4.

Bending Moment and Shear

Force Diagram
Theory at a Glance (for IES, GATE, PSU)
4.1 Shear Force and Bending Moment
At first we try to understand what shear force is and what is bending moment?
We will not introduce any other co-ordinate system.
We use general co-ordinate axis as shown in the
figure. This system will be followed in shear force and
bending moment diagram and in deflection of beam.
Here downward direction will be negative i.e.
negative Y-axis. Therefore downward deflection of the
beam will be treated as negative.
We use above Co-ordinate system
Some books fix a co-ordinate axis as shown in the
following figure. Here downward direction will be
positive i.e. positive Y-axis. Therefore downward
deflection of the beam will be treated as positive. As
beam is generally deflected in downward directions
and this co-ordinate system treats downward
deflection is positive deflection.
Some books use above co-ordinate system
Consider a cantilever beam as shown subjected to
external load P. If we imagine this beam to be cut by
a section X-X, we see that the applied force tend to
displace the left-hand portion of the beam relative to
the right hand portion, which is fixed in the wall.
This tendency is resisted by internal forces between
the two parts of the beam. At the cut section a
resistance shear force (Vx) and a bending moment
(Mx) is induced. This resistance shear force and the
bending moment at the cut section is shown in the
left hand and right hand portion of the cut beam.
Using the three equations of equilibrium
0 , 0 0
x y i
F F and M = = =
_ _ _
We find that
x
V P = and .
x
M P x =
In this chapter we want to show pictorially the
Page 125 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
variation of shear force and bending moment in a
beam as a function of x' measured from one end of
the beam.

Shear Force (V) equal in magnitude but opposite in direction
to the algebraic sum (resultant) of the components in the
direction perpendicular to the axis of the beam of all external
loads and support reactions acting on either side of the section
being considered.
Bending Moment (M) equal in magnitude but opposite in
direction to the algebraic sum of the moments about (the
centroid of the cross section of the beam) the section of all
external loads and support reactions acting on either side of
the section being considered.
What are the benefits of drawing shear force and bending moment diagram?
The benefits of drawing a variation of shear force and bending moment in a beam as a function of x'
measured from one end of the beam is that it becomes easier to determine the maximum absolute
value of shear force and bending moment. The shear force and bending moment diagram gives a
clear picture in our mind about the variation of SF and BM throughout the entire section of the
beam.
Further, the determination of value of bending moment as a function of x' becomes very important
so as to determine the value of deflection of beam subjected to a given loading where we will use the
formula,
2
2 x
d y
EI M
dx
= .
4.2 Notation and sign convention
- Shear force (V)
Positive Shear Force
A shearing force having a downward direction to the right hand side of a section or upwards
to the left hand of the section will be taken as positive. It is the usual sign conventions to be
followed for the shear force. In some book followed totally opposite sign convention.
Page 126 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
The upward direction shearing
force which is on the left hand
of the section XX is positive
shear force.
The downward direction
shearing force which is on the
right hand of the section XX is
positive shear force.
Negative Shear Force
A shearing force having an upward direction to the right hand side of a section or downwards
to the left hand of the section will be taken as negative.
The downward direction
shearing force which is on the
left hand of the section XX is
negative shear force.
The upward direction shearing
force which is on the right
hand of the section XX is
negative shear force.
- Bending Moment (M)
Positive Bending Moment
A bending moment causing concavity upwards will be taken as positive and called as
sagging bending moment.
Page 127 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
Sagging
If the bending moment of
the left hand of the section
XX is clockwise then it is a
positive bending moment.
If the bending moment of
the right hand of the
section XX is anti-
clockwise then it is a
positive bending moment.
A bending moment causing
concavity upwards will be
taken as positive and
called as sagging bending
moment.
Negative Bending Moment
Hogging
If the bending moment of
the left hand of the
section XX is anti-
clockwise then it is a
positive bending moment.
If the bending moment of
the right hand of the
section XX is clockwise
then it is a positive
bending moment.
A bending moment causing
convexity upwards will be
taken as negative and called
as hogging bending moment.
Way to remember sign convention
- Remember in the Cantilever beam both Shear force and BM are negative (ive).
4.3 Relation between S.F (V
x
), B.M. (M
x
) & Load (w)
-
x
dV
= -w (load)
dx
The value of the distributed load at any point in the beam is
equal to the slope of the shear force curve. (Note that the sign of this rule may change
depending on the sign convention used for the external distributed load).
-
x
x
dM
= V
dx
The value of the shear force at any point in the beam is equal to the slope
of the bending moment curve.
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Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
4.4 Procedure for drawing shear force and bending moment diagram
Construction of shear force diagram
- From the loading diagram of the beam constructed shear force diagram.
- First determine the reactions.
- Then the vertical components of forces and reactions are successively summed from the left
end of the beam to preserve the mathematical sign conventions adopted. The shear at a
section is simply equal to the sum of all the vertical forces to the left of the section.
- The shear force curve is continuous unless there is a point force on the beam. The curve then
jumps by the magnitude of the point force (+ for upward force).
- When the successive summation process is used, the shear force diagram should end up with
the previously calculated shear (reaction at right end of the beam). No shear force acts
through the beam just beyond the last vertical force or reaction. If the shear force diagram
closes in this fashion, then it gives an important check on mathematical calculations. i.e. The
shear force will be zero at each end of the beam unless a point force is applied at the end.
Construction of bending moment diagram
- The bending moment diagram is obtained by proceeding continuously along the length of
beam from the left hand end and summing up the areas of shear force diagrams using proper
sign convention.
- The process of obtaining the moment diagram from the shear force diagram by summation is
exactly the same as that for drawing shear force diagram from load diagram.
- The bending moment curve is continuous unless there is a point moment on the beam. The
curve then jumps by the magnitude of the point moment (+ for CW moment).
- We know that a constant shear force produces a uniform change in the bending moment,
resulting in straight line in the moment diagram. If no shear force exists along a certain
portion of a beam, then it indicates that there is no change in moment takes place. We also
know that dM/dx= Vx therefore, from the fundamental theorem of calculus the maximum or
minimum moment occurs where the shear is zero.
- The bending moment will be zero at each free or pinned end of the beam. If the end is built
in, the moment computed by the summation must be equal to the one calculated initially for
the reaction.
4.5 Different types of Loading and their S.F & B.M Diagram
(i) A Cantilever beam with a concentrated load P at its free end.
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Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
Shear force:
At a section a distance x from free end consider the forces to
the left, then (Vx) = - P (for all values of x) negative in sign
i.e. the shear force to the left of the x-section are in downward
direction and therefore negative.
Bending Moment:
Taking moments about the section gives (obviously to the left
of the section) Mx = -P.x (negative sign means that the
moment on the left hand side of the portion is in the
anticlockwise direction and is therefore taken as negative
according to the sign convention) so that the maximum
bending moment occurs at the fixed end i.e. Mmax = - PL
(at x = L)
S.F and B.M diagram
(ii) A Cantilever beam with uniformly distributed load over the whole length
When a cantilever beam is subjected to a uniformly
distributed load whose intensity is given w /unit length.
Shear force:
Consider any cross-section XX which is at a distance of x from
the free end. If we just take the resultant of all the forces on
the left of the X-section, then
Vx = -w.x for all values of x'.
At x = 0, Vx = 0
At x = L, Vx = -wL (i.e. Maximum at fixed end)
Plotting the equation Vx = -w.x, we get a straight line
because it is a equation of a straight line y (Vx) = m(- w) .x
Bending Moment:
Bending Moment at XX is obtained by treating the load to the
left of XX as a concentrated load of the same value (w.x)
acting through the centre of gravity at x/2.
S.F and B.M diagram
Therefore, the bending moment at any cross-section XX is
( ) = =
2
.
. .
2 2
x
x w x
M w x
Therefore the variation of bending moment is according to parabolic law.
The extreme values of B.M would be
at x = 0, Mx = 0
and x = L, Mx =
2
2
wL

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Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
Maximum bending moment, =
2
max
wL
2
M at fixed end
Another way to describe a cantilever beam with uniformly distributed load (UDL) over its whole
length.
(iii) A Cantilever beam loaded as shown below draw its S.F and B.M diagram
In the region 0 < x < a
Following the same rule as followed previously, we get
x x
V =- P; and M = - P.x
In the region a < x < L
( )
x x
V =- P+P=0; and M = - P.x +P . x a P a =
S.F and B.M diagram
(iv) Let us take an example: Consider a cantilever bean of 5 m length. It carries a uniformly
distributed load 3 KN/m and a concentrated load of 7 kN at the free end and 10 kN at 3 meters from
the fixed end.
Draw SF and BM diagram.
Page 131 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
Answer: In the region 0 < x < 2 m
Consider any cross section XX at a distance x from free end.
Shear force (Vx) = -7- 3x
So, the variation of shear force is linear.
at x = 0, Vx = -7 kN
at x = 2 m , Vx = -7 - 32 = -13 kN
at point Z Vx = -7 -32-10 = -23 kN
Bending moment (Mx) = -7x - (3x).
2
x 3x
7x
2 2
=
So, the variation of bending force is parabolic.
at x = 0, Mx = 0
at x = 2 m, Mx = -72 (32)
2
2
= - 20 kNm
In the region 2 m < x < 5 m
Consider any cross section YY at a distance x from free
end
Shear force (Vx) = -7 - 3x 10 = -17- 3x
So, the variation of shear force is linear.
at x = 2 m, Vx = - 23 kN
at x = 5 m, Vx = - 32 kN
Bending moment (Mx) = - 7x (3x)
x
2
| |

|
\ .
- 10 (x - 2)
2
3
x 17 20
2
x = +
So, the variation of bending force is parabolic.
at x = 2 m, Mx
2
3
2 17 2 20
2
= + = - 20 kNm
at x = 5 m, Mx = - 102.5 kNm
Page 132 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
(v) A Cantilever beam carrying uniformly varying load from zero at free end and w/unit
length at the fixed end
Consider any cross-section XX which is at a distance of x from the free end.
At this point load (wx) =
w
.x
L
Therefore total load (W)
L L
x
0 0
wL
w dx .xdx =
L 2
w
= =
) )
( ) =
| |
= =
|
\ .

= =
2
max
area of ABC (load triangle)
1 w wx
. x .x
2 2L
The shear force variation is parabolic.
at x = 0, V 0
WL WL
at x = L, V i.e. Maximum Shear force (V ) at fi
2 2
x
x
L
x
Shear force V
xed end
Page 133 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
( ) =
| |
= =
|
\ .

=
= =
2 3
2 2
max
load distance from centroid of triangle ABC
wx 2x wx
.
2L 3 6L
The bending moment variation is cubic.
at x= 0, M 0
wL wL
at x = L, M i.e. Maximum Bending moment (M ) at fi
6 6
x
x
x
Bending moment M
xed end.
( )
( )
= =
=
x
Integration method
d V
w
We know that load .x
dx L
w
or d(V ) .x .dx
L
x
Alternative way :
( )
V x
0 0
2
Integrating both side
w
d V . x .dx
L
w x
or V .
L 2
x
x
x
=
=
) )
( )
( )
2
x
x
2
x
Again we know that
d M
wx
V -
dx 2L
wx
or d M - dx
2L
= =
=
Page 134 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
( )
x
M
2
x
0 0
3 3
x
Integrating both side we get at x=0,M =0
wx
d(M ) .dx
2L
w x wx
or M - -
2L 3 6L
x x
=
= =
) )
(vi) A Cantilever beam carrying gradually varying load from zero at fixed end and
w/unit length at the free end
Considering equilibrium we get, ( )
2
A A
wL wL
M and Reaction R
3 2
= =
Considering any cross-section XX which is at a distance of x from the fixed end.
At this point load
W
(W ) .x
L
x
=
Shear force ( ) =
A
R area of triangle ANM
x
V

2
x max
x
wL 1 w wL wx
- . .x .x = + -
2 2 L 2 2L
The shear force variation is parabolic.
wL wL
at x 0, V i.e. Maximum shear force, V
2 2
at x L, V 0
| |
=
|
\ .

= = + = +
= =
Bending moment ( )
2
A A
wx 2x
=R .x - . - M
2L 3
x
M

( )
3 2
2 2
max
x
wL wx wL
= .x - -
2 6L 3
The bending moment variation is cubic
wL wL
at x = 0, M i.e.Maximum B.M. M .
3 3
at x L, M 0
x

= =
= =
Page 135 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
(vii) A Cantilever beam carrying a moment M at free end
Consider any cross-section XX which is at a distance of x from the free end.
Shear force: Vx = 0 at any point.
Bending moment (Mx) = -M at any point, i.e. Bending moment is constant throughout the
length.
(viii) A Simply supported beam with a concentrated load P at its mid span.
Considering equilibrium we get,
A B
P
R = R =
2
Now consider any cross-section XX which is at a distance of x from left end A and section YY at
a distance from left end A, as shown in figure below.
Shear force: In the region 0 < x < L/2
Page 136 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
Vx = RA = + P/2 (it is constant)
In the region L/2 < x < L
Vx = RA P =
2
P
- P = - P/2 (it is constant)
Bending moment: In the region 0 < x < L/2
Mx =
P
2
.x (its variation is linear)
at x = 0, Mx = 0 and at x = L/2 Mx =
PL
4
i.e. maximum
Maximum bending moment, =
max
PL
4
M at x = L/2 (at mid-point)
In the region L/2 < x < L
Mx =
2
P
.x P(x - L/2) =
PL
2

P
2
.x (its variation is linear)
at x = L/2 , Mx =
PL
4
and at x = L, Mx = 0
(ix) A Simply supported beam with a concentrated load P is not at its mid span.
Considering equilibrium we get, RA =
B
Pb Pa
and R =
L L
Now consider any cross-section XX which is at a distance x from left end A and another section
YY at a distance x from end A as shown in figure below. Page 137 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
Shear force: In the range 0 < x < a
Vx = RA = +
Pb
L
(it is constant)
In the range a < x < L
Vx = RA - P = -
Pa
L
(it is constant)
Bending moment: In the range 0 < x < a
Mx = +RA.x =
Pb
L
.x (it is variation is linear)
at x = 0, Mx = 0 and at x = a, Mx =
Pab
L
(i.e. maximum)
In the range a < x < L
Mx = RA.x P(x- a) =
Pb
L
.x P.x + Pa (Put b = L - a)
= Pa (1 -
x
1
L
Pa
| |

|
\ .
)
at x = a, Mx =
Pab
L
and at x = L, Mx = 0
(x) A Simply supported beam with two concentrated load P from a distance a both end.
The loading is shown below diagram
Page 138 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
Take a section at a distance x from the left support. This section is applicable for any value of x just
to the left of the applied force P. The shear, remains constant and is +P. The bending moment varies
linearly from the support, reaching a maximum of +Pa.
A section applicable anywhere between the two applied forces. Shear force is not necessary to
maintain equilibrium of a segment in this part of the beam. Only a constant bending moment of +Pa
must be resisted by the beam in this zone.
Such a state of bending or flexure is called pure bending.
Shear and bending-moment diagrams for this loading condition are shown below.
(xi) A Simply supported beam with a uniformly distributed load (UDL) through out its
length
We will solve this problem by following two alternative ways.
(a) By Method of Section
Considering equilibrium we get RA = RB =
wL
2
Now Consider any cross-section XX which is at a distance x from left end A.
Page 139 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
Then the section view
Shear force: Vx =
wL
wx
2

(i.e. S.F. variation is linear)
at x = 0, Vx =
wL
2
at x = L/2, Vx = 0
at x = L, Vx = -
wL
2
Bending moment:
2
.
2 2
x
wL wx
M x =
(i.e. B.M. variation is parabolic)
at x = 0, Mx = 0
at x = L, Mx = 0
Now we have to determine maximum bending
moment and its position.
For maximum B.M:
( ) ( )
0 . . 0
x x
x x
d M d M
i e V V
dx dx
(
= = =
(

or 0
2 2
wL L
wx or x = =
Therefore, maximum bending moment, =
2
max
8
wL
M at x = L/2
(a) By Method of Integration
Shear force:
We know that,
( )
x
d V
w
dx
=
( )
x
or d V wdx =
Integrating both side we get (at x =0, Vx =
2
wL
)
Page 140 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
( )
0
2
2
2
x
V x
x
wL
x
x
d V wdx
wL
or V wx
wL
or V wx
+
=
=
=
) )
Bending moment:
We know that,
( )
x
x
d M
V
dx
=
( )
2
x x
wL
or d M V dx wx dx
| |
= =
|
\ .
Integrating both side we get (at x =0, Vx =0)
( )
0
2
2
.
2 2
x
M x
x
o
x
wL
d M wx dx
wL wx
or M x
| |
=
|
\ .
=
) )
Let us take an example: A loaded beam as shown below. Draw its S.F and B.M diagram.
Considering equilibrium we get
( )
A
B
M 0 gives
- 200 4 2 3000 4 R 8 0
R 1700N
B
or
=
+ =
=
_
A B
A
R R 200 4 3000
R 2100N
And
or
+ = +
=
Now consider any cross-section which is at a distance 'x' from left end A and
as shown in figure
XX
Page 141 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
In the region 0 < x < 4m
Shear force (Vx) = RA 200x = 2100 200 x
Bending moment (Mx) = RA .x 200 x .
x
2
| |
|
\ .
= 2100 x -100 x
2
at x = 0, Vx = 2100 N, Mx = 0
at x = 4m, Vx = 1300 N, Mx = 6800 N.m
In the region 4 m< x < 8 m
Shear force (Vx) = RA - 200 4 3000 = -1700
Bending moment (Mx) = RA. x - 2004 (x-2) 3000 (x- 4)
= 2100 x 800 x + 1600 3000x +12000 = 13600 -1700 x
at x = 4 m, Vx = -1700 N, Mx = 6800 Nm
at x = 8 m, Vx = -1700 N, Mx = 0
Page 142 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
(xii) A Simply supported beam with a gradually varying load (GVL) zero at one end and
w/unit length at other span.
Consider equilibrium of the beam =
1
wL
2
acting at a point C at a distance 2L/3 to the left end A.
B
A
A
B
A
M 0 gives
wL L
R .L - . 0
2 3
wL
or R
6
wL
Similarly M 0 gives R
3
=
=
=
= =
_
_
The free body diagram of section A - XX as shown below, Load at section XX, (wx) =
w
x
L
Page 143 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
The resulted of that part of the distributed load which acts on this free body is ( )
2
1 w wx
x . x
2 L 2L
= =
applied at a point Z, distance x/3 from XX section.
Shear force (Vx) =
2 2
A
wx wL wx
R - -
2L 6 2L
=
Therefore the variation of shear force is parabolic
at x = 0, Vx =
wL
6
at x = L, Vx = -
wL
3
= =
2 3
wL wx x wL wx
and .x . .x
6 2L 3 6 6L
x
Bending Moment (M )
The variation of BM is cubic
at x = 0, Mx = 0
at x = L, Mx = 0
For maximum BM;
( ) ( )
x x
x x
d M d M
0 i.e. V 0 V
dx dx
(
= = =
(

2
3
2
max
wL wx L
or - 0 or x
6 2L
3
wL L w L wL
and M
6 6L
3 3 9 3
= =
| | | |
= =
| |
\ . \ .
i.e. =
2
max
wL
M
9 3
L
at x
3
=
Page 144 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
(xiii) A Simply supported beam with a gradually varying load (GVL) zero at each end and
w/unit length at mid span.
Consider equilibrium of the beam AB total load on the beam
1 L wL
2 w
2 2 2
| |
= =
|
\ .
A B
wL
Therefore R R
4
= =
The free body diagram of section A XX as shown below, load at section XX (wx)
2w
.x
L
=
The resultant of that part of the distributed load which acts on this free body is
2
1 2w wx
.x. .x
2 L L
= =
applied at a point, distance x/3 from section XX.
Shear force (Vx):
Page 145 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
In the region 0 < x < L/2
( )
2 2
x A
wx wL wx
V R
L 4 L
= =
Therefore the variation of shear force is parabolic.
at x = 0, Vx =
wL
4
at x = L/4, Vx = 0
In the region of L/2 < x < L
The Diagram will be Mirror image of AC.
Bending moment (Mx):
In the region 0 < x < L/2
( )
3
x
wL 1 2wx wL wx
M .x .x. . x / 3 -
4 2 L 4 3L
| |
= =
|
\ .
The variation of BM is cubic
at x = 0, Mx = 0
at x = L/2, Mx =
2
wL
12
In the region L/2 < x < L
BM diagram will be mirror image of AC.
For maximum bending moment
( ) ( )
x x
x x
d M d M
0 i.e. V 0 V
dx dx
(
= = =
(

2
2
max
wL wx L
or - 0 or x
4 L 2
wL
and M
12
= =
=
i.e. =
2
max
wL
M
12
L
at x
2
=
Page 146 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
(xiv) A Simply supported beam with a gradually varying load (GVL) zero at mid span and
w/unit length at each end.
We now superimpose two beams as
(1) Simply supported beam with a UDL
through at its length

( )
( )
x
1
2
x
1
wL
V wx
2
wL wx
M .x
2 2
=
=
And (2) a simply supported beam with a gradually varying load (GVL) zero at each end and w/unit
length at mind span.
In the range 0 < x < L/2
( )
( )
2
x
2
3
x
2
wL wx
V
4 L
wL wx
M .x
4 3L
=
=
Now superimposing we get
Shear force (Vx):
In the region of 0< x < L/2
Page 147 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
( ) ( )
( )
2
x x x
1 2
2
wL wL wx
V V V -wx -
2 4 L
w
x - L/2
L
| |
| |
= =
| |
\ .
\ .
=
Therefore the variation of shear force is parabolic
at x = 0, Vx = +
wL
4
at x = L/2, Vx = 0
In the region L/2 < x < L
The diagram will be mirror image of AC
Bending moment (Mx) = ( )
x
1
M - ( )
x
2
M =
| | | |
= = +
| |
\ . \ .
2 3 3 2
wL wx wL wx wx wx wL
.x .x .x
2 2 4 3L 3L 2 4
The variation of BM is cubic
x
2
x
at x 0, M 0
wx
at x L / 2, M
24
= =
= =
(xv) A simply supported beam with a gradually varying load (GVL) w1/unit length at one
end and w2/unit length at other end.
Page 148 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
At first we will treat this problem by considering a UDL of identifying (w1)/unit length over the
whole length and a varying load of zero at one end to (w2- w1)/unit length at the other end. Then
superimpose the two loadings.
Consider a section XX at a distance x from left end A
(i) Simply supported beam with UDL (w1) over whole length
( )
( )
1
x 1
1
2 1
x 1
1
w L
V w x
2
w L 1
M .x w x
2 2
=
=
And (ii) simply supported beam with (GVL) zero at one end (w2- w1) at other end gives
( )
( ) ( )
( ) ( )
( )
2
2 1 2 1
2
3
2 1
2 1
2
6 2
. .
6 6
x
x
w w w w x
V
L
w w x
L
M w w x
L

=

=
Now superimposing we get
Shear force( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) = =
2
1 2
x x 1 2 1
1 2
w L w L x
V + V + w x w w
3 6 2L
x
V
The SF variation is parabolic
( )
( )
1 2
x 1 2
x 1 2
w L w L L
at x 0, V 2w w
3 6 6
L
at x L, V w 2w
6
= = + = +
= = +
Bending moment ( ) ( ) ( )
| |
= + = +
|
\ .
2 3 1 1 2 1
x x 1
1 2
w L w L w -w 1
M M .x .x w x .x
3 6 2 6L
x
M
The BM variation is cubic.
x
x
at x 0, M 0
at x L, M 0
= =
= =
Page 149 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
(xvi) A Simply supported beam carrying a continuously distributed load. The intensity of
the load at any point is,
t | |
=
|
\ .
sin
x
x
w w
L
. Where x is the distance from each end of
the beam.
We will use Integration method as it is easier in this case.
We know that
( ) ( )
x x
x
d V d M
load and V
dx dx
= =
( )
( )
t
t
| |
=
|
\ .
| |
=
|
\ .
x
x
d V
Therefore sin
dx L
d V sin dx
L
x
w
x
w
( )
| |
t
t t
t
t
| |
|
| | | |
\ .
= = + + = + +
| |
\ . \ .
=
) ) x x
Integrating both side we get
x
wcos
x wL x L
d V w sin dx or V A cos
L L
L
where, constant of Integration
A
A
Page 150 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
( )
( )
t
t
t
t t
t
t
| |
= = = +
`
|
\ . )
| |
|
| |
\ .
= + = +
|
\ .
x
x x x
2
x 2
Again we know that
d M
wL x
V or d M V dx cos dx
dx L
Integrating both sidewe get
wL x
sin
wL x L
M x + B sin x + B
L
L
A
A A
[Where B = constant of Integration]
Now apply boundary conditions
At x = 0, Mx = 0 and at x = L, Mx = 0
This gives A = 0 and B = 0
( )
x max
2
x 2
2
max 2
wL x wL
Shear force V cos and V at x 0
L
wL x
And M sin
L
wL
M at x = L/2
t
t t
t
t
t
| |
= = =
|
\ .
| |
=
|
\ .
=
(xvii) A Simply supported beam with a couple or moment at a distance a from left end.
Considering equilibrium we get
Page 151 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
A
B B
B
A A
M 0 gives
M
R L+M 0 R
L
and M 0 gives
M
R L+M 0 R
L
or
or
=
= =
=
= =
_
_
Now consider any cross-section XX which is at a distance x from left end A and another section YY
at a distance x from left end A as shown in figure.
In the region 0 < x < a
Shear force (Vx) = RA =
M
L
Bending moment (Mx) = RA.x =
M
L
.x
In the region a< x < L
Shear force (Vx) = RA =
M
L
Bending moment (Mx) = RA.x M =
M
L
.x - M
Page 152 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
(xviii) A Simply supported beam with an eccentric load
When the beam is subjected to an eccentric load, the eccentric load is to be changed into a couple =
Force(distance travel by force)
= P.a (in this case) and a force = P
Therefore equivalent load diagram will be
Considering equilibrium
A
M 0 gives =
_
-P.(L/2) + P.a + RB L = 0
or RB =
P P.a
2 L
and RA + RB = P gives RA =
P P.a
2 L
+
Now consider any cross-section XX which is at a distance x from left end A and another section YY
at a distance x from left end A as shown in figure.
Page 153 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
In the region 0 < x < L/2
Shear force (Vx) =
P P.a
2 L
+
Bending moment (Mx) = RA . x =
P Pa
2 L
| |
+
|
\ .
. x
In the region L/2 < x < L
Shear force (Vx) =
P Pa P Pa
P = -
2 L 2 L
+ +
Bending moment (Vx) = RA . x P.( x - L/2 ) M
=
PL P Pa
.x - Pa
2 2 L
| |

|
\ .
4.6 Bending Moment diagram of Statically Indeterminate beam
Beams for which reaction forces and internal forces cannot be found out from static equilibrium
equations alone are called statically indeterminate beam. This type of beam requires deformation
equation in addition to static equilibrium equations to solve for unknown forces.
Statically determinate - Equilibrium conditions sufficient to compute reactions.
Statically indeterminate - Deflections (Compatibility conditions) along with equilibrium equations
should be used to find out reactions.
Page 154 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
Type of Loading & B.M Diagram Reaction Bending Moment
RA= RB =
P
2
MA = MB =
PL
-
8
RA = RB =
wL
2
MA= MB =
2
wL
-
12
2
A 3
2
3
R (3 )
(3 )
B
Pb
a b
L
Pa
R b a
L
= +
= +
MA = -
2
2
Pab
L

MB = -
2
2
Pa b
L

RA= RB =
3
16
wL
Rc =
5
8
wL
R
A
R
B
+
-
-
Page 155 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
4.7 Load and Bending Moment diagram from Shear Force diagram
OR
Load and Shear Force diagram from Bending Moment diagram
If S.F. Diagram for a beam is given, then
(i) If S.F. diagram consists of rectangle then the load will be point load
(ii) If S.F diagram consists of inclined line then the load will be UDL on that portion
(iii) If S.F diagram consists of parabolic curve then the load will be GVL
(iv) If S.F diagram consists of cubic curve then the load distribute is parabolic.
After finding load diagram we can draw B.M diagram easily.
If B.M Diagram for a beam is given, then
(i) If B.M diagram consists of inclined line then the load will be free point load
(ii) If B.M diagram consists of parabolic curve then the load will be U.D.L.
(iii) If B.M diagram consists of cubic curve then the load will be G.V.L.
(iv) If B.M diagram consists of fourth degree polynomial then the load distribution is
parabolic.
Let us take an example: Following is the S.F diagram of a beam is given. Find its loading
diagram.
Answer: From A-E inclined straight line so load will be UDL and in AB = 2 m length load = 6 kN if
UDL is w N/m then w.x = 6 or w2 = 6 or w = 3 kN/m after that S.F is constant so no force is
there. At last a 6 kN for vertical force complete the diagram then the load diagram will be
As there is no support at left end it must be a cantilever beam.
Page 156 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
4.8 Point of Contraflexure
In a beam if the bending moment changes sign at a point, the point itself having zero bending
moment, the beam changes curvature at this point of zero bending moment and this point is called
the point of contra flexure.
Consider a loaded beam as shown below along with the B.M diagrams and deflection diagram.
In this diagram we noticed that for the beam loaded as in this case, the bending moment diagram is
partly positive and partly negative. In the deflected shape of the beam just below the bending
moment diagram shows that left hand side of the beam is sagging' while the right hand side of the
beam is hogging.
The point C on the beam where the curvature changes from sagging to hogging is a point of
contraflexure.
- There can be more than one point of contraflexure in a beam.
4.9 General expression
- EI
4
2
e =
d y
dx
-
3
3 x
d y
EI V
dx
=
-
2
2 x
d y
EI M
dx
=
Page 157 of 429
Chapter-4 Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagram S K Mondals
-
dy
= = slope
dx
- y=o = Deflection
- Flexural rigidity = EI
Page 158 of 429