Abstract
In the study presented here, a simplified exact analytical solution of the problem of indeterminate continuous beams is derived and compared with the numerical solution, finite element. For the analytical method, the structure is divided into a simply supported element with internal support moments. The moments are first calculated with the help of boundary rotation conditions by taking into account both the shear and bending deformations. Second, the deflection functions of the beam members are derived. The results of a two-span continuous beam show that both methods yield an excellent agreement. The advantage of the presented method is that it is simplified, general, not time-consuming, and it can be standardized to this type of structures. Solution methods discussed in this paper can be of interest within the framework of mechanical and civil engineering education in which bending and shear of thick beams are taught.
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