Interior Reaction of a Two-Span Beam
Mediumcontinuous beamreactions
A continuous beam of two equal 6 m spans carries a uniformly distributed load of 12 kN/m over its full length. The reaction at the interior support is most nearly:
- A27 kN
- B54 kN
- C72 kN
- D90 kN
Show solutionHide solution
Answer: D. 90 kN
For two equal spans under a full uniform load, the standard result gives an interior reaction of 1.25wL = 1.25(12)(6) = 90 kN and end reactions of 0.375wL = 27 kN each. As a check, 27 + 90 + 27 = 144 kN, which equals the total applied load w(2L) = 12(12) = 144 kN. Treating the spans as two independent simple beams would give 72 kN at the interior support and would miss the continuity effect.
Practice this deckUntimed, one problem at a time, with your progress saved.
Related problems
- Fixed-End Moment in an L-Shaped Frame · Structural Basics
- Support Reaction at B of a Simple Beam · Statics & Equilibrium
- Reaction of a Beam with Uniform Load · Statics & Equilibrium