free-body diagram of part of beam
VC =  4 kN Ans.
showing correct senses of forces and
MC = 4 kN·m Ans. moment at C 4 kN

VC = 4kN Hinge

C D E
NC = 0

MC = 4 kN·m
Ey = 8 kN
5m 5m
1m
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 5, page 5 of 6
Part b): point immediately to left of E. 11 Free-body diagram of part of
beam to right of section 4 kN
VE
10 Pass a section through the beam
immediately to the left of E. 4 kN
E
Hinge NE
5 kNm ME
A C D E Ey = 8 kN
F
B 5m

12 Equilibrium equations for part to right of section:

4m 5m 5m
2m 1m

+ Fx = 0: N = 0
E (5)

Therefore, NE = 0 Ans.

13 Free-body diagram of part of beam showing correct Fy = 0: VE + 8kN  4 kN = 0


(6)

+
senses of forces and moment at section to left of E
4 kN Solving gives

VE = 4 kN VE =  4 kN Ans.
ME = 20 kN·m
E ME = 0: ME  (4 kN)(5 m) = 0 (7)
NE = 0 +
Solving gives
Ey = 8 kN
ME = 20 kN·m Ans.
5m
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 5, page 6 of 6
Part c): point immediately to right of roller E.
15 Free-body diagram of part of
beam to right of section 4 kN
14 Pass a section through the beam VE'
immediately to the right of E. 4 kN
Hinge
5 kNm NE '
A C D E ME'
F
B 5m

4m 5m 5m 16 Equilibrium equations for part to right of section:

2m 1m
+ Fx = 0: N ' = 0
 (8)
E

Therefore, NE' = 0 Ans.

17 Free-body diagram of part of beam showing correct Fy = 0: VE'  4 kN = 0


(9)

+
senses of forces and moment at section to right of E
4 kN Solving gives
VE' = 4 kN
VE' = 4 kN Ans.
ME' = 20 kN·m
ME = 0: ME'  (4 kN)(5 m) = 0 (10)
NE ' = 0 +
5m Solving gives

ME' = 20 kN·m Ans.

8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 6, page 1 of 2
6. Two wooden blocks have been glued together and a
compressive force of 80 N is applied by the clamp to press the
blocks together as the glue dries. Determine the normal force,
shear force, and moment at a vertical section through point A.

35 mm

1 Pass a section through point A.

35 mm
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 6, page 2 of 2
2 Free-body diagram of part of clamp to right of
section. The block is not included in the free body.

VA

A
NA
MA
35 mm

4 Equilibrium equations for part of clamp:

80 N

+ F = 0: N + 80 N = 0
x A (1)
3 The force from the block points towards Fy = 0: VA = 0


(2)

+
the clamp because the block is in
compression. MA = 0: MA + (80 N)(35 mm) = 0 (3)

+
Solving gives

NA = 80 N Ans.

VA = 0 Ans.

MA = 2800 N·mm = 2.8 N·m Ans.

8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 7, page 1 of 3
7. Determine the axial force, shear force, and moment at C.

100 lb

D E

A B
100 lb
1 Pass a section through point C.
5 ft 5 ft
D E

A B

5 ft 5 ft
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 7, page 2 of 3

2 Free-body diagram of part of member

above section at C 100 lb

D E

3 DB is a two-force member so the line of

C action of FDB is known to be vertical.
VC FDB
MC

4 Equations of equilibrium for part of member:

NC
5 ft 5 ft + Fx = 0: V = 0
 (1)
C

Therefore VC = 0 Ans.

Fy = 0: NC + FDB  100 lb = 0


(2)
+
MC = 0: MC + FDB(5ft)  (100 lb)(5 ft +5 ft) = 0 (3)
+

5 Four unknowns but only three equations so an

additional equation is needed.
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 7, page 3 of 3
6 Free-body diagram of entire structure

5 ft 5 ft

100 lb

D E

C
8 Equations of equilibrium for entire structure:
A
MA = 0: FDB(5ft)  (100 lb)(5 ft +5 ft) = 0 (4)

+
B
Ax
Solving gives
FDB
Ay FDB = 200 lb
7 Because DB is a
two-force member, the Substituting FDB = 200 lb in Eqs. 2 and 3 and solving
line of action of FDB is gives
known to be vertical.
NC = 100 lb Ans.

MC = 0 Ans.
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 8, page 1 of 3
8. The spreader bar BCD is used to spread the load acting on the
2,000 lb beam EFGH while it is being lifted. Determine the normal
force, shear force, and moment at the midpoint C of the spreader bar.
Neglect the weight of the bar.
2,000 lb

6 ft
1 Pass a section through point C.
B D
C 2,000 lb

A
F G
E H

5 ft 5 ft 5 ft 5 ft
B D
C

F G
E H
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 8, page 2 of 3
2 Free-body diagram 3 TBA and TBF are 4 Equilibrium equations for part of spreader bar to left of C:
of part of spreader the tensions in
+ Fx = 0: N + T
bar to left of C the cables at B.  C BA cos  = 0 (1)
TBA
Fy = 0: TBA sin  TBF VC = 0


 (2)

+
MC
B
MC = 0: TBF(5 ft) TBA(sin )(5 ft) + MC = 0 (3)

+
C NC

VC
TBF 5 Three equations but five unknowns, so at least one more free
5 ft body must be used.

7 Equilibrium equations for beam:

6 Free-body diagram of beam MG = 0: TBF(5 ft+5 ft) + (2,000 lb)(5 ft) = 0 (4)

+
TBF TDG
Solving gives
2,000 lb
F G TBF = 1,000 lb
E H

Another free body is needed, if we are to calculate the

value of TBA in Eqs. 1, 2, and 3.
5 ft 5 ft 5 ft 5 ft
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 8, page 3 of 3

8 Free-body diagram of 9 Equilibrium equations for connection A:

connection A
+ Fx = 0: T
 BA cos  + TDA cos  = 0 (5)
2,000 lb
Fy = 0: 2,000 lb TBA sin  TDA sin  = 0


(6)

+
A

 
TBA TDA

11 Substituting = 50.19° in Eqs. 5 and 6 and solving gives

TBA = TDA = 1,302 lb

10 Geometry A Substituting TBA = 1,302 lb and TBF = 1,000 lb into Eqs.

1, 2, and 3 and solving gives

6 ft NC = 833 lb Ans.

 = tan-1 ( 6 ft ) = 50.19° VC = 0 Ans.

5 ft
B C
5 ft MC = 0 Ans.
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 9, page 1 of 5
9. The frame shown is pin-connected at D and rests on smooth
surfaces at A and G. Determine the normal force, shear force,
and moment acting at a section passing through point C.

C
10 m
100 kg 1 Pass a section through C.
B F
D
A G

E
1m 2m 3m 2m 3m 1m
C 10 m
100 kg
B F

A G
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 9, page 2 of 5
2 Free-body diagram of part CBA 4 Equilibrium equations for part ABC:
NC

+ F = 0: T + N cos  + V cos = 0
x C C (1)

Fy = 0: FA + NC sin VC sin  = 0


MC (2)

+
C VC MA = 0: T(LAB) VC( LAC) + MC = 0 (3)

+
LAC
 Three equations and five unknowns, so at least one
B
more free body is needed. But first, the angles 
T LAB
 and and distances LAB and LAC must be determined.
A

FA
3 Since the floor is smooth,
only a normal force is
1m2m present; friction is absent.
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 9, page 3 of 5

5 Geometry D 6 Free-body diagram of entire frame. This free

body will enable us to calculate FA.
10 m
 = tan-1 ( 1 m + 2 m + 3 m ) = 59.04° D
10 m
 = 90°  = 30.96°
C 
E
 LAB = (1 m) tan  = 1.667 m
LAC 
(1 m + 2 m) C
B 10 m
LAC = cos  = 5.831 m
LAB
 B F
A 1m2m 3m
Weight = G
A
(100 kg)(9.81 m/s2)
= 981 N
7 Equilibrium equation for entire frame:
FA FG
MG = 0: FA(8 m + 4 m) + (981 N)(4 m) = 0 (4)
+

8m 4m
Solving this equation gives

FA = 327.0 N

One more free body is needed, since we now have four

equations but five unknowns.
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 9, page 4 of 5

8 Free-body diagram of member

ABCD. This free body will give
Dy 9
us an equation relating FA and T. Forces from the pin
connection at D
D Dx

10 m

B
T LAB = 1.667 m
A

FA = 327.0 N
10 Equilibrium equations for member ABCD:
6m
MD = 0: (327.0 N)(6 m) + T(10 m 1.667 m) = 0 (5)
+

Solving gives

T = 235.4 N
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 9, page 5 of 5
11 Substituting 12 Free-body diagram showing correct sense of
internal moment and forces at C
T = 235.4 N

FA = 327.0 N NC = 402 N

 = 59.04° MC = 196.3 N·m

C
 = 30.96° VC = 33.6 N

LAB = 1.667 m T = 235.4 N

LAC = 5.831 m A

into Eqs. 1, 2, and 3 and solving gives

NC = 402 N Ans. FA = 327 N

VC = 33.6 N Ans

MC = 196.3 N ·m Ans
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 10, page 1 of 8
10. In the floor-beam girder system shown, the four floor panels at the top
are simply supported at their ends by floor beams. The beams in turn
transmit forces to the girder ACI. Determine the axial force, shear force, and
moment in the girder at sections passing through a) point B and b) point J.

Floor panels 2 kip

Floor beam
D E F G H (end view)

B C J Girder
A I
(side view)

10 ft 7 ft 10 ft 6 ft
3 ft 2 ft 2 ft
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 10, page 2 of 8
Part a) point B

1 Pass a section through the girder at B.

Floor panels 2 kip

Floor beam
D E F G H (end view)

B C J Girder
A I
(side view)
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 10, page 3 of 8
2 Free-body diagram of part of structure to left
of point B, including floor panels DE and EF

D E F
3 Force from floor beam F acting
FF on floor panel EF ("simply
NB
B supported" so no moment acts
A at F, only a force)
MB
VB
FA

13 ft 7 ft

4 Equilibrium equations for part of structure:

+ Fx = 0: NB = 0
 (1)

Fy = 0: FA VB + FF = 0


(2)
+

MB = 0: FA(13 ft) + MB + FF(7 ft) = 0 (3)

+

5 Three equations but five unknowns so at least one

more free body is needed.
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 10, page 4 of 8

6 Free-body diagram of floor panel EF:

E F

7 Obviously, FF = 0 (Just
consider the sum of moments
FE FF about E).

8 Free-body diagram of entire structure (This free body will enable us to calculate F A): 2 kip

D E F G H

B C
A I
Cx

FA Cy

10 ft 7 ft 10 ft 6 ft
3 ft 2 ft 2 ft
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 10, page 5 of 8

9 Equilibrium equation for entire structure:

MC = 0: FA(10 ft + 3 ft + 7 ft + 10 ft)  (2 kip)(6 ft + 2ft) = 0 (4)

+

Solving gives

FA = 0.5333 kip

Substituting FA = 0.5333 kip in Eqs. 2 and 3 and solving gives

VB = 0.53 kip Ans.

MB = 6.93 kip·ft Ans.

10 Free-body diagram showing correct senses of

internal reactions at B

D E F

NB = 0 FF = 0
B
A
VB = 0.53 kip MB = 6.93 kip·ft
FA

13 ft 7 ft
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 10, page 6 of 8

Part b) Internal reactions at section J

11 Pass a section through the girder at J.

2 kip

D E F G H

B C J
A I
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 10, page 7 of 8
12 Free-body diagram of part of structure to
right of section at J, including floor beam H

FH 13 Force from panel GH

acting on floor beam H

MJ H

NJ J
I
14 Equilibrium equations for part of structure:
VJ
4 ft + Fx = 0: NJ = 0
 (5)

Therefore

NJ = 0 Ans.

Fy = 0: VJ FH = 0


(6)
+

MJ = 0: MJ  FH(4 ft) = 0

+

(7)

15 Three equations but four unknowns so another

free body is needed.
8.1 Internal Forces in Structural Members Example 10, page 8 of 8
16 Free-body diagram of floor panel GH. 17 Equilibrium equation for floor panel GH:
This free body will enable us to
calculate FH. MG = 0: (2 kip)(8 ft) + FH(8 ft + 2 ft) = 0

+
2 kip
Solving gives
G H
FH = 1.60 kip

Substituting FH = 1.60 kip in Eqs. 6 and 7 and solving gives

FG FH VJ = 1.60 kip Ans.

MJ = 6.40 kip·ft Ans.

8 ft 2 ft

18 Free-body diagram of part of beam to right FH = 1.6 kip

of J showing internal forces and moment
with correct senses.
VJ = 1.60 kip
H
NJ = 0 J
I
MJ = 6.40 kip·ft

4 ft