This document discusses simply supported beams, which are horizontal structural members used to transfer loads to supports. It covers their classification, loading conditions, advantages, and disadvantages, noting the importance of shear forces and bending moments in their analysis. Examples include bridge girders, and the document highlights that while they are easy to analyze and install, they have limitations in resisting bending loads compared to fixed beams.

1. Simply Supported
Beams
Done by:-
Crystal Mahabir, Vickash Boodram,
Hanson Ramdath, Krista London,
Adrian Whiteman, Anthony Abdool

2. What are beams?
• Beams are generally horizontal structural members which transfer loads
horizontally along their length to the supports.
• Beams are used for resisting vertical loads, shear forces and bending moments.

3. Beams are classified into four main types:
• Simply Supported Beams
• Fixed Beams
• Cantilever Beams
• Continuously Supported Beams

4. Simply Supported Beams
• A beam is a structure element whose primary functions is to resist loads .
• Beams are classified by their manner of support.
• A simply supported beam is supported in both ends.
• Simply Supported Beams undergo Shearing and Bending

5. Shear Force
• Shear force with respect to a beam, is the force in the beam acting
perpendicular to is longitudinal x-axis.
• Shear force can be calculated and illustrated on a shear force
diagram.

6. Bending Moments
• The bending moment acting at a point on a beam is the resultant turning moment due to
all the forces acting to one side of the point.
• Two types of bending moments; Sagging bending moments (Positive) and Hogging
bending moments (Negative).
• Bending moments in the beam can be calculated and illustrated on a bending moment
diagram.

7. Various loading Conditions
• Loads are forces which causes stresses, deformation and displacements when
applied to a structure.
• There are several various loading conditions for simply supported beams.

8.  Uniformly Distributed loading case.

9.  Centre Loading Case

10.  Intermediate Loading Case.

11.  Two Equidistant Loading Case

12.  Example of Simply Supported Beams in a
Everyday Scenario.
The most common example of simply supported beams are; bridge girders, post
and lintel structure.

13. Advantages
• It is quick and simple to analyse a simple supported beam
• Simply supported beams are quick and simple to install
• A simply supported beam has no ability to transfer moments at its
supports.
• Simply supported beams require no complicated connection to the
supporting member
• Simply supported beams transfer fewer loads into a central supporting
member than a continuous beam.

14. Disadvantages
• A disadvantage of simply supported beams is the reduce ability to resist
bending loads when compared to fixed end beams.
• The maximum positive moments in simple supported beams are always
higher than the maximum positive moment in fixed end beams.
• As a result, the size of the simple supported beam require typically is
larger than if a fixed end beam was used.