- The user can
define either a simply supported beam (with overhangs) or a cantilever beam.
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- Concentrated
forces, moments, uniformly distributed, or linearly distributed loads can be specified for the beam.
Icons shown in a toolbar format permit users to select the desired load without
requiring consideration of a sign convention.
- Diagrams showing
shear force, bending moment, beam slope, and transverse deflection are drawn
immediately following the entry of a load. This permits the user to see the
effect of each load as it is added.
- Extra explanations
describe in words (1) how to set-up the equilibrium equations needed to solve
for the beam reactions, (2) how concentrated forces and moments affect the
shear force and bending moment diagrams, and (3) how to compute the area under
each portion of the shear force diagram, how to find the zero shear locations,
and how to construct the moment diagram from the shear force diagram.
- Loads can be
entered for either unfactored or factored load analysis. Unfactored loads
are used for the allowable stress design philosophy customarily found in mechanics
of materials texts. Factored loads are used in load and resistance factor
design for steel and concrete structures. Three load combinations are available:
1.4D, 1.2D + 1.6L, and 1.4D + 1.7L.
- Using a mouse,
the user can "click" at a specific location on the load diagram and obtain
the shear, moment, slope, or deflection at that point.