`

TOS 3: UNIT 1: FIXED &

CONTINUOUS BEAMS AND
EFFECTS OF TORSION
1. To Understand the Concept of Fixity at
Supports

2. To Understand the Essential Advantages

this Fixity has over a Simple Support
1.Solution of
3. To compute the effect of Negative Fixed Beams
Bending Moments at Supports over
2.Continuous
Positive Bending Moment.
Beams
4. To Solve Simple Fixed Beams 3. Torsion

5. To Understand Continuous Beams and

Their Advantages and Disadvantages

6. To Understand the I.S.456 Coefficients

for B.M and S.F for a 3 Span Continuous
Beams

7. To Understand Torsion as a Effect of

Load and its Applications
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TOS 3: Unit 1: Fixed Beams and Continuous Beams and Torsion

1.a Fixed Beams:
1.a.1 Revising the Concept of Supports and Concept of Statical Determinacy from TOS 1:
 Definition: Support is a Physical Entity that offers Reactions to the loads acting on it.
 Simple Support: A simple support offers only one kind of reaction i.e. a Vertical Reaction.
 This support does not offer any reaction to Horizontal Loads
 This support does not offer any reaction to Moments.
 There are really no simple supports in a building but for sake of simplicity of calculation we
assume that single beams are simply supported on both sides.

 Fixed Support: A Fixed Support offers all the three Reactions i.e. Horizontal Reaction, Vertical Reaction and
Moment Reaction. The fixed support does not allow the rotation and translation motion to the structural
members. It is also called a Built In Support
 The fixed support is also called as rigid support.
 It provides the greater stability to the structure as compared to all other supports.
 A flagpole fixed in the concrete base is the best example of fixed support.
 The reactions acting in the fixed support is shown in the figure given below

 Statical Determinacy: Any structure with 3 or lesser than 3 unknowns can be resolved using the 3
equations of Equilibrium i.e. ΣFV= 0, ΣFH= 0 and ΣFM= 0. Such Structures are called Statically
Determinate Structures. Any structure with more than 3 unknowns cannot be resolved for the
Unknown Reactions using only these 3 equations. Such Structures are called Statically In-
Determinate Structures.
 Degree of Indeterminacy: The difference between the number of Unknown Reactions and
3(Number of equations) is called Degree of Indeterminacy.

TOS 3 Unit 1 Fixed Beams & Continuous Beams and Torsion Compiled by Ar. Arthur Cutinho
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1.a.2 Definitions:
1. A Simple Supported Beam is one with a single Span with Simple Supports at Both Ends
2. A Fixed Beam is one with a single Span with Fixed Supports at Both Ends

Let us now make a Comparative Study of Both the Beams

Simple Supported Beams Fixed Beams

Definition Simple Support at Both Ends Fixed Support at Both Ends

Reactions Only one vertical reaction at each end Three reactions at each end. Horizontal, Vertical
and Moment.

Statical Statically determinate structure. Statically Indeterminate structure

Determinacy Degree of Indeterminacy = 3

Deflection The deflection curve begins right at the supports The deflection curve begins a little away from
and and hence maximum deflection greater than the supports because of fixity at supports and
Deflection that of a fixed Beam; deflection at the center of hence maximum deflection lesser than that of a
Curve a simple supported beam with full UDL wkN/m is simple supported Beam. Deflection at the center
5wl⁴/384EI of a fixed beam with full UDL w kN/m is
I.e. five times the deflection for a fixed beam. wl⁴/384EI i.e. 5 times lesser than that for a
s.s.beam

Bending The Beam is acted upon by only by Positive As there are negative Bending Moments over
Moments Bending Moments e.g. A simple supported the supports the + ive B.M at the center of span l
beam with an u.d.l of w over a span of I will have of a fixed beam with an u.d.l is much reduced =
Compression a B.M max of wl²/8 at the center wl²/24. Negative B.M at supports
and
Tension
Across the
Length of
the
Beam
This Positive B.M Causes Compression at the top This Positive B.M Causes Compression at the top
and Tension at the Bottom through-out the and Tension at the Bottom in the middle portion
length of the Beam of the span and Tension at Top and Compression
at Bottom near the Supports
Depth As the Depth required to support the load is As the Depth required to support the load is
Required directly proportionate to the B.M max, the directly proportionate to the B.M max, the depth
depth required is greater than that for a Fixed required is lesser than that for a Simple
Beam Supported Beam
d α M Hence d α wl²/8 (See page no 15) d α M Hence d α wl²/12 (See page no 15)
R.C.C Beams In case of R.C.C Beams this means that In case of R.C.C Beams this means that
reinforcement needs be provided only at reinforcement needs to be provided at top near
bottom in case of such a beam the supports till point of contra- flexure.

TOS 3 Unit 1 Fixed Beams & Continuous Beams and Torsion Compiled by Ar. Arthur Cutinho
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1.a.3 Solution of a Fixed Beam: Method: Solving as a Fixed Beam from Scratch.
Many text books solve a fixed beam as a Simple Supported Beam and then Super-impose the Negative B.M on the
positive B.M.D to get the solution of a fixed beam. However we are going to solve a fixed beam from scratch.
Well these are the steps we are going to follow.
1. Find F.E.M as follows and Redraw the Diagram Showing F.E.M as per the following conditions.

2. Calculate Vertical Reactions by Computing Moments about any one support. Remember
Clockwise Moments are positive and Anti-Clockwise Moments are Negative.

3. Find S.F Values and Draw S.F.D and

Find point of Zero Shear. (Follow the same sign convention as TOS1 (Shown above)
4. Find B.M Values at intermediate points and +ive B.M max and Draw B.M.D. Follow the same
sign convention as TOS1. Sagging Moments are Positive and Hogging Moments are
Negative.(Shown above)
TOS 3 Unit 1 Fixed Beams & Continuous Beams and Torsion Compiled by Ar. Arthur Cutinho
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Problem.1 (UDL over entire span + 1 eccentric point load) (The point load is near rhs)
A Fixed Beam of span 9m is subjected to a UDL of 24kN/m over its entire span. It is carrying a point load
of 60kN at a distance of 2.0m from R.H.S. support. Find Fixing End Moments and Draw S.F.D and B.M.D
for the Beam.

Solution:
1. Find F.E.M: For eccentric point load shown here a = 7m and b = 2m

Fixed End Moments MA MB Fixed End Moments

UDL= wl²/12 24 x9²/12 = 162.0 24x9²/12 = 162.0 UDL= wl²/12

Eccentric Point Load 60x7x2²/9²= 20.7 60x7²x2/9²= 72.59 Eccentric Point Load
=Wab²/l² =Wa²b/l²
MA =182.7kNm MB =234.6kNm

Redraw the Diagram Showing F.E.M

2. Calculate Vertical Reactions by Computing Moments about any one support

1. ΣFV = 0 will give us VA + VB = 24 x 9 + 60 = 216 + 60 = 276 kN.
Compute Moment about lhs Support A
2. -MA + (24 x 9 x 4.5) + (60 x 7) +234.6 – (VB x 9) = 0. (Clockwise Moments +ve)
-182.7 + 972 + 420 +234.6 = 9 x VB
VB = 160.43kN and Hence VA = 276 – 160.43 = 115.57kN

3. Find S.F Values and Draw S.F.D and find point of Zero Shear.

LHS RHS
A 0 +115.57
C +115.57 -(24 x 7) = -52.43 -52.53 - 60 = -112.43
B -112.43 -(24 x2) = -160.43 -160.43 +160.43 = 0
To Find Point of Zero Shear, Let p be the distance of Zero Shear point from A (See SFD on next page)
At point of Zero Shear Upward Force = Downward Force will give us (Refer Diagram on Adjacent Page)
115.57 = 24 x p (Considering lhs of point p)
Hence p = 4.815m

TOS 3 Unit 1 Fixed Beams & Continuous Beams and Torsion Compiled by Ar. Arthur Cutinho
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4. Find B.M Values and Draw B.M.D (Sagging Moment +ive, Hogging Moment –ve)
1. B.M at point A = -182.7kNm
2. B.Mmax +ve at point of Zero Shear = - 182.7 – (24 x 4.815 x 4.815/2) + (115.57 x 4.815) (From lhs)
(From lhs) = - 182.7 - 278.21 – 556.46 = +95.55 kNm
3. B.M at point C (From rhs) = - 234.6 – (24 x 2 x 1) + (160.43 x 2) = +38.26kNm
4. B.M at point B = -234.6kNm = B.Mmax -ve
(Notice that B.M values have been worked out from the side which has minimum forces)

Let us Calculate B.M values using Area of SFD and subtracting –ve B.M
B.M max at point of Zero Shear = Area of triangle pqr – MA (lhs of S.F.D at point of Zero Shear)
= ½ (115.57 x 4.815) – 182.7 = 278.23 – 182.7 = 95.53kNm
B.M at point C = Area of wxyz – MB (rhs of S.F.D at point C)
= ½ (160.43+112.43) x 2 – 234.6 = 38.26kNm

TOS 3 Unit 1 Fixed Beams & Continuous Beams and Torsion Compiled by Ar. Arthur Cutinho
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Problem.2 (UDL over entire span + 1 central point load) TOS III October 2016
A Fixed Beam of span 7m is subjected to a UDL of 15kN/m over its entire span. It is carrying a central point load of
22kN. Solve the Fixed Beam.

1. Find F.E.M

Fixed End Moments MA MB Fixed End Moments

UDL= wl²/12 15 x 7²/12 = 61.25 15 x 7²/12 = 61.25 UDL= wl²/12
Central Point Load =Wl/8 22 x 7 / 8 = 19.25 22 x 7 / 8 = 19.25 Central Point Load = Wl/8
MA =80.5kNm MB =80.5kNm

2. Calculate Vertical Reactions by Computing Moments about any one support.

1. ΣFV = 0 will give VA + VB = (15 x 7)+ 22 = 127kN
As the beam is symmetrically loaded no need to compute ΣFM = 0
VA = VB = Total Load /2 = 127/2 = 63.5kN

3. Find S.F Values and Draw S.F.D and find point of Zero Shear.
LHS RHS
A 0 +63.5
C +63.5 –(15 x 3.5) =+11 +11 – 22 = -11
B -11 – (15 x 3.5 ) = -63.5 -63.5 +63.5 = 0
Point of Zero Shear is at Point C i.e. under the central point load.
4. Find B.M Values and Draw B.M.D
1. B.M at point A = -80.5kNm
2. B.M max at point C = -80.5 – 15 X 3.5 X 1.75 + 63.5 X 3.5
= -80.5 – 91.875 + 222.25 = 49.875kNm
3. B.M at point B = -80.5kNm

TOS 3 Unit 1 Fixed Beams & Continuous Beams and Torsion Compiled by Ar. Arthur Cutinho
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Notice that:
1. The SFD and BMD both
are symmetrical
2. The Shear Force at the
central point load is half
the value of the point load
and the Drop is equal to
the Point Load

B.M by are of S.F.D

B.Mmax+ve
= Area of SFD – Negative
B.M
= ½ (63.5 + 11) x 3.5 – 80.5
= 49.875kNm

1.a.4 Example of a fixed beam – A RCC lintel: Courtesy Ar. Prashant Joshi.

If the lintel would have been simply supported- before brick masonry above
Simply supported beam is a beam which is
1) Either resting on two walls or columns. I.e. offering only vertical reaction no matter what the load is. Such a
beam would not be able to effectively resist a horizontal load like earthquake load.
2) A beam with one end hinged and the other end roller, which can offer horizontal reactions at hinged support,
thus resisting horizontal loads effectively and allowing horizontal expansion at the other as roller is provided at the
other support.

TOS 3 Unit 1 Fixed Beams & Continuous Beams and Torsion Compiled by Ar. Arthur Cutinho
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RCC Lintel acting likes a fixed beam – after brick masonry above
Note: Deformation / deflection in the illustrations are exaggerated for conceptual understanding.

Problem.3 (UDL over entire span + 1 eccentric point load) (The point load is near lhs)
A Fixed Beam of span 8m is subjected to a UDL of 36kN/m over its entire span. It is carrying a point load
of 80kN at a distance of 3.0m from lhs support. Find Fixing End Moments and Draw S.F.D and B.M.D for
the Beam.

1. Calculate Fixed End Moments = F.E.M

2 2

wl² 36 x 8 36 x 8 wl²
= = 192 192 = =
12 12 12 12
MA 1 2 2 1 MB
Wab² = 80 x 3 x 5 80 x 3 x 5 Wab²
l² 2 = 93.75 56.25 = 2 = l²
8 8
MA = 285.75 kNm MB = 248.25 kNm

Redraw Beam Diagram with F.E.M

TOS 3 Unit 1 Fixed Beams & Continuous Beams and Torsion Compiled by Ar. Arthur Cutinho
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2. Calculate Reactions
1 ΣFV = 0 VA + VB = 36 x 8 + 80 + 0 = 368 kN
2 ΣFM = 0 Take Moments @ point A
-285.75 + 36 x 8 x 4.0 + 80 x 3 + 248.25 = VB x 8
-285.75 + 1152 + 240 + 248.25 = VB x 8
VB = 169.31 kN
VA = 368 - 169.31 = 198.69 kN
3. Calculate Shear Forces
lhs rhs
A 0 kN 198.69 kN
C 198.69 - 36 x 3.0 = 90.688 kN 90.688 + -80 = 10.69 kN
B 10.688 + -36 x 5.0 = -169.31 kN -169.31 + 169.31 = 0.00 kN
To Calculate Point of Zero Shear Downward Force = Upward Force
Let P be the Distance from of the point 36 x p = 169.31
of Zero Shear from RHS Support p = 4.703 m
4. Calculate Bending Moment
B.M at A = -285.75 kNm
B.M at C = -285.75 + 169.31 x 5.0 - 36 x 5.0 x 2.5 = 110.81 kNm
considering rhs 2
B.M at Zero Shear = -285.75 + 169.31 x 4.703 - 36 x 4.703 = 112.40 kNm
considering rhs 2
B.M at B = -248.25 kNm

Using Area of S.F.D for

Calculating B.M i.e. Area of
S.F.D – Negative B.M
B.M at C (lhs of point c)
= Area of pqrs - MA
= ½ (198.69+90.69) x 3 – 285.75
= 148.32kNm
B.M at Zero Shear Point (rhs)
= Area of xyz – MB
= ½ (4.7 x 169.31) – 248.25
= 149.62 kNm

TOS 3 Unit 1 Fixed Beams & Continuous Beams and Torsion Compiled by Ar. Arthur Cutinho
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1.b Continuous Beams:

1.b.1 Introduction: When we look at multiple span structures we could have a series of Simple Supported
Multiple Spans or Continuous Spans

Examples of Simple Supported Multiple Spans and the S.F.D and B.M.D therein is as illustrated below.

TOS 3 Unit 1 Fixed Beams & Continuous Beams and Torsion Compiled by Ar. Arthur Cutinho
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In this sort of structure each Span acts independently and is subject to a B.Mmax of wl²/8 with a full udl and the
depth needs to be designed for this B.Mmax.
1.b.2 Definition of Continuous Beam: A Continuous Beam is one with as many spans as would be required in
the structure, continuous over the supports, with a fixed or simple supported end at either end or one end or
even a free end as shown below.

Continuous Beams are statically In-Determinate Structures as the number of reactions are more than 3.

1.b.3 Understanding of Continuity over Supports:

Beams are made continuous over the supports to increase structural integrity. A continuous beam provides an
alternate load path in the case of failure at a section. In regions with high seismic risk, continuous beams and frames
are preferred in buildings and bridges.

TOS 3 Unit 1 Fixed Beams & Continuous Beams and Torsion Compiled by Ar. Arthur Cutinho
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Negative Bending Moments will be created at a fixed end or at a continuous support leading to reductions in
positive B.M towards center of spans. The Shear Forces or the reactions at the supports will also change as per rate
of change of B.M.
1.b.4 Advantages and Disadvantages of Continuity
The Advantages of a continuous beam as compared to a simply supported beam are as follows.
1. For the same span and section, vertical load capacity is more.
2. Mid span deflection is less.
3. The depth at a section can be less than that of a simply supported beam for the same span. Else we can easily
say that for the same depth the span can be more than that of a simply supported beam and it follows that, the
continuous beam is economical in material.
4. A continuous beam provides an alternate load path in the case of failure at a section. The load which tends to
cause failure at a section is redistributed to some other parts of the Beam which then take up more load.
There are of course several Disadvantages of a continuous beam as compared to a simply supported beam.
1. Difficulty in the analysis and the design procedures.
2. Difficulties in construction, especially for precast members.
The system many a times will have more than 3 unknowns and hence will be a statically indeterminate structure.
Methods will have to be devised to calculate Support Moments and Support Reactions. The support moments are
calculated by methods listed below.

1. Moment Distribution Method

2. Slope Deflection Method
3. Theorem of Three Moments.
These methods give the exact support moments developed at a fixed end or at a continuous support. However the
changes in support reactions will have to be calculated as addition and subtraction of Rate of Change of B.M across
the spans.
For two or more, more or less equal spans with not more than a 15% deviation the I.S.456 gives Moment and S.F
coefficients with the relevant sections is given below.
Given Below are Clauses 22.5.1 and 22.5.2 From I.S.456:
22.5.1 Unless more
exact estimates are
made, for beams of
uniform cross-
section which
support
substantially
uniformly
distributed loads
over three or more
spans which do not
differ by more than
15 percent of the
longest, the
bending moments
and shear forces
used in design may
be obtained using
the coefficients
given in Table 12
and Table 13
respectively. For
moments at supports where two unequal spans meet or in case where the spans are not equally loaded, the
average of the two values for the negative moment at the support may be taken for design. Where coefficients
given in Table 12 are used for calculation of bending moments, redistribution shall not be permitted.
22.5.2 Beams and Slabs Over Free End Supports: Where a member is built into a masonry wall which develops only
partial restraint, the member shall be designed to resist a negative moment at the face of the support of WL/24
TOS 3 Unit 1 Fixed Beams & Continuous Beams and Torsion Compiled by Ar. Arthur Cutinho
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where W is the total design load and I is the effective span, or such other restraining moment as may be shown to
be applicable. For such a condition shear coefficient given in Table 13 at the end support may be increased by 0.05
Table 12 and 13 are shown below the S.F.D and B.M.D
Accordingly the S.F.D and B.M.D for a three span continuous Beam is as given below.

TOS 3 Unit 1 Fixed Beams & Continuous Beams and Torsion Compiled by Ar. Arthur Cutinho
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The B.M.D can also be shown as a single (not superimposed) as shown below.

1.b.5 One Actual Application to explain how the B.M.D influences the Shape of a Structure:
The Actual Constructed Bridge is a 4 Span Continuous Bridge, End Spans are small and Middle Spans are Long

The Depth is based on the B.M.D Shown Below and Arch Shapes are used to Change Depth Profiles in graceful
Curves. Notice the depths are greater where the B.M is greater

TOS 3 Unit 1 Fixed Beams & Continuous Beams and Torsion Compiled by Ar. Arthur Cutinho
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The Section of the Bridge Beam is a Hollow Concrete Section

1.b.6 One Practical Application how Fixity Affects the depth of a beam.
Imagine a beam as shown in Problem 2

Let us find the depth of this beam from our study in TOS 2 Bending Stresses. Let us assume that we are using Indian
Oak with a permissible stress value of 14.52N/mm² with a width of 200mm.

1. Simple Supported Beam: will have

B.Mmax = wl²/8 + Wl/4 = 15 x 7²/8 + 22 x 7/4 = 130.375KNm = 130.375 x 106Nmm
M = σ Z.
σ = 14.52N/mm² and Z = 200 x d²/6
6 2
130.375 x 10 = 14.52 x 200 x d /6
d ≈ 520mm
2. Fixed Beam: We have solved earlier and found that
B.Mmax is negative = 80.5kNm = 80.75 x 106Nmm
M = σ Z. σ = 14.52N/mm² and Z = 200 x d²/6
6 2
80.75 x 10 = 14.52 x 200 x d /6
d ≈ 409mm
So the Beam Size has reduced from 200 x 520 for Simple Supported Beam to 200 x 409 for Fixed Beam
How this fixity is to be achieved is a matter of another discussion

TOS 3 Unit 1 Fixed Beams & Continuous Beams and Torsion Compiled by Ar. Arthur Cutinho
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1.c Understanding Torsion:

1.c.1 Definition: When a Linear Element like a Beam is subjected to a Twisting Moment that exists in a plane that
is perpendicular to the Longitudinal Axis of the Element the Effect is called Torsion
Torsion is developed in a number of ways in building structures most notably in the Beams and Columns of
Structural Frame Works. However the need to investigate stresses or deformations due to Torsion and to Design
specifically for Torsional Resistance is relatively uncommon in Design work. Structural Members that experience
Torsion are also subject to various other actions and hence often not designed primarily for Torsional Effects.
However it is important to have a general understanding of the nature of Torsion and the situations that generate it.
It is to that end we have included this topic in the syllabus and are presenting this study in a limited manner

Moment about the longitudinal axis of a structural

element causes torsion as shown in Torsion Fig 01
for a beam. Torsion causes cracking of the beam,
where cracks originate on the surfaces at 45
degrees with respect to the edge.

1.c.2 Some Situations where Torsion is Developed

1. A Beam on which is supported a Fixed Beam:
 Bending of one beam is transferred as torsion on the other one. My
shown in Torsion Fig 02 is bending moment for beam B2 is causing
torsion in beam B1.
 This is one of the reasons why secondary beams are kept simply
supported (continuous support) and not fixed on the primary beams.
 As it may cause torsion in primary beam which will require larger
cross-section and heavier design.
 The Flexure on Beam B1 occurs along Z axis and torsion on XY plane.

2. A Beam Supporting a Cantilever Porch or Chajja

 Cantilever slab or Chajja is a fixed element where the fixed
support is the beam supporting the cantilever.
 The supporting beam is subjected to torsion of the same
amount as bending moment generated by cantilever slab.
Reference Torsion Fig 03

TOS 3 Unit 1 Fixed Beams & Continuous Beams and Torsion Compiled by Ar. Arthur Cutinho
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3. End beam supporting a slab

 When a beam has slab cast on both sides of it
e.g. beam B, Reference Torsion Fig 03 the
moment generated in both the slabs nullify each
other. Such a beam is called laterally supported
beam.
 While the beam is not supported by slabs on
both sides it is termed as laterally unsupported
beam e.g. beam A. Beam A is subjected to
moment transferred from slab Causing Torsion

1.c.3 Primary and Secondary Torsion:

 Primary Torsion arises when the structure has no other options but to resist the external loads by a twist.
In this case, the only way to resist the torsion due to the external load is by the strength of the materials. A
simple beam receiving eccentric line of loading along its span, cantilever, or eccentrically loaded box
girders are some examples of primary torsion. Accordingly, this Torsional Moment must be considered in
the design as it is a major component
 Secondary Torsion arises in statically indeterminate structures due to requirements of continuity. In this
case, redundant members or supports are present to resist some twist and, thus, are not as seriously
concerned for primary torsion; however, it may lead to excessive cracks. The edge beams of frames,
secondary beams, landing beams, etc., are some instances of members in a building which experience
secondary torsion. These Minor torsional effects may be ignored in statically indeterminate structures due
to the advantage of having more than one load path for the distribution of loads to maintain the
equilibrium. This may produce minor cracks without causing failure.

1.c.4 Small Problem to Understand Torsion a little more:

The Beam B1 will be subject to Torsion of
T = load per running m x overhang /2
= 0.2m x 2.5m x 1m x 25kN/m³ x 2.5/2
= 15.625kNm

So Units of Torsion are kNm

Torsion Notes Compiled with the help

of Er. Sujata Mehta.
TOS 3 Unit 1 Fixed Beams & Continuous Beams and Torsion Compiled by Ar. Arthur Cutinho
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Suggested Theory Questions: TOS 3 Unit 1 Unit 1 Fixed Beams & Continuous Beams and Torsion:
1. Differentiate between a simple supported beam and a Fixed Beam w.r.t the following points
a. Deflection
b. Rigidity
c. Bending Moments
d. Bending Moments at Supports.
e. Statically Determinate Structure.
f. Reactions at Supports.
g. Depth of the Beam

2. By two Examples show how a continuous beam is a Statically Indeterminate Structure. Also mention 3 methods
of Solving Continuous Beams

3. Explain the Advantages and Disadvantages of Continuous Beams.

4. Draw the B.M Diagram for a 3 equal span continuous Beam Showing Max Values of Positive and Negative B.M
at Mid Span and over Supports.

5. Define Torsion and explain the Deformations caused due to Torsion

6. Explain Two cases in a Building where a Building Element undergoes Torsion

7. Explain Primary and Secondary Torsion..

TOS 3 Unit 1 Fixed Beams & Continuous Beams and Torsion Compiled by Ar. Arthur Cutinho