CalcHandbook

Simple Beam — Two Unequal Concentrated Loads Unsymmetrically Placed

Simple Beam · Two Unequal Concentrated Loads Unsymmetrically Placed · AWC Design Aid No. 6
1

Geometry and load

Define the span, the two unequal loads and each one's position
m
kN
m
kN
m
Middle length = ℓ − a − b = 5 m region between the two loads
2

Show calculation details

R1, R2, Mmax
R1left support = P1(ℓ−a) + P2·bℓ = — = —kN
R2right support = P1·a + P2(ℓ−b)ℓ = — = —kN
Mmaxunder the larger load = R1·a (under the left load) = — = —kN·m
3

Deflection calculation

Define E and I for δmax
MPa
cm⁴
δmaxx = x* = maximum of the δ(x) curve  (numerical) ⇒ —mm
Under two unsymmetric loads, δmax occurs neither at midspan nor under a load — it is found by numerical double integration. AWC gives no closed form for this case.
Deflected Shape Diagram
4

Bending-stress check

Compare σmax with the allowable bending stress
cm³
MPa
σmax = MmaxS = — = —MPa
— σ / Fb
5

Point analysis

Vx, Mx, δx values at a given point x
m
0 a ℓ−b ℓ
x is in the left region (x < a)
Vxx < a = +R1 = — = —kN
Mxx < a = R1 · x = — = —kN·m
δx = y(x) at this point  (numerical) ⇒ —mm