Only Expert needed....Static Handouts

CE 2010 Handout #12 Section 4.10 (Exam #2)

Learning Objectives

 Explain a distributed load.

 Replace a distributed load with equivalent resultant forces and couple moments.

Distributed Loads

 The forces we’ve been working with act at a single point. These are called

____________________ forces.

 Forces transmitted through a pressure acting over an area are called _________________ loads.

 Examples: wind, soil, water, self weight, snow, floor and roof loads.

 A pressure that’s a function of distance, 

F(x) F(x) p(x) = =

A W L

 When pressure is constant across the width, it can be simplified to a distributed load,

  

F(x) F(x) w(x) = p(x) W = W =

W L L Units: ________, __________.

 Common Distributed Load Types:

Rectangular Triangular Trapezoidal

 Distributed loads can be reduced to an equivalent resultant force acting through the centroid of

the load using calculus. Common shapes can be referenced in the back cover of the textbook.

 Rectangular Distributed Loads:

CE 2010 Handout #12 Section 4.10 (Exam #2)

Ex #1 The loading on the bookshelf is distributed as shown. Determine the magnitude of the equivalent resultant force and its location, measured from point O.

Triangular Distributed Loads: Trapezoidal Distributed Loads: Ex #2 Replace the distributed loading by an equivalent resultant force and specify its location, measured from point A.

HW Hint