ABSTRACT
At the end of this chapter you should be able to:
• define a rigid-jointed framework • define bending moment • define sagging and hogging • define shearing force • calculate bending moments • calculate shearing forces • plot bending moment diagrams • plot shearing force diagrams • define the point of contraflexure
Why it is important to understand: Bending moment and shear force diagrams The members of the structures in the previous chapter withstood the externally applied loads in either tension or compression; this was because they were not subjected to bending. In Practice many structures are subjected to bending action; such structures include beams and rigid-jointed frameworks (a rigid-jointed framework is one which has its joints welded or riveted or bolted together; such structures are beyond the scope of this text - see reference [1], on page 111). In this chapter, bending moments and shearing forces are defined and calculated, before the plotting of bending moment and shearing force diagrams are explained. Bending moments and shearing forces are of much importance in the design of buildings, bridges, ships, etc.
