Engineering & design · University
Support reaction for a simply supported beam · formula reference
One downward point load W acts a distance a from left support A; beam self-weight is neglected.
Formula
One downward point load W acts a distance a from left support A; beam self-weight is neglected.
RB L = W a
Worked example
A simply supported beam of span 17 m carries 5000 N downward at 1 m from support A. Neglect self-weight. Find upward reaction at support B. Round the final result to 4 decimal places if needed. Answer in N.
Take moments about A: RB(17)=5000(1).
294.1176 N
Prerequisites and checking
Algebra and the topic definitions. Keep units and rounding consistent. State the model conditions before applying the formula.
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