LEARNING UNIT 3:

THE MOMENT-AREA THEOREMS

Learning outcomes

After studying this learning unit, you should be able to

• describe basic bending relationships

• calculate slopes (rotations) and deflections (displacements) on symmetrical

and symmetrically loaded, simply supported beams and cantilevered beams
subjected to common types of loading using the moment-area technique

• determine fixed-end (reactant) bending moments of fixed-end (encastre) beams

subjected to common types of loading using the moment-area method

3.1 Introduction

In this chapter, we revise bending relationships and introduce you to moment-area

theorems.

Consider any beam such as that shown carrying any pattern loading. The beam will
have the following parameters associated with it:

W1 W2

(i) Loading (w)

(ii) Shear (P)
(iii) Moment (M)
(iv) Slope (dy/dx)
(v) Deflection (y)
and it is necessary to establish relationships between these.

Consider a short section of the beam of length dx carrying a uniformly distributed load
(UDL) (w).

(M + dM)
M
w
F (F + dF) T2
T1
dx

For horizontal equilibrium T1 = T2 = T

Resolving vertically

 + F = wdx + F + dF = 0
T2
dF
 dF = wdx =w
dx
and F =  wdx

Taking moments about right-hand end +

𝑑𝑥
= 𝐹𝑑𝑥 − 𝑀 − 𝑤𝑑𝑥. + 𝑀 + 𝑑𝑀 = 0
2
𝑑𝑥
−𝑤𝑑𝑥. is a second-order differential and can be ignored.
2

𝑑𝑀
𝑑𝑀 = −𝐹𝑑𝑥 = −𝐹
𝑑𝑥

and M =  Fdx

 M E
= =
Recalling the basic bending equation y I R
 𝑀 1 𝑑2 𝑦
gives = = curvature = 2
𝐸𝐼 𝑅 𝑑𝑥

d2y M  dy  M
thus =  slope   =  dx
dx 2 EI  dx  EI

dy
and deflection (y)  dx
dx

The relationship between the five factors listed above is therefore as follows:
dF
loading (w) = dx

dM
 wdx = shear (F) = dx

d  dy 
EI  
 Fdx = moment (M) = dx  dx 

M  dy  d
 dx   ( y)
EI = slope  dx  = dx

dy
 dx dx = deflection (y)

It is evident that you can go from deflection to loading by a series of four differentiations
with a multiplication by El going from slope to moment, and from loading to deflection
by a series of integrations with division by El going from moment to slope.

3.2 Application of moment-area for the determination of slopes

(rotations)

 M E
= =
Consider the basic bending equation y I R , or in particular the latter part of this
M 1
=
equation which can be re-written as EI R where R is the radius of curvature to
which the beam is bent at any point along its span. It can be shown mathematically

1 d2y
= 2
that R dx for all practical purposes and the equation now becomes:

M d2y
=
EI dx 2

Applying the above equation between any two points on a beam subjected to a
bending moment and integrating the equation between these two points gives:

A B

MB
MA

BM diagram

M 2
B d y  dy 
B
 dy   dy 
=   − 
B
A EI
dx = 
A dx 2
dx =  
 dx  A  dx  B  dx  A

B M  dy   dy 
i.e. 
A EI
dx =   −  
 dx  B  dx  A

The right-hand side of the above equation gives the slope of the beam at point B minus
the slope of the beam at point A (i.e. the change in slope of the beam going from point
A to point B).

However, it is necessary to consider more carefully the left-hand side of the equation.

If the beam has a bending moment diagram of the form shown below and has a
constant value of flexural rigidity El, a diagram can be drawn representing
the values of M/EI. This will merely be a reproduction of the bending moment diagram
B M
scaled-down by the value of El and the expression
 A EI
.dx
gives the area of this M/EI
diagram between points A and B (i.e. the shaded area shown in the sketch on the left).
 A B

Therefore, the equation above can be put in words as follows:

The change in slope of a beam between any two points A and B is given by the
area of the M/EI diagram taken between these two points.

This is known as Mohr’s first theorem, or the first moment-area theorem, which is
generally referred to as “Mohr I”. It must be memorised and thoroughly understood.

To apply Mohr’s first theorem, it is necessary to calculate the area of an M/El diagram
between various points on a beam. Examples of this will now be considered.

For the purposes of this module, virtually every bending moment or M/EI diagram can
be taken as composed of combinations of triangles, trapeziums and parabolas. You
should, therefore, be thoroughly familiar with the properties of these figures.

Recall that the areas of these figures are given by the following formulae.

Triangle: 1/2 x base x perpendicular height

Trapezium: Mean height x base

Parabola: 2/3 or 1/3 the area of the circumscribing rectangle depending on which
segment of the parabola is being considered, that is,

h h h
h1

ℓ ℓ ℓ ℓ

(1) Simply supported symmetrical and symmetrically loaded beams

For example, find the slope at each end of a simply supported beam of span L, with
constant El and carrying a uniformly distributed load w.

Solution
 EI w
A B
ℓ
A B
Beam A + B = 2

Defected Shape

ℓ ℓ
A B
M

This beam is symmetrical; therefore, the slope at each end will be equal and opposite.
Thus, the change in slope going from one support to the other will be twice the slope
at each end:

M
The area of the EI diagram between A and B

2W 2 W 3
= . . =
3 8EI 12 EI

 change in slope between A and B

W 3
= 2 =
12 EI

 slope @ each end = 

W 3
=
24 EI
Example 3.1

Find the slope at each end of a simply-supported beam spanning 16 m and carrying a
UDL of 10 kN/m. El for the beam is 80 x 10 kNm2.

EI = 80 x 103
10 KN/m
320 KNm M 4 x 10-3
16
A B 16

Solution

𝑤𝑙2 10 × 162
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = = = 320 𝑘𝑁𝑚
8 8

M 320
max = = 4  10−3
EI 80  10 3

M
Area of EI diagram between A and B

= change in slope between A and B

2 128
= .4 10−3.16 = radians
3 3 103

128
=
 slope at A (ΦA) and B (ΦB) = half of change in slope between A and B 6 103

radians or 21.33 x 10-3 radians

Example 3.2

Find the slope at each end of the beam in example 3.1 above if the UDL is now
replaced by a point load of W kN at midspan.

M
Change in slope A → B = area of EI diagram
 W
EI

M
16
A B
A B
ℓ

1 w w 2
= . . = = 2
2 4 EI 8EI

w 2
 =
16 EI

Example 3.3

If the UDL in example 3.2 above is replaced by a central point load of 320 kN, calculate
the slope at each support.

320

16 16 x 10-3
1280

A B
16

w 320  16
M max = = = 1280 KNm
4 4

M max 1280
= = 16  10 −3
EI 80  103

M
Area of EI diagram between A and B

1
= .16  10−3  16 = 128  10−3 radians
2

 slope @ each end = 64 x 10-3 radians

 w2 320 162
= = = 64 10−3 radians as above
Alternatively, 16 EI 16  80 10 3

If it is required to find the slope at each end of the same beam when it is carrying both
loads (in example 3.1 and example 3.3) simultaneously, the simplest way to deal with
this is to consider each load separately and to add the slopes algebraically rather than
attempting to draw a bending moment diagram for the combined loads and then finding
the area of the combined M/El diagram.

320 KN
320 KN
10 KN/m 10 KN/m

A B

The unit for the forces is either kN or N. In general, when using moment-area
techniques with a beam carrying both UD and point loads, each load is dealt with
separately and the results are combined to give the final answer.

Final slope @ A and B

= 21.33 x 10-3 + 64 x 10-3

= 85.33 x 10-3 radians

(2) Beam symmetrically loaded over part of its span

Presuming that the beam in example 3.1 had a UDL of 10kN/m over the central 8 m
only of the beam and it is desired to find the slope at each end as before, Mohr I still
applies, but now the calculation of the M/El diagram is somewhat more involved and
it is best regarded as the sum of two triangles, a rectangle and a parabola as follows:
 10 KN/m 3 80

1 2 1a 160
4 8 4
4 8 4
40 KN 40 KN

Taking each area separately and dividing the sum by EI at the end gives:

A = 12 160  4 = 320
1.

1 A = 320

2. 160 x 8 = 1280

1280
2
3  80  8 =
3. 3

7040
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 =
3

𝑀 7040
𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚 =
𝐸𝐼 3 × 80 × 103

= 29.33 10−3 radians = change in slope A → B

 slope @ A and B = 14.67 10−3 radians

Additional example:

The beam shown has an EI value of 67 x 103 kNm2. Calculate the slope at each end.

100 kN

75 kN/m

2 1 1 2
The beams dealt with to date have all been symmetrical and have been symmetrically
loaded, giving equal and opposite slopes at each support and a total change of slope
equal to twice the slope at each support.

It must be emphasised that this applies only to beams that are symmetrical and
symmetrically loaded. In all other cases, the application of Mohr’s first theorem will
only give the change in slope between the points considered and it may not be possible
to calculate the absolute value of the slope at either of these points but merely the
change in slope between them.

However, if a point on the beam is known where the slope is zero, the application of
this theorem will give the absolute value of the slope at any other point on the beam
(e.g. cantilever beams).

Example 3.4

Calculate the value of the slope at the free end of the cantilever shown:

W
EI constant
M
A
B Wℓ
ℓ

As support A is fixed slope @ A = 0

 change in slope from A → B gives the actual value of the slope at B.

W 2 W 2
M
1 W
. . =
That is, area of EI diagram = 2 EI 2 EI  slope @ B = 2 EI

Example 3.5
Find the slope at the free end of the cantilever under the two loading conditions
shown:

EI constant

𝑙 𝑤𝑙 2
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑤 × 𝑙 × =
2 2

𝑤𝑙 2
2𝐸𝐼

𝑀 1 𝑤𝑙2 𝑤𝑙3 𝑤𝑙3

𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚 = × 𝑙 × = ∴ 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐵 =
𝐸𝐼 3 2𝐸𝐼 6𝐸𝐼 6𝐸𝐼

Solve for the loading condition below:

2ℓ ℓ
/3 /3 Ans:
=

Example 3.6

The cantilever shown has a flexural rigidity (EI) of 50 x 103 kNm2 and is loaded as
shown. Find the slope at the free end.

10 KN/m

2 6
Solution

1
2

3 180

300 BMD

Element Area

1 1 180 360
×6× =
3 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼

2 180 360
2× =
𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼

3 1 120 120
×2× =
2 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼

Total 840
𝐸𝐼

Slope at B
840
= = 16.8 × 10−3 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑠
50 × 103

(3) Beams with varying EI

If the value of El changes along the span of a beam, this will not affect the bending
moment diagram but will obviously alter the M/EI diagram. This must be taken into
account and the appropriate value of El used when calculating the area of the M/El
diagram for different sections of the beam.

For example, presume that the cantilever in example 3.6 has an El of 60 × 103 for the
first 4 m of its span but that this changes to 30 × 103 for the final 4 m. It is still required
to calculate the slope at the free end.
This is dealt with by subdividing the area of the bending moment diagram into areas
that can be divided by the respective EI values as follows:

10 KN/m
A
EI = 60 x 103 EI = 30 x 103

2 2 4

2
3 1
80

4 180

300 BMD

Let Basic EI = 30 x 103 kNm2, then 60 x 103 = 2EI

Element Area

1 1 80 320
×4× =
3 𝐸𝐼 3𝐸𝐼

2 1 1
3 × 6 × 180 − 3 × 4 × 80 =
380
2𝐸𝐼 3𝐸𝐼

3 180 180
2× =
2𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼

4 1 120 120
×2× =
2 2𝐸𝐼 2𝐸𝐼

Total 1420
3𝐸𝐼

1420
∴ Slope @ the free end = = 15.778 × 10−3 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑠
3 × 30 × 103
Solve for the loading condition and EI below:

Find the slope at each support of the simply-supported, variable El beam shown:

[Answer: 3.5 x 10-3 radians]

10 KN/m
A
EI = 40 x 103 EI= 80 x 103 mm2 EI=40x103

mm2 mm2
2 4 2

3.3 Application of moment-area for determination of deflections

We now return to the basic bending equation:

M d2y
=
EI dx 2

If both sides of this equation are multiplied by x it becomes:

M .x d2y
= x. 2
EI dx

If this equation is integrated between any two points (A and B) on a beam subjected
to a bending moment, it gives:

A B

x dx

B Mx B d2y
A EI
dx = A x.
dx 2
dx

If the right-hand side of this equation is integrated by parts, it becomes:

 B
B Mx  dy 
A EI
dx =  x
 dx
− y
A

It is now necessary to study the actual physical significance of both sides of this
equation.

B M M
 dx
It has already been seen that A EI gives the area of the EI diagram between A and B.

B Mx M
However, the expression
A EI
.dx
gives the first moment of area of the EI diagram
A Mx
between A and B taken about A. Equally, the expression
B EI
.dx
gives the first
M
moment of area of the EI diagram between B and A taken about B.

A B

To establish the significance of the right-hand side of the equation, consider a section
of a bent beam between point A and B.

yB

If the limits of integration are inserted into the above expression, then it becomes:

 dy   dy 
xB   − yB − x A   + y A
 dx  B  dx  A
If point A on the beam is taken as the origin (xA = 0 and yA = 0) the expression
becomes:

  dy  
 xB   − yB 
  dx  B 

From the figure, it can be seen that this is the vertical distance from point A to the
tangent to the beam drawn at point B.

B Mx   dy  
A EI
dx −  xB   − yB 
  dx  B  can be put into words as follows:
Thus, the equation

M
The moment of area of the EI diagram between any two points A and B on a beam
taken about point A gives the deflection of A relative to the tangent to the beam drawn
at point B.

This is known alternatively as Mohr’s second theorem or the second moment-area

theorem and is generally abbreviated to Mohr II.

It is a theorem of great importance and it forms the basis of much of the work that
follows in Theory of Structures and Structural Analysis. It is essential that you
memorise and thoroughly understand this theorem.

To be able to use this theorem, you should be able to calculate the first moment of
area of various geometric figures about any point, inside or outside the figure. It must
be remembered that virtually any bending moment diagram can be regarded as a
combination of rectangles, triangles, trapezia, parabolas or semi-parabolas.

These will now be dealt with in turn:

(1) Rectangle

ℓ/ ℓ/ ℓ
/

xG h xG h

A B C A B
ℓ d ℓ
 𝑙 ℎ𝑙 2
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 (𝐴) = ℎ𝑙 𝑥̅𝐴 = 𝐴𝑥̅𝐴 =
2 2

About B, the result is the same:

h 2
Ax B =
2

about a third point C:

ℓ ℓ
𝐴 = ℎ. ℓ 𝑥𝐶 = (𝑑 + ) 𝐴𝑥𝐶 = ℎℓ(𝑑 + )
2 2

(2) Right-angled triangle

2L/3
ℓ/
2L/3

h x xG

A C B A
d C
ℓ d ℓ

ℎ𝑙 𝑙 ℎ𝑙2
𝐴= 𝑥̅𝐴 = 𝐴𝑥̅𝐴 =
2 3 6
2𝑙 ℎ𝑙2
𝑥̅𝐵 = 𝐴𝑥̅𝐵 =
3 3

About point C inside the triangle

2𝑙 ℎ𝑙 2𝑙
𝑥̅𝐶 = − 𝑑 𝐴𝑥̅𝐶 = ( − 𝑑)
3 2 3

About point C outside the triangle

2𝑙 ℎ𝑙 2𝑙
𝑥̅𝐶 = + 𝑑 𝐴𝑥̅𝐶 = ( + 𝑑)
3 2 3
(3) General triangle

a b

A B
ℓ

This is best dealt with by splitting into two triangles as follows:

A B
a b

ℎ𝑎 2𝑎 ℎ𝑎2
i) 𝐴= 𝑥̅𝐴 = 𝐴𝑥̅𝐴 =
2 3 3

hb b hab hb2
A= x A = a + , Ax A = +
ii) 2 3 2 6

adding the two:

ha 2 hab hb2
Ax A = + +
Total 3 2 6

(4) Trapezium
 a b

A B
ℓ

This is best treated as the sum of two triangles as follows:

a b

A B
ℓ

a a 2 2 a 2
A= xA = Ax A = xB = Ax B =
i) 2 3 6 3 3

b 2 b 2 b 2
A= xA = Ax A = xB = Ax B =
ii) 2 3 3 3 6

Total area
𝑎𝑙 𝑏𝐿 𝑙
𝐴= + = (𝑎 + 𝑏)
2 2 2

Moments of the areas about A and B

a a 2 2 a 2
A= xA = Ax A = xB = Ax B =
2 3 6 3 3

b 2 b 2 b 2
A= xA = Ax A = xB = Ax B =
2 3 3 3 6

𝑙2 𝑙2
𝑻𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝐴𝑥̅𝐴 = (𝑎 + 2𝑏) 𝑻𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝐴𝑥̅𝐵 = (2𝑎 + 𝑏)
6 6

(5) Parabola
 ℓ/ ℓ/

h
xG h
A B A B C
6 3
d ℓ
C

2
A= h
3

x A = xB = 2

h 2
Ax A = Ax B =
3

2h  
xC = d + 2 A xC = d + 
3  2

(6) Semi-parabola

h or h

ℓ ℓ

For the first type:

xG
B
ℓ

2 5 5h 2
A = .h. xA = Ax A =
3 8 12

3 h 2
xB = Ax B =
8 4

For the second type:

 h

1𝑙 3𝑙
4 4

1 1 ℎ𝑙 2
𝐴= ℎ𝑙 𝑥̅𝐴 = 𝑙 𝐴𝑥̅𝐴 =
3 4 12

3 h 2
xB = Ax B =
4 4

Knowing the properties of all the above geometrical sections means that the properties
M
of basically any EI diagram encountered can be determined.

Mohr’s second theorem states that the moment of the M/EI diagram taken between
any two points about one of these points gives the vertical deflection of that point
relative to the tangent drawn at the second point.

Example 3.7

Consider the cantilever beams subjected to loading as follows:

EI Constant
B
A

Wℓ BMD

ℓ
 Wℓ/EI
M/EI
ℓ

Thus, if it is known that at this second point, the beam is horizontal (i.e. the slope is
zero) and the deflection is also zero (e.g. as is the case at a built-in support), the
theorem can be used to find the absolute deflection of any other point on the beam.

1 𝑤𝑙 2 𝑤𝑙 2
𝐴 = 𝑤𝑙 = 𝑥̅𝐵 = 𝑙 𝐴𝑥̅𝐵 =
2 2𝐸𝐼 3 3𝐸𝐼

𝑤𝑙
∴ 𝐵𝑦 𝑀𝑜ℎ𝑟 𝐼 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐵 (𝜃𝐵 ) =
2𝐸𝐼
and

𝑤𝑙2
𝐵𝑦 𝑀𝑜ℎ𝑟 𝐼𝐼 𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑡 𝐵 (∆𝐵 ) =
3𝐸𝐼

For the cantilever beam in example 3.7, the load (w) is = 10 kN, length (L) = 6 m and
EI = 80 x 103 kNm2, the maximum values of slope and deflection can be obtained as
follows:

10 kN

EI = 80x103 kNm2
B
A

6m

60
𝐸𝐼

BMD

1 60 180 2 720
𝐴= ×6× = 𝑥̅𝐵 = × 6 = 4 𝐴𝑥̅𝐵 =
2 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 3 𝐸𝐼

180
∴ 𝐵𝑦 𝑀𝑜ℎ𝑟 𝐼 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐵 (𝜃𝐵 ) = = 2.25 × 10−3 radians
80 × 103

720
𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵𝑦 𝑀𝑜ℎ𝑟 𝐼𝐼 𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑡 𝐵 (∆𝐵 ) = = 9 × 10−3 𝑚 = 9 𝑚𝑚
80 × 103
 W EI Const

A B

1 𝑤𝑙2 𝑤𝑙3 3𝑙 𝑤𝑙4

𝐴= × ×𝑙 = 𝑥̅𝐵 = 𝐴𝑥̅𝐵 =
3 2𝐸𝐼 6𝐸𝐼 4 8𝐸𝐼

𝑤𝑙 3
∴ 𝐵𝑦 𝑀𝑜ℎ𝑟 𝐼 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐵 (𝜃𝐵 ) =
6𝐸𝐼

and

𝑤𝑙4
𝐵𝑦 𝑀𝑜ℎ𝑟 𝐼𝐼 𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑡 𝐵 (∆𝐵 ) =
8𝐸𝐼

Similarly, for the cantilever beam subjected to a uniformly distributed load (UDL), if the
magnitude of the UDL is for example = 6 kN/m, the maximum values of slope and
deflection can be obtained as follows:

6 kN/m EI=80x103

6m

A B
108
𝐸𝐼

BMD

1 108 216 3 9 972

𝐴= ×6× = 𝑥̅𝐵 = × 6 = 𝐴𝑥̅𝐵 =
3 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 4 2 𝐸𝐼

216
∴ 𝐵𝑦 𝑀𝑜ℎ𝑟 𝐼 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐵 (𝜃𝐵 ) = = 2.7 × 10−3 radians
80 × 103

972
𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵𝑦 𝑀𝑜ℎ𝑟 𝐼𝐼 𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑡 𝐵 (∆𝐵 ) = = 12.15 × 10−3 𝑚 = 12.15 𝑚𝑚
80 × 103
There may, of course, be points on a beam other than a built-in support where it is
known that the slope is zero and the tangent horizontal. For example, at the midspan
point of any symmetrical and symmetrically loaded simply supported beam, the
slope will be zero and the tangent will be horizontal. By Mohr II, the moment of the
M/EI diagram between the support and the midspan point taken about the support will
give the deflection of the support relative to the tangent drawn at midspan. Although
the support does not deflect, the midspan point does – and as the tangent here is
horizontal, Mohr II will give the deflection of this tangent, which is also the deflection
of the midspan point relative to the support (i.e. the absolute deflection of the midspan
point).

Defected Shape Defection

Consider the simply supported beams subjected to loading as follows:

Find the midspan deflection of a simply supported beam of span L and carrying a
central point load of W. El is constant.

W
EI constant

M
ℓ
A B A B
ℓ

Considering the area between support A and the midspan of the beam where the slope
is equal to zero.

A C
ℓ
/2

Mohr II says that the moment of the M/EI diagram between A and C taken about A
gives the deflection of A relative to the tangent drawn at C.
The tangent at C is horizontal; therefore, the distance at which A finishes up above
this tangent is in fact the downward movement of C (i.e. the absolute deflection of C).

Mohr II about A:

W 3
A xA Ax A  C =
48EI
W 2 W 3
16 EI 3 48EI

If the above beam carried a UDL in place of a point load, the M/EI diagram would be
a semi-parabola instead of a triangle and the calculation would be as follows:

A C
ℓ/2

A xA Ax A

2 W 2 W 3 5 5 W 3 5
. . = . = .
3 8EI 2 24 EI 8 2 16 24 EI 16

5w 4
= = C
384 EI

Again, for the simply supported beam subjected to a point load (w) at midspan, if the
magnitude of the point load (w), for example, is = 60 kN, length of the beam (L) = 8 m
and the flexural rigidity EI = 90x103 kNm2, the maximum deflection can be determined
as follows:

60 kN
120
120
𝐸𝐼
𝐸𝐼
8m
A B A B 4m

EI = 90x103 kNm2
 1 120 240 2 8 1920
𝐴= ×4× = 𝑥̅𝐴 = × 4 = 𝐴𝑥̅𝐴 =
2 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 3 3 3𝐸𝐼

1920
𝐵𝑦 𝑀𝑜ℎ𝑟 𝐼𝐼 𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑡 𝐶 (∆𝐶 ) = = 7.111 × 10−3 𝑚 = 7.111 𝑚𝑚
3 × 90 × 103

Similarly, if the beam is subjected to a UDL, then the maximum deflection can be
obtained as follows:

20 kN/m
4m 160 160
8m 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼
A B A C
A 4m
EI = 90x103 kNm2 B
BMD

2 160 1280 5 5 3200

𝐴= ×4× = 𝑥̅𝐴 = × 4 = 𝐴𝑥̅𝐴 =
3 𝐸𝐼 3𝐸𝐼 8 2 3𝐸𝐼

3200
𝐵𝑦 𝑀𝑜ℎ𝑟 𝐼𝐼 𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑡 𝐶 (∆𝐶 ) = = 11.852 × 10−3 𝑚 = 11.852 𝑚𝑚
3 × 90 × 103

3.4 The application of moment-area to fixed-end beams

A fixed-end, built-in or encastre beam is a single-span beam where both supports are
completely restrained against rotation and vertical and horizontal displacements.

A B

If any loading is placed on such a beam then moments MA and MB will be developed
at the supports as follows:

W
MA MB

These moments are statically indeterminate, in other words, they cannot be calculated
by applying the three equations of static equilibrium. They will clearly depend on the
nature and magnitude of the loading in the beam and are known as fixed-end
moments (FEMs).
A major part of the utility of moment-area theorems lies in the calculation of these
fixed-end moments.

When dealing with a fixed-end beam, the final bending moment diagram is generally
regarded as composed of two individual diagrams. One diagram shows what the
bending moments caused by the loading would be if the beam were simply supported
and there were no fixed-end moments. This is known as the free bending moment
diagram. The second diagram shows the bending moments along the beam due to the
fixed-end moments only. This is known as the reactant bending moment diagram.

While the shape of the free bending moment diagrams will depend on the nature of
the loading, the reactant bending moment diagram will always be trapezoidal,
rectangular or triangular depending on the relative magnitudes and direction of the
fixed-end moments at either end.

Thus:

W
A B

FREE

BMD
A B

MA MB
 REACTANT

BMD
MB
MA

Final BMD

MB
MA

It should be noted that at each support of a fixed-end beam, the slope is zero (i.e. the
tangent is horizontal) and the deflection is zero. This means that the total change in
slope of the beam between the two supports is zero and that the deflection of each
support relative to the tangent drawn at the other is also zero.

Therefore, according to Mohr’s first theorem, the area of the final M/EI diagram
between the two supports will be zero; according to Mohr’s second theorem, the
moment of the M/El diagram between the two supports (taken about either support)
will also be zero.

These results can be used to find the fixed-end moments for any single-span beam.

Example 3.8

Find the fixed-end moments for the beam shown. El is constant.

W
A B

Free M/EI deg.

It has already been seen for a shape diagram that:

 𝑤𝑙2 𝑙 𝑤𝑙3
𝐴= 𝑥̅ = 𝐴𝑥̅𝐴 =
8𝐸𝐼 𝐴 2 16𝐸𝐼

MB
MA

It has already been seen for a trapezoidal shape that:

𝑙 𝑙2 𝑙2
𝐴= (𝑀𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵 ) 𝐴𝑥̅𝐴 = (𝑀𝐴 + 2𝑀𝐵 ) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴𝑥̅𝐵 = (2𝑀𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵 )
2𝐸𝐼 6𝐸𝐼 6𝐸𝐼

By Mohr I:

𝑤𝑙 2 𝑙
− (𝑀 + 𝑀𝐵 ) = 0
8𝐸𝐼 2𝐸𝐼 𝐴

𝑤𝑙
𝑀𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵 = − − − − − − − − − − (𝐼)
4

By Mohr II about A:

𝑤𝑙 3 𝑙2
− (𝑀 + 2𝑀𝐵 ) = 0
16𝐸𝐼 6𝐸𝐼 𝐴

3𝑤𝑙
𝑀𝐴 + 2𝑀𝐵 = − − − − − − − − − − (𝐼𝐼)
8

(𝐼𝐼) − (𝐼)

𝑊𝑙
𝑀𝐵 =
8

Substitute MB in (I):

𝑊𝑙 𝑤𝑙
𝑀𝐴 + =
8 4

𝑤𝑙
𝑀𝐴 =
4

In example 3.8, if the load (w) is equal to say 120 kN and the length of the beam (L) =
6 m. The moments generated at the supports (fixed-end moments) can be obtained
as follows:
 120 kN
A B
3m 3m

180
𝐸𝐼

Free M/EI deg.

MB
MA

1 180 540 6 1620

𝐴= ×6× = 𝑥̅𝐴 = = 3 𝐴𝑥̅𝐴 =
2 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 2 𝐸𝐼

By Mohr I:

540 6
− (𝑀 + 𝑀𝐵 ) = 0
𝐸𝐼 2𝐸𝐼 𝐴

540 2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵 = ×
𝐸𝐼 6

𝑀𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵 = 180 − − − − − − − − − − (𝐼)

By Mohr II about A:

1620 𝑙2
− (𝑀 + 2𝑀𝐵 ) = 0
𝐸𝐼 6𝐸𝐼 𝐴

1620 6𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐴 + 2𝑀𝐵 = × 2
𝐸𝐼 6

𝑀𝐴 + 2𝑀𝐵 = 270 − − − − − − − − − − (𝐼𝐼)

(𝐼𝐼) − (𝐼)

𝑀𝐵 = 90 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Substitute MB in (I):
𝑀𝐴 + 90 = 180

𝑀𝐴 = 90 𝑘𝑁𝑚

120 kN
90 90
3m 3m

Beams subjected to a UDL:

EI Const.
W
A
B
ℓ

FREE

𝑤𝑙2
8
A B

MB
MA

2 𝑤𝑙2 𝑤𝑙3 𝑙 𝑤𝑙4

𝐴= × ×𝑙 = 𝑥̅𝐴 = 𝐴𝑥̅𝐴 =
3 8 12𝐸𝐼 2 24𝐸𝐼

By Mohr I:

𝑤𝑙 3 𝑙
− (𝑀 + 𝑀𝐵 ) = 0
12𝐸𝐼 2𝐸𝐼 𝐴

𝑤𝑙2
𝑀𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵 = − − − − − − − − − − (𝐼)
6

By Mohr II about A:

𝑤𝑙 4 𝑙2
− (𝑀 + 2𝑀𝐵 ) = 0
24𝐸𝐼 6𝐸𝐼 𝐴

𝑤𝑙2
𝑀𝐴 + 2𝑀𝐵 = − − − − − − − − − − (𝐼𝐼)
4
(𝐼𝐼) − (𝐼)

𝑤𝑙2
𝑀𝐵 =
12

Substitute MB in (I):

𝑤𝑙2 𝑤𝑙2
𝑀𝐴 + =
12 6

𝑤𝑙2
𝑀𝐴 =
12

For the simply supported beam above if the magnitude of the UDL is, for example, =
120 kN and the length is = 6 m, the fixed-end moments at the supports can be
calculated as follows:

EI Const.
120 kN/m
A B
6m

540
𝐸𝐼
A B

FREE BMD

MB
MA

2 540 2160 6 6480

𝐴= ×6× = 𝑥̅𝐴 = = 3 𝐴𝑥̅𝐴 =
3 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 2 𝐸𝐼

By Mohr I:

2160 6
− (𝑀 + 𝑀𝐵 ) = 0
𝐸𝐼 2𝐸𝐼 𝐴

2160 2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵 = ×
𝐸𝐼 6
𝑀𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵 = 720 − − − − − − − − − − (𝐼)

By Mohr II about A:

6480 62
− (𝑀 + 2𝑀𝐵 ) = 0
𝐸𝐼 6𝐸𝐼 𝐴

6480 6𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐴 + 2𝑀𝐵 = × 2
𝐸𝐼 6

𝑀𝐴 + 2𝑀𝐵 = 1080 − − − − − − − − − − (𝐼𝐼)

(𝐼𝐼) − (𝐼)

𝑀𝐵 = 360 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Substitute MB in (I):

𝑀𝐴 + 360 = 720

𝑀𝐴 = 360 𝑘𝑁𝑚

EI Const.
120 kN/m
360 360
6m

Example 3.9

Find the fixed-end moments for the beam shown with a non-central point load. El is
constant.

W
a b

A B
ℓ

Free BM

ℓ = (a + b)
 MB
MA

A xA Ax A

Wab +a Wab ( + a )
2 EI 3 6 EI

By Mohr I:

𝑊𝑎𝑏 𝑙
− (𝑀 + 𝑀𝐵 ) = 0
2𝐸𝐼 2𝐸𝐼 𝐴

𝑊𝑎𝑏
𝑀𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵 = − − − − − − − − − − (𝐼)
𝑙

By Mohr II about A:

𝑊𝑎𝑏(𝑙 + 𝑎) 𝑙2
− (𝑀 + 2𝑀𝐵 ) = 0
6𝐸𝐼 6𝐸𝐼 𝐴

𝑊𝑎𝑏 𝑊𝑎2 𝑏
𝑀𝐴 + 2𝑀𝐵 = + 2 − − − − − − − − − − (𝐼𝐼)
𝑙 𝑙

(𝐼𝐼) − (𝐼)

𝑊𝑎2 𝑏
𝑀𝐵 = 2
𝑙

Substitute MB in (I):

𝑊𝑎2 𝑏 𝑊𝑎𝑏
𝑀𝐴 + =
𝑙2 𝑙

𝑤𝑎𝑏2
𝑀𝐴 = 2
𝑙

For the beam in example 3.9, if the load (w) and the length (L) were given (e.g. 100 kN
and 10 m, respectively) and the load is applied at 4 m from support A, the fixed-end
moments can be obtained as follows:
 100 kN
4m 6m

A B
10 m

240
𝐸𝐼
1 2

Free BM

MB
MA

1 240 480 2 8 1280

1. 𝐴= ×4× = 𝑥̅𝐴 = ×4= 𝐴𝑥̅𝐴 =
2 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 3 3 𝐸𝐼

1 240 720 1 4320

2. 𝐴= ×6× = 𝑥̅𝐴 = ( × 6 + 4) = 6 𝐴𝑥̅𝐴 =
2 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 3 𝐸𝐼

1200 5600
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐴= 𝐴𝑥̅𝐴 =
𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼

By Mohr I:

1200 10
− (𝑀 + 𝑀𝐵 ) = 0
𝐸𝐼 2𝐸𝐼 𝐴

1200 2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵 = ×
𝐸𝐼 10

𝑀𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵 = 240 − − − − − − − − − − (𝐼)

By Mohr II about A:

5600 102
− (𝑀 + 2𝑀𝐵 ) = 0
𝐸𝐼 6𝐸𝐼 𝐴
 5600 6𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐴 + 2𝑀𝐵 = × 2
𝐸𝐼 10

𝑀𝐴 + 2𝑀𝐵 = 336 − − − − − − − − − − (𝐼𝐼)

(𝐼𝐼) − (𝐼)

𝑀𝐵 = 96 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Substitute MB in (I):

𝑀𝐴 + 96 = 240

𝑀𝐴 = 144 𝑘𝑁𝑚

100 kN
4m 6m

144 96
10 m

To find the fixed-end moments for a beam subjected to a couple somewhere along
its length, the procedure is as follows:

a b

C
A B

A 1

2
B

MB
MA
 𝐶𝑎2 2𝑎 𝐶𝑎3
𝐴1 = 𝑥̅𝐴 = 𝐴𝑥̅𝐴 =
2𝐸𝐼𝑙 3 3𝐸𝐼𝑙

𝐶𝑏 2 1𝑏 𝐶𝑎𝑏 2 𝐶𝑏 3
𝐴2 = 𝑥̅𝐴 = (𝑎 + ) 𝐴𝑥̅𝐴 = +
2𝐸𝐼𝑙 3 2𝐸𝐼𝑙 6𝐸𝐼𝑙

Total area:
𝐶𝑎2 𝐶𝑏 2 𝐶 𝑎2 − 𝑏 2
− = ( )
2𝐸𝐼𝑙 2𝐸𝐼𝑙 2𝐸𝐼 𝑙

Total moment of area about a:

𝐶𝑎3 𝐶𝑎𝑏 2 𝐶𝑏 3 𝐶 2𝑎3 − 3𝑎𝑏 2 − 𝑏 3

−( + )= ( )
3𝐸𝐼𝑙 2𝐸𝐼𝑙 6𝐸𝐼𝑙 6𝐸𝐼 𝑙

By Mohr I:

𝐶 𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 𝑙
( )− (𝑀 + 𝑀𝐵 ) = 0
2𝐸𝐼 𝑙 2𝐸𝐼 𝐴

𝐶 2
𝑀𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵 = (𝑎 − 𝑏 2 ) − − − − − − − − − − (𝐼)
𝑙2

By Mohr II about A:

𝐶 2𝑎3 − 3𝑎𝑏 2 − 𝑏 3 𝑙2
( )− (𝑀 + 2𝑀𝐵 ) = 0
6𝐸𝐼 𝑙 6𝐸𝐼 𝐴

𝐶
𝑀𝐴 + 2𝑀𝐵 = (2𝑎3 − 3𝑎𝑏 2 − 𝑏 3 ) − − − − − − − − − − (𝐼𝐼)
𝑙3
𝑙
If the right-hand side of equation (I) is multiplied by one (i.e. by ), the equation will not
𝑙

change. Knowing that l = a + b, equation (I) will become

𝐶 2 (𝑎 + 𝑏)
𝑀𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵 = 2
(𝑎 − 𝑏 2 ) ×
𝑙 𝑙

𝐶 3
𝑀𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵 = (𝑎 − 𝑎𝑏 2 + 𝑎2 𝑏 − 𝑏 2 ) − − − − − − − − − − (𝐼)
𝑙3
(𝐼𝐼) − (𝐼)

𝑊𝑎2 𝑏
𝑀𝐵 =
𝑙2

C
II − I : M B = 3
(a 3 − 2ab 2 − a 2b)

Ca
= 3
(a 2 − 2 2
− ab)

Ca
= 3
(a 2 − b 2 − ab − b 2 )

Ca
= 3  (a − b)(a − b) − b(a + b 

Ca
= 3  ( a − b) − b 

Ca
= 2
(a − 2 )

Cb
MA = − 2
(b − 2a )
Similarly,

For the beam in example above, if the actual magnitude of the applied moment (C)
and the length (L) were given as shown below, the fixed-end moments can be
calculated as follows:

3m 5m

150 kNm
A B

8m

56.25 18.75
A 1

2
B
93.75

18.75
 MB
MA

1 −56.25 84.375 2 168.75

1. 𝐴= ×3× =− 𝑥̅𝐴 = ×3=2 𝐴𝑥̅𝐴 = −
2 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 3 𝐸𝐼

1 93.75 234.375 1 14 1093.75

2. 𝐴 = ×5× = 𝑥̅𝐴 = ( × 5 + 3) = 𝐴𝑥̅𝐴 =
2 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 3 3 𝐸𝐼

150 925
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐴= 𝐴𝑥̅𝐴 =
𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼

By Mohr I:

150 8
− (𝑀 + 𝑀𝐵 ) = 0
𝐸𝐼 2𝐸𝐼 𝐴

150 2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵 = ×
𝐸𝐼 8

𝑀𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵 = 37.5 − − − − − − − − − − (𝐼)

By Mohr II about A:

925 82
− (𝑀 + 2𝑀𝐵 ) = 0
𝐸𝐼 6𝐸𝐼 𝐴

925 6𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐴 + 2𝑀𝐵 = × 2
𝐸𝐼 8

𝑀𝐴 + 2𝑀𝐵 = 86.719 − − − − − − − − − − (𝐼𝐼)

(𝐼𝐼) − (𝐼)

𝑀𝐵 = 49.219 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Substitute MB in (I):

𝑀𝐴 + 49.219 = 37.5

𝑀𝐴 = −11.719 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞

𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭.

3m 5m

150 kNm
11.79 49.219

8m

(1) Sinking supports

If support B of the fixed-end beam shown settles downwards by an amount  relative

to support A but without rotation of either support, bending moments will be induced
at each support of the beam. You should be able to calculate these.

A B

There is no loading on the beam and therefore no free bending moment diagram.

The reactant bending moment diagram will be as shown on the left below.

The change in slope from A to B is zero and the deflection of support B relative to the
tangent at A will be:

MA MB

By Mohr I:

(M A + M B ) = 0  M A = −M B (I )
2 EI

By Mohr II about B:
 2
6 EI 
(2M A + M B ) = − 2 M A + M B = − 2
( II )
6 EI

(𝐼𝐼) − (𝐼)

6𝐸𝐼∆
𝑀𝐵 = +
𝑙2

From I:

6𝐸𝐼∆
𝑀𝐴 = −
𝑙2

A B

For the example above, if the magnitude of the deflection (∆) and the length of the
beam (L) were given, say as, ∆ = 6 mm and L = 7 m, and the flexural rigidity EI = 85 ×
103 kNm2, the fixed-end moments can be obtained as follows.

By Mohr I:

7
(𝑀 + 𝑀𝐵 ) = 0
2𝐸𝐼 𝐴

𝑀𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵 = 0 − − − − − − − − − − (𝐼)

By Mohr II about A:

72
(𝑀 + 2𝑀𝐵 ) = −∆ (𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠
6𝐸𝐼 𝐴

𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒)

6 × 85 × 103
𝑀𝐴 + 2𝑀𝐵 = −6 × 10−3 ×
72

𝑀𝐴 + 2𝑀𝐵 = −62.449 − − − − − − − − − − (𝐼𝐼)

(𝐼𝐼) − (𝐼)

𝑀𝐵 = −62.449 𝑘𝑁𝑚
Substitute MB in (I):

𝑀𝐴 − 62.449 = 0

𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛.

62.499

A B
62.499

If support B had been pinned instead of fixed, but still settled by ∆ relative to A, the
bending moment at B would be zero and the reactant bending moment diagram would
be as shown:

MA

ℓ
A B

Mohr II about B:

𝑀𝐴 𝑙 2𝑙 3𝐸𝐼∆
× = −∆ ∴ 𝑀𝐴 = −
2𝐸𝐼 3 𝑙2

that is, half the value in the previous case.

(2) Rotating supports

Constant EI
A B

l
The change in slope of the beam going from A to B will be from –θ to θ (i.e. +θ). It can
be seen from the figure above that the deflection of B relative to the tangent drawn at
A will be ℓθ.

MA
MB

Mohr I:

2 EI
M A + M B  =  MA + MB = −I
2 EI

Mohr II about B:

2
6 EI
 2M A + M B  =  2M A + M B = − II
6 EI

4 EI 2 EI
II − I : MA = and MB = −

A
A B

Again, if the rotation (θ), length (L) and flexural rigidity (EI) were given, for example,
θ = 4x10-3 radians, L = 6 m and EI = 60x103 kNm2, the fixed-end moments could be
calculated as follows:

By Mohr I:

6
(𝑀 + 𝑀𝐵 ) = 𝜃
2𝐸𝐼 𝐴

2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵 = 𝜃 ×
6

−3
2 × 60 × 103
𝑀𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵 = 4 × 10
6

𝑀𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵 = 80 − − − − − − − − − − (𝐼)
By Mohr II about B:

62
(2𝑀𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵 ) = 𝑙 × 𝜃
6𝐸𝐼

6𝐸𝐼
(2𝑀𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵 ) = 𝑙 × 𝜃 ×
62

6 × 60 × 103
2𝑀𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵 = 6 × 4 × 10−3 ×
62

2𝑀𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵 = 240 − − − − − − − − − − (𝐼𝐼)

(𝐼𝐼) − (𝐼)

𝑀𝐴 = 160 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Substitute MB in (I):

160 + 𝑀𝐵 = 80

𝑀𝐵 = −80 𝑘𝑁𝑚

𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛.

If support B had been pinned rather than fixed, the bending moment at B would of
course be zero and the reactant bending moment would be calculated as follows:

MA
0

1 𝑀𝐴 𝑀𝐴 𝑙 2𝑙 𝑀𝐴 𝑙2
𝐴= ×𝑙× = 𝑥̅𝐵 = 𝐴𝑥̅𝐵 =
2 𝐸𝐼 2𝐸𝐼 3 3𝐸𝐼

By Mohr II

𝑀𝐴 𝑙2
=𝑙×𝜃
3𝐸𝐼

3𝐸𝐼 3𝐸𝐼𝜃
𝑀𝐴 = 𝑙 × 𝜃 × =
𝑙2 𝑙
that is, three-quarters of the value in the previous case.

If the values of L, θ and EI used previously are applied, the fixed-end moment at A
would be:

3𝐸𝐼𝜃 3 × 60 × 103 × 4 × 10−3

𝑀𝐴 = = = 120 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝑙 6

3.5 Tutorial

1. Using the moment-area method, determine the maximum slope (rotation) and
deflection (displacement) for the two cases a) and b) below.

a)

40kN
5kN/m
A B

4m 2m

b)

80kN 80kN

A B

2m 4m 2m

2. For the encastre beams shown below, calculate the fixed-end (reactant) bending
moments in each case using the moment-area method.
a)

120kN
40kN/m
B
A

2m 4m 2m

b) Under the loading support A rotated by 3.2 x 10-3 radians.

2500kN

B
A

3m 4m

c) Under the loading support B subsided by 8 mm.

300kN

B
A

5m 3m