Determinate Beams Module

• The user can define either a simply supported beam (with overhangs) or a cantilever beam.
  

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• Concentrated forces, moments, uniformly distributed, or linearly distributed loads can be specified for the beam. Icons shown in a toolbar format permit users to select the desired load without requiring consideration of a sign convention.
  
• Diagrams showing shear force, bending moment, beam slope, and transverse deflection are drawn immediately following the entry of a load. This permits the user to see the effect of each load as it is added.
  
• Extra explanations describe in words:
  1. how to set-up the equilibrium equations needed to solve for the beam reactions,
  2. how concentrated forces and moments affect the shear force and bending moment diagrams, and
  3. how to compute the area under each portion of the shear force diagram, how to find the zero shear locations, and how to construct the moment diagram from the shear force diagram.
     
• Loads can be entered for either unfactored or factored load analysis. Unfactored loads are used for the allowable stress design philosophy customarily found in mechanics of materials texts. Factored loads are used in load and resistance factor design for steel and concrete structures. Two load combinations are available: 1.4D and 1.2D + 1.6L.
  
• Using a mouse, the user can click at a specific location on the load diagram and obtain the shear, moment, slope, or deflection at that point.