Simply Supported Beams

Question 1

How do you calculate Ra and Rb on a simply supported beam?

Answer 1

1. Add all forces acting on beam together = X
2. Rb x no. of widths under beam = (1st width x 1st force) + ((1st width + 2nd width) x 2nd force) + etc.
3. Divide long addition by no. of width under beam for Rb
4. Do X - Rb = Ra

Question 2

What do you do differently with a UDL beam?

Answer 2

Multiply UDL x width it covers, this is the new downward force value
You divide width UDL covers by 2, with new downward force value in middle