ENS 161 – Statics of Rigid Bodies

LESSON 8:
INTERNAL FORCES
Part 2
 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DISTRIBUTED
LOAD, SHEAR AND BENDING MOMENT
 The methods outlined so far for drawing shear and bending moment
diagrams become increasingly cumbersome the more complex the
loading.

 However, the construction of shear and bending moment diagrams can

be greatly simplified by understanding the relationships that exist
between the distributed load, the shear force, and the bending moment.

 Consider the beam with a distributed load 𝑤 𝑥

𝒘 𝒙

𝟏 𝟐
 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DISTRIBUTED
LOAD, SHEAR AND BENDING MOMENT
𝒘 𝒙 ∆𝒙
 We isolate a small segment of the beam with length
Δ𝑥. Note that the internal shear and bending moment
on the left side of the segment differ from those on the 𝒘 𝒙
right side by small amounts Δ𝑉 and Δ𝑀, respectively. 𝑽

 The distributed load which is a function 𝑤 𝑥 is 𝑴 𝑴 + ∆𝑴

approximated as a uniform (rectangular) loading and is 𝟏 𝟐
𝑽 + ∆𝑽
replaced by an equivalent force acting on its centroid.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DISTRIBUTED LOAD AND SHEAR:
Applying force equilibrium on the If we let ∆𝑉 and ∆𝑥 approach zero, then
small segment: by definition of a derivative we get:
+ ΣFy = 0: 𝑑𝑉
= −𝑤 𝑥
0 = 𝑉 − 𝑤 𝑥 ∆𝑥 − 𝑉 + ∆𝑉 𝑑𝑥
∆𝑉 = −𝑤 𝑥 ∆𝑥 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑏𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑
∆𝑉 =−
= −𝑤 𝑥 𝑠𝑕𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦
∆𝑥
 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DISTRIBUTED
LOAD, SHEAR AND BENDING MOMENT
If we rewrite the previous RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHEAR
equation and perform integration AND BENDING MOMENT:
between two points 1 and 2, we
get Applying moment equilibrium at point 2 of
the small segment, we get
𝑑𝑉 = − 𝑤 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
2 2 + ΣM 2 = 0:
𝑑𝑉 = −𝑤 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 ∆𝑥
1 1
0 = −𝑀 − 𝑉∆𝑥 + 𝑤 𝑥 ∆𝑥 + 𝑀 + ∆𝑀
2
2 1
∆𝑀 = 𝑉∆𝑥 − 𝑤 𝑥 ∆𝑥 2
𝑉2 − 𝑉1 = − 𝑤 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 2
1
If ∆𝑥 approach zero, then ∆𝑥 2 ≈ 0 and the 2nd
term on the right side of the equation is zero.
∆𝑉 = − 𝑤 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
∆𝑀 = 𝑉∆𝑥
𝐶𝑕𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 ∆𝑀
=− =𝑉
𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑕𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑒
∆𝑥
 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DISTRIBUTED
LOAD, SHEAR AND BENDING MOMENT
If we let ∆𝑀 and ∆𝑥 approach If we rewrite the previous equation and
zero, then by definition of a perform integration between two points 1
derivative we get and 2. Notice that shear is a function of 𝑥,
therefore we write 𝑉 as 𝑉 𝑥 .
𝑑𝑀
=𝑉
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑀 = 𝑉𝑑𝑥 = 𝑉 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
2 2
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑜𝑓
= 𝑆𝑕𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑑𝑀 = 𝑉 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚 1 1

Note that points on the beam 𝑀2 − 𝑀1 = 𝑉 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

1
where the shear is zero
corresponds to locations where the
bending moment is maximum or ∆𝑀 = 𝑉 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
minimum since the slope of the
𝐶𝑕𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟
moment curve is horizontal (zero =
𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑆𝑕𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚
slope).
 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DISTRIBUTED
LOAD, SHEAR AND BENDING MOMENT
 Note that the relationships we have derived earlier are all based on a
continuous distributed loading. These relationships will not hold if there
is a concentrated load or couple moment acting on the beam since they
would create discontinuities on the shear and bending moment
diagrams.

CONCENTRATED LOAD EFFECT ON THE SHEAR DIAGRAM

Upward Load P Shear “jumps upward” a

magnitude equal to P

Downward Load P Shear “jumps downward” a

magnitude equal to P
 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DISTRIBUTED
LOAD, SHEAR AND BENDING MOMENT
COUPLE MOMENT EFFECT ON THE MOMENT DIAGRAM

Clockwise Moment Moment “jumps upward” a

𝐌𝑂 magnitude equal to 𝑀𝑂

Counter- clockwise Moment “jumps downward”

Moment 𝐌𝑂 a magnitude equal to 𝑀𝑂

NOTE: POLYNOMIAL EQUATION DEGREE OF CURVE

Loading curve w 𝑥 𝑛
Shear diagram curve 𝑉 𝑥 𝑛+1
Bending moment diagram curve 𝑀 𝑥 𝑛+2
 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DISTRIBUTED
LOAD, SHEAR AND BENDING MOMENT
DRAWING THE CURVES:
SLOPE TACTIC TO MEMORIZE DRAWING

POSITIVE CONSTANT

NEGATIVE CONSTANT

𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = +𝑘
POSITIVE INCREASING
𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = 0
𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = 0
POSITIVE DECREASING 𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = +𝑘

𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = 0
NEGATIVE INCREASING
𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = −𝑘

𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = −𝑘
NEGATIVE DECREASING
𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = 0
 SAMPLE PROBLEM
EXAMPLE 8: SOLUTION:
Given the beam loaded as shown, This is the same problem in example 6. The
draw the V and M diagrams. reactions are solved in the same way with the
results as shown.

FBD of entire beam:

w
w
A B 𝐴𝑥 = 0
A B
𝐿
𝑤𝐿 𝐿 𝑤𝐿
𝐴𝑦 = 𝐵𝑦 =
2 2

DRAWING THE SHEAR DIAGRAM:

Starting from zero shear at the left end
𝑥 = 0 , the reaction 𝐴𝑦 directed upward
𝑤𝐿
makes the shear “jump upwards” by 2 into a
𝑤𝐿
shear value of .
2
 SAMPLE PROBLEM
𝑤𝐿
From 2 at 𝑥 = 0, the shear will change to
a new value at 𝑥 = 𝐿.
∆𝑉 = − 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑒
∆𝑉 = − 𝑤𝐿
At 𝑥 = 𝐿:
𝑉2 = 𝑉1 + ∆𝑉
𝑤𝐿 𝑤𝐿
𝑉2 = + − 𝑤𝐿 = − V
0 0
2 2
Diagram
As a check, the reaction 𝐵𝑦 directed upward
𝑤𝐿
makes the − 2 shear “jump upwards” by
𝑤𝐿
into a shear value of zero. This ends the
2
plot.
Notice that the slope of the line connecting
the shear of the left end to the right end is
equal to −𝑤 which is a negative constant. M
0 0
Diagram
 SAMPLE PROBLEM
DRAWING THE BENDING MOMENT DIAGRAM:
We need to determine the location where the
shear is zero.
𝑉2 = 𝑉1 + ∆𝑉
𝑤𝐿
0= + −𝑤𝑥
2
𝐿
𝑥= 2
Now, we start at zero moment at the left end V
0 0
𝐿 Diagram
𝑥 = 0 . We will solve the moment at 𝑥 = 2.
𝑀2 = 𝑀1 + 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑕𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚
1 𝑤𝐿 𝐿 1
𝑀2 = 0 + 2 = 8 𝑤𝐿2
2 2
As a check, we solve the moment at right end
𝑥=𝐿 .
𝑀3 = 𝑀2 + 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑕𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚 M
0 0
1 1 𝑤𝐿 𝐿 Diagram
𝑀3 = 8 𝑤𝐿2 + 2 − =0
2 2
 SAMPLE PROBLEM
To draw the curve that connects moment at Note that the loading curve is constant (zero
𝐿 degree). On the other hand, the shear
𝑥 = 0 to the moment at 𝑥 = 2, we look at
diagram curve is 1 degree while the bending
the shear diagram and notice that it is
moment diagram curve is a 2 degree curve.
positive and decreasing. Therefore, the slope
It is important to indicate on the diagram
of the bending moment curve in that region
the degree of curves to avoid confusion
is positive decreasing. Hence, the drawing is
specially for those with curve degrees
greater than 1.

To draw the curve that connects moment at

𝐿
𝑥 = 2 to the moment at 𝑥 = 𝐿, we look at
the shear diagram and notice that it is
negative and increasing. Therefore, the slope
of the bending moment curve in that region
is negative increasing. Hence, the drawing is
 SAMPLE PROBLEM
EXAMPLE 9: SOLUTION:
Given the beam loaded as shown, First, we solve the reactions at the supports of
draw the V and M diagrams. the beam.
FBD of entire beam:
4 kip/ft 4 kip/ft

𝑀𝐶

A B C A B C 𝐶𝑥
4 ft 8 ft 4 ft 8 ft
𝐶𝑦
+ ΣFx = 0: 𝐶𝑥 = 0

+ ΣFy = 0:
1
0 = − 2 4 kip/ft 4 ft + 𝐶𝑦

𝐶𝑦 = 8 kips
 SAMPLE PROBLEM
+ ΣMC = 0: Note that the loading curve at region A to B is
a 1 degree curve, therefore the shear diagram
1 2
0 = 4 4 8+3 4 + MC curve at that region will be a 2 degree curve.
2
Moreover, since the loading curve is negative
𝑀𝐶 = 85.3 kip∙ft and decreasing, therefore the slope of the
shear diagram curve is negative decreasing.
DRAWING THE SHEAR DIAGRAM:
Hence, the drawing is:
We start from zero shear at the left end of
the beam 𝑥 = 0 . Then at 𝑥 = 4 ft, the
shear becomes:
𝑉𝐵 = 𝑉𝐴 + ∆𝑉 DRAWING THE BENDING MOMENT DIAGRAM:
𝑉𝐵 = 0 + −area under loading curve We start from zero moment at the left end of
1 the beam 𝑥 = 0 . Then at 𝑥 = 4 ft, the
𝑉𝐵 = 0 + − 4 4 = − 8 kips moment becomes:
2
Then from point 𝐵 to 𝐶 the shear remains 𝑀𝐵 = 𝑀𝐴 + ∆𝑉
constant at −8 kips since there is no 𝑀𝐵 = 0 + area under shear diagram
loading. As a check, at 𝑥 = 12 ft , the
reaction 𝐶𝑦 “jumps upward” the shear from
− 8 kips to zero. This closes the plot.
 SAMPLE PROBLEM
Recognize that the area is a parabola. Therefore,
we can use the formula
2
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = 𝑏𝑕
3
Hence, we can compute the moment at B:
2
𝑀𝐵 = 0 + 4 ft −8 kips = −21.3 kip ∙ ft
3

Then, we can compute the moment at C.

𝑀𝐶 = 𝑀𝐵 + ∆𝑉
0
𝑀𝐶 = −21.3 + area under shear diagram
𝑀𝐶 = −21.3 + 8 ft −8 kips = −85.3 kip ∙ ft
As a check, at 𝑥 = 12 ft, the reaction 𝑀𝐶 “jumps
upward” the moment from −85.3 kip ∙ ft to
zero. This closes the plot. 0
 SAMPLE PROBLEM
To draw the bending moment curve in the This curve is a straight line or a 1 degree
region from A to B, we look at the shear curve. Indicate the degree of the curves
diagram and notice that it is negative and to avoid confusion.
increasing. Therefore, the slope of the bending
moment curve in that region is negative
increasing. Hence, the drawing is

Additionally, the degree of the bending moment

curve at this region is 3 degrees (1 degree
higher than the degree of the shear diagram
curve).
To draw the bending moment curve from B to C,
we look at the shear diagram at this region and
notice that it is negative and constant.
Therefore, the slope of the bending moment
diagram curve at this region is negative
constant. Hence, the drawing is
 SAMPLE PROBLEM
EXAMPLE 10: SOLUTION:
Given the beam loaded as shown, DRAWING THE SHEAR DIAGRAM:
draw the V and M diagrams. The We start from zero shear at the left end of the
reactions at the supports are already beam 𝑥 = 0 . However, the vertical reaction
solved and indicated for convenience. at A “jumps upward” the shear to 10 kips.
Then, the shear constantly decreases to a
value at B.
𝑉𝐵 = 𝑉𝐴 + ∆𝑉
𝑉𝐵 = 10 + −area under loading curve
1
𝑉𝐵 = 10 + − 12 ft 4 kip/ft = −14 kips
2
Then, from point 𝐵 to C, the shear remains
constant at −14 kips since there is no loading.
However, at C, the 20 kips load “jumps
downward” the shear to
𝑉𝐶+ = −14 − 20 = −34 kips
From C to D, the shear remains constant at
− 34 kips since there is no loading.
 SAMPLE PROBLEM
Then, as a check, the vertical reaction at 𝐷 DRAWING THE BENDING MOMENT DIAGRAM:
“jumps upward” the shear from −34 kips to To draw the bending moment curve from A to
zero. This closes the plot. B, we have to locate the point where shear is
To draw the shear diagram curve from A to zero. This corresponds to a maximum
B, we look at the loading curve and notice moment.
that it is negative and increasing. Therefore,
𝑤 𝑤 4
the slope of the shear diagram curve at this =
region is negative increasing. Hence, the 𝑥 12
drawing is 𝑥
𝑤=
3
Moreover, recognize that the shear diagram
curve from A to B is a 2 degree curve since 𝑉𝑥 = 𝑉𝐴 + ∆𝑉
the loading curve is 1 degree. Indicate this in 0 = 10 + −area under loading curve
the diagram.
1 𝑥
0 = 10 + − 𝑥
2 3
𝑥2
0 = 10 −
6
𝑥 = 7.75 ft
 SAMPLE PROBLEM
We start at the left end with zero moment.
Then, recognize that the area under the SMALL PARABOLA 10
shear diagram curve is a parabola with the 7.75
origin at the 10 kips point of the shear
diagram. Therefore, we can solve for 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥
RECTANGLE 14
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑀𝐴 + ∆𝑀0 𝑡𝑜 7.75
12
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑀𝐴 + 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑕𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚
2
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0 + 3 7.75 10 = 51.7 kip ∙ ft
NEGATIVE AREA
To get the value of moment at B 𝑥 = 12 ft ,
we have to determine the value of the NEGATIVE BIG SMALL
negative area from 𝑥 = 7.75 ft to 12 ft. = RECTANGLE − −
AREA PARABOLA PARABOLA
To get the negative area, we identify 2 NEGATIVE 2 2
parabolas with origin at the 10kips point of = 14 12 − 24 12 − 10 7.75
AREA 3 3
the shear diagram and a rectangular area.
NEGATIVE
= 27.7
AREA
BIG PARABOLA 24
12
 SAMPLE PROBLEM
Therefore, we can solve for moment at B. + ΣM = 0:
𝑀𝐵 = 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 + ∆𝑀 1
0 = 10 12 − 2 12 4
1
12 + 𝑀𝐵
3
𝑀𝐵 = 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 + − NEGATIVE AREA
𝑀𝐵 = 24 kip ∙ ft
𝑀𝐵 = 51.7 + − 27.7 = 24 kip ∙ ft
To draw the bending moment curve from
If it is difficult for you to understand how the 𝑥 = 0 to 𝑥 = 7.75 ft, we look at the shear
NEGATIVE AREA was derived, you can cut the diagram curve and notice that it is positive
beam at 𝑥 = 12 ft and use the moment and decreasing. Therefore, the slope of the
equilibrium equation to solve 𝑀𝐵 . bending moment curve at this region is
positive decreasing. Hence, the drawing is

Moreover, recognize that the bending

moment diagram curve from 𝑥 = 0 to
𝑥 = 7.75 ft is a 3 degree curve. Indicate
this in the diagram.
 SAMPLE PROBLEM
To draw the bending moment curve from Note that the bending moment curve from
𝑥 = 7.75 ft to 𝑥 = 12 ft, we look at the shear B to C is 1 degree with a negative constant
diagram curve and notice that it is negative slope. Hence, the drawing is
and increasing. Therefore, the slope of the
bending moment curve at this region is
negative increasing. Hence, the drawing is
Then because of the presence of the
clockwise couple moment at C, the
moment “jumps upwards” to:
Moreover, recognize that the bending 𝑀𝐶+ = 𝑀𝐶− + 120
moment diagram curve from 𝑥 = 7.75 ft to
𝑀𝐶+ = −18 + 120 = 102 kip ∙ ft
𝑥 = 12 ft is a 3 degree curve. Indicate this in
the diagram. Then from C to D, the moment changes to:
Then from B to C, the moment changes to: 𝑀𝐷 = 𝑀𝐶− + ∆𝑀
𝑀𝐶− = 𝑀𝐵 + ∆𝑀 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟
𝑀𝐷 = 𝑀𝐶− +
𝑠𝑕𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚
𝑀𝐶− = 𝑀𝐵 + 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑕𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚
𝑀𝐷 = 102 + 3 −34 = 0
𝑀𝐶− = 24 + 3 −14 = 18 kip ∙ ft
 SAMPLE PROBLEM
Note that the bending moment curve from
C to D is 1 degree with a negative constant
slope. Hence, the drawing is

0
CABLE WITH CONCENTRATED LOADS
 Cables are applied as structural elements
in suspension bridges, transmission lines,
aerial tramways, guy wires for high
towers, etc.
 For analysis, assume:
a) concentrated vertical loads on given
vertical lines
b) weight of cable is negligible
c) cable is flexible, i.e., resistance to
bending is small
d) portions of cable between
successive loads may be treated as
two force members
 Determine the shape of the cable, i.e.,
vertical distance from support A to each
load point 𝑦1 , 𝑦2 , and 𝑦3 .
CABLE WITH CONCENTRATED LOADS
 Consider the free-body diagram of the
entire cable. Since, the slopes of the cable
at A and B are not known, therefore two
reaction components are required at each
support.
 In total, four unknowns are involved and
three equations of equilibrium are not
sufficient to determine the reactions.
 An additional equation is obtained by
considering equilibrium of portion of cable
AD and assuming that coordinates of point
D on the cable are known. The additional
equation is 𝑀𝐷 = 0.
 For other points on cable,
 M C2  0 yields y2
 Fx  0,  Fy  0 yield Tx , Ty
 Tx  T cos   Ax  constant
 SAMPLE PROBLEM
EXAMPLE 11: SOLUTION:
The cable AE supports three vertical Determine reaction force components at A
loads from the points indicated. If point from solution of two equations formed from
C is 5 ft below the left support, taking entire cable as free-body and summing
determine (a) the elevation of points B moments about E, and from taking cable
and D, and (b) the maximum slope and portion ABC as a free-body and summing
maximum tension in the cable. moments about C.
Calculate elevation of B by considering AB as a
free-body and summing moments B. Similarly,
calculate elevation of D using ABCD as a free-
body.
Evaluate maximum slope and maximum
tension which occur in DE.
SAMPLE PROBLEM
From the free-body diagram of the entire cable, we
sum moments about E,
+ ΣME = 0:
𝐴𝑥 20 − 𝐴𝑦 60 + 6 40 + 12 30 + 4 15 = 0
20𝐴𝑥 − 60𝐴𝑦 = −660

From the free-body diagram of the cable portion

ABC, we sum moments about C.
+ ΣMC = 0:
−𝐴𝑥 5 − 𝐴𝑦 30 + 6 10 = 0
5𝐴𝑥 + 30𝐴𝑦 = 60

Solving simultaneously the two equations using

calculator, we get
Ax  18 kips Ay  5 kips
SAMPLE PROBLEM
From the free-body diagram of AB, we calculate
the elevation of B by summing moments about B.
+ ΣMB = 0:
18 𝑦𝐵 − 5 20 = 0
𝑦𝐵 = 5.56 ft
Since B is below A (assumed elevation zero), then
elevation of B = − 5.56 ft

From the free-body diagram of ABCD, we

calculate the elevation of D by summing moments
about D.
+ ΣMD = 0:
−18 𝑦𝐷 − 5 45 + 6 25 + 12 15 = 0
𝑦𝐷 = 5.83 ft
Since D is above A (assumed elevation zero), then
elevation of D = + 5.83 ft
 SAMPLE PROBLEM

𝑑 𝑑 = 20 − 5.83 = 14.17 ft

Determining the maximum slope and maximum tension which occurs in DE.
𝑑 𝑇 cos 𝜃 = 𝑇𝑥 = 𝐴𝑥 = 18 kips
tan 𝜃 =
15 𝑇 cos 𝜃 = 18 kips
−1
14.17
𝜃 = tan = 43.4° Since 𝑇𝑚𝑎𝑥 occurs at DE:
15
18 kips
𝑇𝑚𝑎𝑥 = = 24.8 kips
cos 43.4°
CABLE WITH DISTRIBUTED LOADS
 For cables carrying a distributed load:
a) the cable hangs in the shape of a curve
b) the internal force is a tensile force directed
tangentially along the curve.
 Consider the free-body for the portion of cable
extending from lowest point C to the given point
D. The forces present are the horizontal force T0
at C and the tangential force T at D.
 From the force triangle formed using
parallelogram law:
T cos   T0 T sin   W
W
T  T02  W 2 tan  
T0
 Horizontal component of T is uniform over cable.
 Vertical component of T is equal to magnitude of
the resultant W from a distributed load measured
from lowest point C to D.
CABLE WITH DISTRIBUTED LOADS
 Consider a cable supporting a uniform,
horizontally distributed load, e.g., support cables
for a suspension bridge.
 The loading on the cable from the lowest point C
to a point D is given by the resultant 𝑊 = 𝑤𝑥. The
internal tensile force magnitude and direction are:
wx
T  T02  w 2 x 2 tan  
T0
 Summing moments about D,
x
MD  0: wx  T0 y  0
2
wx 2
y
2T0

 Therefore, the equation of the curve is a parabola

and the cable is a PARABOLIC CABLE.
 SAMPLE PROBLEM
EXAMPLE 12: SOLUTION:
The cable in the figure below supports Since the cable is under a uniform, horizontally
a girder which weighs 𝑤 = 12 kN/m . distributed loading, therefore it is a parabolic
Determine the tension in the cable at cable. The origin of the coordinate axes is set
points A, B and C. at the lowest point B where the slope is zero.

30 m − 𝑥′ 𝑥′

Use the equation of a parabolic cable:

𝑤𝑥 2 12 kN/m 𝑥 2 6𝑥 2
𝑦= = =
2𝑇𝑂 2𝑇𝑂 𝑇𝑂
 SAMPLE PROBLEM
For point C, 𝑦 = 6 and 𝑥 = 𝑥′. Use the quadratic equation function of the
6 𝑥′ 2 calculator to get 𝑥′. Note that there are two
6= roots, but we only take the positive root.
𝑇𝑂
Neglect the negative value.
𝑇𝑂 = 𝑥′ 2
𝑥 ′ = 12.43 m
For point A, 𝑦 = 12 and 𝑥 = 30 − 𝑥′. Solving for 𝑇𝑂 which is the tensile force at B:
6 30 − 𝑥′ 2 2 2
12 = 𝑇𝐵 = 𝑇𝑂 = 𝑥′ = 12.43 = 154.4 kN
𝑇𝑂
12𝑇𝑂 = 6 30 − 𝑥′ 2 At point C, 𝑥 = 𝑥 ′ = 12.43 m:
𝑇= 𝑇𝑂 2 + 𝑤 2𝑥 2
We substitute the value of 𝑇𝑂 we
obtained earlier. 𝑇𝐶 = 154.4 kN 2 + 12 kN/m 2 12.43 m 2
2 2
12 𝑥′ = 6 30 − 𝑥′
2
𝑇𝐶 = 214.6 kN
12 𝑥′ = 6 900 − 60𝑥 ′ + 𝑥′ 2

6 𝑥′ 2
+ 360𝑥 ′ − 5400 = 0 At point A, 𝑥 = 30 − 12.43 = 17.57 m:
2 𝑇= 𝑇𝑂 2 + 𝑤 2𝑥 2
𝑥′ + 60𝑥 ′ − 900 = 0
𝑇𝐴 = 154.4 kN 2 + 12 kN/m 2 17.57 m 2

𝑇𝐴 = 261.4 kN
CABLE SUBJECT TO ITS OWN WEIGHT
 Consider a cable uniformly loaded along the cable
itself, e.g., cables hanging under their own weight.

 The loading on the cable from lowest point C to a

point D is given by W = 𝑤𝑠. Therefore, the
internal tensile force magnitude is
T𝑇
T  T02  w2 s 2  w c 2  s 2 c 𝑐= 0 𝑂
𝑤w
 To relate horizontal distance x to cable length s,
T ds
dx  ds cos   0 cos  
T q  s2 c2
s
ds 1 s x
x  c sinh and s  c sinh
0 qs 2
c 2 c c
CABLE SUBJECT TO ITS OWN WEIGHT

 To relate x and y cable coordinates,

W s x
dy  dx tan   dx  dx  sinh dx
T0 c c
x
x x
y  c   sinh dx  c cosh  c
0 c c
x
y  c cosh
c
which is the equation of a CATENARY CURVE.
 SAMPLE PROBLEM
EXAMPLE 13: SOLUTION:
A 50-ft long cable is suspended Since the cable just subject to its on weight,
between two points a horizontal distance therefore it is in the form of a catenary curve.
15 ft apart and at the same elevation. If The equations we can use are:
the minimum tension in the cable is 𝑠 = 𝑐 sinh
𝑥
where 𝑐=
𝑇𝑂
200 lb, determine the total weight of the 𝑐 𝑤

cable and the maximum tension Combining the two, we get:

developed in the cable. 𝑇𝑜 𝑤𝑥
𝑠= sinh
15 ft 𝑤 𝑇𝑂
Note that 𝑇𝑂 is the minimum tensile force on
the cable, therefore it is equal to 200 lb. At
50 15
the supports, 𝑠 = 2 = 25 ft and 𝑥 = 2 =
7.5 ft. Hence, we get:
200 7.5𝑤
25 = sinh
𝑤 200
 SAMPLE PROBLEM
We will use the Shift Solve feature of the
calculator with a trial value of 𝑤 = 1 to get 𝑤.
𝑤 = 79.93 lb/ft
Solving for total weight 𝑊:
W = 𝑤𝐿 = 79.93 lb/ft 50 ft
W = 3996.4 lb = 4.00 kips
The maximum tensile force occurs at the
supports where 𝑠 = 25 ft.

𝑇= 𝑇𝑂 2 + 𝑤 2𝑠2

𝑇𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 200 lb 2 + 79.93 lb/ft 2 25 ft 2

𝑇𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 2008.2 lb = 2.01 kips

 REFERENCE
 Beer, F. P ., Johnston, E. R. Jr., Mazurek, D. F., & Eisenberg, E. R.
(2007). Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics (9th Edition).
McGraw-Hill, New York.
 Hibbeler, R. C. (2009). Engineering Mechanics: Statics (12th
Edition). Prentice Hall.
THE END