Structure and Mechanical
Engineering
Tutorial 1 –
Types of loads and Supports.
Dr. Aya Belal
Eng. Farah SaadEldin
Spring 2026
Agenda
1. Recap On Grading Policy And Course Schedule
2. “Structure” Definition and Load Path
3. Types of Loads
4. Types of Supports
5. Calculation of Reactions
6. Examples
Grading Policy
Midterm Exam 25%
Final Exam 35%
Coursework before Midterm 15%
Coursework before Midterm 15%
Class Participation 05%
Attendance 05%
Course Schedule
Week Date Lecture Tutorial Quiz
1 31st of Jan Introduction, type of supports X
Equilibrium of forces/
2 7th of Feb Supports and Reactions
Calculation of reactions
3 14th of Feb IFD of beams IFD of beams
4 21st of Feb Analysis of frames Analysis of frames Quiz 1
Analysis of trusses Analysis of trusses
5 28th of Feb
(joint method) (joint method)
Analysis of trusses Analysis of trusses
6 7th of March Quiz 2
(section method) (section method)
7 14th of March OFFICE HOURS
MIDTERM EXAM
Structure-Load Path
What is a Structure ?
A system of connected parts used to support a load.
Slab
Beam
Columns
Footings
Ground
Types of Loads
1-Concentrated Loads- Point Load
• Force at a point of value P (N or kN ; 1kN = 1000 N)
Types of Loads
2-Disributed Load- Line Load
• Units (kN/m )
Uniform Load Non-Uniform Load
Types of Loads
3-Disributed Load- Area Load
• Tiles (Finish layer)
• Units (𝑘𝑁ൗ𝑚2)
AREA LOAD
Types of Loads
4-Concentrated Moment
• Units (kN.m)
Types of Loads Distributed Load
Characteristic Point Load Line Load Area Load
Concentrated at a single Uniformly distributed along Uniformly distributed over
Description point a length an area
Column on a beam, wheel Wall on a beam Floor slab, wind pressure
Application load on a bridge on a wall
Units kN or N kN/m or N/m kN/m² or N/m²
Structural Supports
What is a Support and Why do we use it?
Most structures are not allowed to move freely, as they are restrained by supports
that connect them to the ground or another stationary body. These supports play a
crucial role in maintaining stability by limiting the possible movements of the
structure and ensuring that it remains in equilibrium under applied loads.
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Roller Support Hinged Support Fixed Support
-Pinned
Types of Structural Supports
1-Roller Support
Permits Translation in one direction
and Rotation
Restrains Translation in the other
perpendicular direction
Reactions (Unknowns) Against the restrained
motion. (1 Unknown)
Types of Structural Supports
2-Hinge Support
Permits Rotation Only
Restrains Translation in 2
perpendicular directions
Reactions (Unknowns) Against the restrained
motion. (2 Unknowns)
Types of Structural Supports
3-Fixed Support
Permits NO MOTION ALLOWED
Restrains Translation in 3
perpendicular directions
and Rotation.
Reactions (Unknowns) Against the restrained
motion. (3 Unknowns)
Types of Structural Supports
3-Fixed Support
Permits NO MOTION ALLOWED
Restrains Translation in 3
perpendicular directions
and Rotation.
Reactions (Unknowns) Against the restrained
motion. (3 Unknowns)
Supports
Idealized Indication Real Life Visualization
Types of Structural Supports
3-Fixed Support
Permits NO MOTION ALLOWED
Restrains Translation in 3
perpendicular directions
and Rotation.
Reactions (Unknowns) Against the restrained
motion. (3 Unknowns)
Link Member
• Link member are structural elements that carry only axial forces.
Typical Description of a Link Member
1. It is a straight line; no bending.
2. It starts with a hinge and ends with a hinge
4. It does not carry any loads on its span.
5. No members are intersecting with it.
Link Member
All members in the truss are link members.
Thank You
Spring 2026