MODULE 4

SHEAR AND
MOMENT
DIAGRAMS
Module 4 51

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module, the student will able to:

1. Solve reactions, maximum shear, and maximum moment.

2. Analyze the process of moving loads.

Introduction
Basic problems in dealing civil engineering course is the relations between the
stress and deformations caused by applied loads to any structure. With these, we had
difficulty in solving deformations under indeterminate structure and similarly in torsion.

The study of flexural stresses is quite complicated as the load effects vary from
section to section of the beam. However, these effects take the form of a shearing force
and bending moment, now being referred to as shear and moment.

Study these carefully, for this is vital to next preceding topic and even subjects.
Shear and bending moment diagrams are analytical tools used in conjunction
with structural analysis to help perform structural design by determining the value
of shear force and bending moment at a given point of a structural element such as
a beam. These diagrams can be used to easily determine the type, size, and material of
a member in a structure so that a given set of loads can be supported without structural
failure. Another application of shear and moment diagrams is that the deflection of a
beam can be easily determined using either the moment area method or the conjugate
beam method.

Figure 4.1.

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asso. Prof. III
Module 4 52
In static, you are been oriented with the type loads, types of beams, and types of
supports. There are significant in solving internal reactions.

A concentrated load is one that acts over so small distance that it can be
assumed to act at a point see Fig. 4.2a. Sometimes this also known as point load. In
contrast, a distributed load acts over a considerable length of the beam see Fig. 4.2b.
In a distributed load may also be a uniformly distributed or uniformly varying load. In a
uniformly varying load or triangular load, the intensity of loading increases or decreases
at a constant rate as in the Fig. 4.2c. One of the example of increasing pressure is the
water pressure which illustrated as uniformly varying load.

w (kN/m)
P

R L R R R L R R

L L

(a) (b)

w (kN/m) w (kN/m)
(decreasing)
(increasing)

R L R R R L R R

L L

(c) (d)

Figure 4.2.

Shear and Moment y

x
P
In a simple beam as shown in Fig. 4.3 a

carries a concentrated load P and is held in a

equilibrium by the reactions R1 and R2. For the

time being, neglect the weight of the beam R L R R

itself and consider only the effect of the load P.

Assume that a cutting plane a-a at a distance L
x from the left support divides the beam into
two segments. The free-body-diagram (FBD)
can be shown at Fig. 4.3 that shows the y

externally applied load is R1. x

Vr
Mr

Mr L-x

R Vr R
Figure 4.3. L R

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asso. Prof. III
Module 4 53
Rule in making Shear and Moment Diagram:

Load Diagram to Shear Diagram

Increasing (Concave)

Decreasing (Convex)

Shear Diagram to Moment Diagram

Increasing (Concave)

Decreasing (Convex)

See below the sample, sketching a shear and moment diagram based the rule.

w (kN/m) w (kN/m)

(increasing) (decreasing)

L-D L-D L-D

R L R R R L
R R

L L

(c) R L
(c)

R L

V-D V-D
x x

-R R

-RR

Max. M Max. M

M-D M-D

Figure 4.4.

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asso. Prof. III
Module 4 54

Example 4.1 20 kN/m 30 kN

Write the shear and moment equations for
the beam loaded as shown in Fig. 4.5 and B C D
A
sketch the shear and moment diagram. 5m 5m 4m

R 1 R 2

Figure 4.5.
Solution.
First, we begin to compute the reactions. Applying the summation of moment at the left
support.
∑ 𝑀𝐴 = 0
5
10𝑅2 = 20(5) ( ) + 30(14)
2
𝑅2 = 67 𝑘𝑁
∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 0
𝑅1 + 𝑅2 = 20(5) + 30
𝑅1 = 63 𝑘𝑁

Using equation and cut-section method:

x c

x b

a
x

20 kN/m 30 kN

B C D
A
5m 5m 4m

R 1 R 2

a b c

Figure 4.6. Free Body Diagram.

a
If a cut-section in a-a is taken through the beam anywhere between 20 kN/m
A and B, the external loads on it appears as in FBD. Using the
definitions of vertical shear and bending moments:
x
𝑉 = ∑(𝐹𝑣 )𝐿 𝑉𝐴𝐵 = 63 − 20𝑥 (𝑎) a
R = 63 kN
1

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asso. Prof. III
Module 4 55
𝑥
𝑀 = ∑(𝑀)𝐿 𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 63𝑥 − (20𝑥) (𝑏)
2
b
The value of x in cut-section a-a is 0-5m only. Next, to obtain the 20 kN/m
shear and moment equation between B and C, using cut-section
B
b-b; A
5m
x

𝑉 = ∑(𝐹𝑣 )𝐿 𝑉𝐵𝐶 = 63 − 100 = −37 (𝑐) R 1

b

5
𝑀 = ∑(𝑀)𝐿 𝑀𝐵𝐶 = 63𝑥 − 100 (𝑥 − ) (𝑑)
2

c
20 kN/m
The shear and moment equations for segment
CD are obtained similarly by passing cut A
B C

section c-c anywhere on C and D. 5m 5m 14-x

R = 63 kN
1
R = 67
2
x

𝑉 = ∑(𝐹𝑣 )𝐿 𝑉𝐶𝐷 = 63 − 100 + 67 = +30 (𝑒)

5
𝑀 = ∑(𝑀)𝐿 𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 63𝑥 − 100 (𝑥 − ) + 67(𝑥 − 10) (𝑓)
2
𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 30𝑥 − 420
20 kN/m 30 kN

B C D
A
L-D 5m 5m 4m

R 1 R 2

63 67 67

V-D
-37 -37

99.23
65 kN.m

M-D

-120 kN.m

Elastic Curve
A

E
D
Figure 4.7. Shear-Moment Diagram.

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asso. Prof. III
Module 4 56

Shear and Moment Diagrams

Shear moment diagrams are merely graphical visualization of the shear and
moment equations plotted on V-x and M-x axes usually located below the load diagrams
as part in Fig. 4-7.

Shear and moment at the change of load points can be computed by substituting
appropriate values of x in the foregoing V and M equations (a to f), but it is simpler and
more direct to compute these numerical values by applying the fundamental definitions
of V and M to specific sections. For example, the section of zero shear between A and B
occurs because the downward force due to x meters of load applied at 20 kN/m must
balance the vertical shear of 63 kN at A. Hence, we have

63 = 20𝑥
𝑥 = 3.15 𝑚
It is just a simple, ratio and proportion of values. Then, afterward you may now
compute the maximum moment.

3.15
𝑀 = 63(3.15) − 63 ( 2 ) = 99.23 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚
At point E, where the beam changes its shape from concave up to concave down,
we have what is called the point of inflection. Also, take note that the zero value of
shear is the location of Maximum Moment.

Example 4.2
The simply supported beam in Fig. 4.8 carries two
concentrated loads. (1) Derive the expressions for
the shear force and the bending moment for each
segment of the beam. (2) Sketch the shear force
and bending moment diagrams. Neglect the weight
of the beam. Note that the support reactions at A
and D have been computed and are shown in Fig.
4.8.
Solution.
Figure 4.8.
∑ 𝑀𝐴 = 0
7𝑅𝐷 = 14(2) + 28(5)
𝑅𝐷 = 24 𝑘𝑁

∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 0
𝑅𝐴 + 𝑅𝐷 = 14 + 28

𝑅1 = 18 𝑘𝑁

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asso. Prof. III
Module 4 14 kN 28 kN 57
Alternative Approach of solving Shear:
(Load) B C D

𝑉𝐴 = 18 L-D A 2m 3m 2m

𝑉𝐴𝐵 = 18 + 0
R = 18 kN R = 24 kN
𝑉𝐵 = 18 − 14 = 4
A D

𝑉𝐵𝐶 = 4 + 0 = 4
𝑉𝐶 = 4 − 28 = −24 18 kN 18 kN
𝑉𝐶𝐷 = −24 − 0 = −24 4 kN 4 kN
𝑉𝐷 = −24 + 24 = 0
(Max. Shear = 24kN)
V-D 0 kN

Alternative Approach of solving Moment: -24 kN -24 kN

(Area of Shear)
𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 18(2) = 36 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚 +48
𝑀𝐵𝐶 = 36 + 4(3) = 48 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚
+36
𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 48 − 24(2) = 0

(Max. Moment = 48 kN.m) M-D

Figure 4.9.

Assignment 4.1
1. Beam loaded as shown in Fig. 4.10.

Figure 4.10.

2. Beam loaded as shown in Fig. 4.11.

Figure 4.11.

3. Beam loaded as shown in Fig. 4.12. Figure 4.11.

Figure 4.12.

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asso. Prof. III
Module 4 58
4. Beam loaded as shown in Fig. 4.13.

Figure 4.13.

5. A cantilever beam loaded as shown

in Fig. 4.14.

Figure 4.14.

6. A loaded beam as shown in Fig. 4.15.

Figure 4.15.
7. Beam carrying the triangular loading
shown in Fig. 4.16.

Figure 4.16.

Relationship among Load, Shear and Moment

Properties of Shear and Moment Diagrams

The following are some important properties of shear and moment diagrams:
1. The area of the shear diagram to the left or to the right of the section is equal to the
moment at that section.
2. The slope of the moment diagram at a given point is the shear at that point.
3. The slope of the shear diagram at a given point equals the load at that point.

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asso. Prof. III
Module 4 59
4. The maximum moment occurs at the point of zero shears.
This is in reference to property number 2, that when the
shear (also the slope of the moment diagram) is zero, the
tangent drawn to the moment diagram is horizontal.
5. When the shear diagram is increasing, the moment diagram
is concave upward.
6. When the shear diagram is decreasing, the moment diagram is concave downward.

Example 4.3
A beam loaded as shown in Fig. 4.17.
Write the shear and moment diagram.

Solution.
ΣMA=0
6R2=2(60)+7(30)
R2=55kN

ΣMC=0
6R1+1(30) = 4(60)
R1=35kN

To draw the Shear Diagram:

1. VA = R1 = 35 kN
2. VB = VA + Area in load diagram - 60 kN
VB = 35 + 0 - 60 = -25 kN
3. VC = VB + area in load diagram + R2
VC = -25 + 0 + 55 = 30 kN
4. VD = VC + Area in load diagram - 30 kN
VD = 30 + 0 - 30 = 0
To draw the Moment Diagram:
1. MA = 0
2. MB = MA + Area in shear diagram
MB = 0 + 35(2) = 70 kN·m

Figure 4.17.

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asso. Prof. III
Module 4 60
3. MC = MB + Area in shear diagram
MC = 70 - 25(4) = -30 kN·m
4. MD = MC + Area in shear diagram
MD = -30 + 30(1) = 0

Example 4.4
Beam loaded as shown in Fig. 4.18

Figure 4.18.
Solution.

ΣMC=0
12R1=100(12)(6)+800(3)
R1=800lb

ΣMA=0ΣMA=0
12R2=100(12)(6)+800(9)
R2=1200lb

To draw the Shear Diagram

1. VA = R1 = 800 lb
2. VB = VA + Area in load diagram
VB = 800 - 100(9)
VB = -100 lb
VB2 = -100 - 800 = -900 lb
3. VC = VB2 + Area in load diagram
VC = -900 - 100(3)
VC = -1200 lb
4. Solving for x:
x / 800 = (9 - x) / 100
100x = 7200 - 800x
x = 8 ft

Figure 4.19.

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asso. Prof. III
Module 4 61
To draw the Moment Diagram
1. MA = 0
2. Mx = MA + Area in shear diagram
Mx = 0 + ½(8)(800) = 3200 lb·ft;
3. MB = Mx + Area in shear diagram
MB = 3200 - ½(1)(100) = 3150 lb·ft
4. MC = MB + Area in shear diagram
MC = 3150 - ½(900 + 1200)(3) = 0
5. The moment curve BC is downward parabola with vertex at A'. A' is the location of
zero shear for segment BC.

Assignment 4.2
1. Beam loaded as shown in Fig. 4.20.

Figure 4.20.

2. Beam loaded as shown in Fig. 4.21.

Figure 4.21.
3. Beam loaded as shown in Fig. 4.22.

Figure 4.22.

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asso. Prof. III
Module 4 62
4. Beam carrying the uniformly varying load shown in Fig. 4.23. w (kN/m)

R L R R

Figure 4.23.

5. Beam carrying the triangular load shown in Fig. 4.24.

w (kN/m)

L/2 L/2
R L R R

Figure 4.24.

6. Given the shear diagram as shown in Fig. 4.25. Compute the maximum moment.

Figure 4.25.

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asso. Prof. III
Module 4 63
7. Given the shear diagram as shown in Fig. 4.26. Compute the maximum moment

Figure 4.26.

Moving Loads
From the previous section, we see that the maximum moment occurs at a point of
zero shears. For beams loaded with concentrated loads, the point of zero shears usually
occurs under a concentrated load and so the maximum moment.

Beams and girders such as in a bridge or an overhead crane are subject to moving
concentrated loads, which are at fixed distance with each other. The problem here is to
determine the moment under each load when each load is in a position to cause a
maximum moment. The largest value of these moments governs the design of the beam.

Single Moving Load

For a single moving load, the maximum moment occurs when the load is at the
midspan and the maximum shear occurs when the load is very near the support (usually
assumed to lie over the support).

Figure 4.27.
Based on the rule of the moving load: The bending moment under a particular load
is maximum when the center of the beam is midway between that load and the resultant
of all loads then on the span.

The maximum shear force is occurs or equivalent to maximum reactions.

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asso. Prof. III
Module 4 64
Example 4.5
A truck and trailer combination having the axle loads as shown in Fig. 4.28 rolls across
the simply supported span of 12m. Compute the maximum bending moment and the
maximum shearing force.

R=90 kN
15 kN 25 kN 50 kN
2m 6m

R L R R

L=12m

Figure 4.28.
Solution.
Maximum Moment.
First, take the resultant of the three axle loads and determine the location of the resultant
from its axle load.
∑ 𝐹𝑉 = 𝑅
𝑅 = 15 + 25 + 50 = 𝟗𝟎 𝒌𝑵

Next, determine the loads that will cause the bending moment to be maximum at 15 kN
at point A as shown in Fig. 4.29, in accordance to the rule.

CL
R=90 kN
3.5 m 2.5 m 2.5 m

15 kN 25 kN 50 kN
2m 6m

A B C
R L R R

L=12m

Figure 4.29. Position of Loads for Maximum Moment at A.

∑ 𝑀𝑅2 = 0
12𝑅1 = 90(3.5)
𝑅1 = 26.25 𝑘𝑁
From point A, cutting section A going to the left:

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asso. Prof. III
Module 4 65
∑ 𝑀𝐿 𝑜𝑓 𝐴 = 𝑀𝐴
𝑀𝐴 = 26.25(3.5)
𝑀𝐴 = 91.9 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚

And next, determine the loads that will cause the bending moment to be maximum
at 25 kN at point B as shown in Fig. 4.30.
CL
R=90 kN

4.5 m 1.5m 1.5m

15 kN 25 kN 50 kN
2m 6m

A B C
R L R R

L=12m

Figure 4.30. Position of Loads for Maximum Moment at B.

∑ 𝑀𝑅2 = 0
12𝑅1 = 90(4.5)
𝑅1 = 33.75 𝑘𝑁
From point B, cutting section B going to the left:
∑ 𝑀𝐿 𝑜𝑓 𝐵 = 𝑀𝐵
𝑀𝐴 = 33.75(4.5) − 15(2)
𝑀𝐴 = 122 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚

Lastly, determine the loads that will cause the bending moment to be maximum at
CL
25 kN at point B as shown in Fig. 4.31.
R=90 kN
5.0 m 1.0m 1.0m

15 kN 25 kN 50 kN
2m 6m

A
B C
R L R R

L=12m

Figure 4.31. Position of Loads for Maximum Moment at C.

∑ 𝑀𝑅1 = 0
12𝑅1 = 75(5)
𝑅1 = 31.25 𝑘𝑁

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asso. Prof. III
Module 4 66
From point C, cutting section C going to the right:
Take note that the resultant at the centerline section C, is R’ = 25 + 50 = 75 kN
∑ 𝑀𝑅 𝑜𝑓 𝐶 = 𝑀𝐶
𝑀𝐶 = 31.25(4)
𝑀𝐶 = 156 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚

Finally, in comparing the values of maximum moment, the most dangerous load or
design load or bending moment is 156 kN.m, occurring under point C when only loads B
and C are on the span.

Maximum Shearing Force.

For the maximum shear, please see Fig. 4.32.
If all three loads are on the span, the resultant load R is 3m from the R2 when C is over
R2; it is 5m from R1 when A is over R1. Evidently the maximum reaction, and consequently
the maximum shearing force, is at R2, since it is nearer the resultant load. By setting
moments about R1 equal to zero, then we find R2 to be
R=90 kN
15 kN 25 kN 50 kN
2m 6m

15 kN 3.0m
R L R R

L=12m

Figure 4.32. Placing the highest load at the top of support.

∑ 𝑀𝑅1 = 0
12𝑅2 = 90(12 − 3)
𝑅2 = 67. 5 𝑘𝑁
Hence,
𝑴𝒂𝒙. 𝑽 = 𝟔𝟕. 𝟓 𝒌𝑵

Note: Always declare the answer by underlining the final answer or highlight the answer.

Assignment 4.3
1. A truck with axle loads of 40 kN and 60 kN on a wheel base of 5 m rolls across a 10-m
span. Compute the maximum bending moment and the maximum shearing force.

2. Repeat Prob. 1 using axle loads of 30 kN and 50 kN on a wheel base of 4 m crossing

an 8-m span.

3. A truck and trailer combination crossing a 12-m span has axle loads of 10, 20, and 30
kN separated respectively by distances of 3 and 5 m. Compute the maximum moment
and maximum shear developed in the span.

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asso. Prof. III
Module 4 67
Feedback
Hello there, my dear students! How are you coping with the lessons? Do you still
have some difficulty understanding the lessons? If yes, then go back to initial page of the
module and start reading again.

References
Besavilla, V. I., Simplified Structural Design, VIB Publishing, Revised Edition, Cebu
City, 2009.

Pytel A. et al, Strength of Materials, Harper Collins Publishing, Inc., New York, 1987.

www.https://mathalino.com

Engr. BIENVINIDO C. BALANLAY Jr, PhD

Asso. Prof. III