VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

BELGAUM

ENGINEERING MECHANICS
(Subject Code: BCIVC203)

LECTURE NOTES

(MODULE-2)
II-SEMESTER

Mrs. Babitha B
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering

AJIET
A J INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
(A unit of Laxmi Memorial Education Trust. (R))
NH - 66, KottaraChowki, Kodical Cross - 575 006
 ENGINEERING MECHANICS
Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

MODULE - 2

Equilibrium of coplanar force system: Equilibrium of coplanar concurrent force system, Lami's
theorem, Equilibrium of coplanar parallel force system, types of beams, types of loadings, types
of supports, Equilibrium of coplanar non-concurrent force system, support reactions of statically
determinate beams subjected to various types of loads, Numerical examples.

EQULIBRIUM OF FORCE

Equilibrium:

When a stationary body is subjected to external forces, if the body remains in the state of
rest under the action of forces, it is said to be in equilibrium.

Principle of equilibrium:

According to this principle ‘A body is said to be in equilibrium if algebraic sum of all

forces acting on a body = 0 and also the algebraic sum of moments of forces about any fixed point
= 0 i.e.  F = 0 ,  Fx = 0 ,  Fy = 0 ,  M = 0 .

A body is said to be in equilibrium if there is no translation and no rotation of the body

under the application of external forces.

Condition of equilibrium for different force system

1. Co-planar concurrent force system:

 Fx = 0 ,  Fy = 0 (Moment is already Zero)

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Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

2. Co-planar non-concurrent force system:

 Fx = 0 ,  Fy = 0 ,  M = 0

3. Parallel force system

F = 0,M = 0
4. Non-coplanar force system

 Fx = 0 ,  Fy = 0 ,  Fz = 0 ,  M = 0
Equilibrant:

Sometimes the resultant of force system is not equal to zero. That means the body is not in
equilibrium, the force, which is required to keep the body in equilibrium, is known as
equilibrant.

Lami’s theorem:

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Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

This theorem states that ‘if three forces acting at a point are in equilibrium, each
force is directly proportional to the sine of angle between the other two forces’.

Let P, Q, R be the three forces acting at a point O and let,,  are the angles between R
and Q, P and R, P and Q respectively.

Using Lami’s theorem, we have

P Q R
= =
sin (180 −  ) sin (180 −  ) sin (180 −  )

P Q R
 = =
sin  sin  sin 

It is possible to apply the Lami’s theorem if only three forces are acting on a particle or at a
point

Free body diagram (F.B.D)

A free body diagram is the diagram which represents the various forces acting on the body.

Fig (i) Fig (ii)

Let us consider a spherical ball of mass m, placed on a horizontal plane and tied to the plane
by a string as shown in figure (i).

Figure (ii) shows the free body diagram of the spherical ball subjected to various forceslike

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Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

i) Self weight, W always acting vertically downwards.

ii) Normal reaction R, always acting perpendicular to the plane under consideration
iii) Tension T in the string.

Example:

PROBLEMS

1) A 3kN crate is to be supported by the rope and pulley arrangement shown in figure. Determine
the magnitude and direction of minimum force F that should be exerted at free end of the rope.

−1  1.05 
 = tan   =16.26
 3.6 

According to Lami’s theorem,

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Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

F 2T W
= =
sin(180 −  ) sin(90 +  ) sin( + 90 −  )
F 3 F 3
= ; =
sin  sin( + 90 −  ) sin 16.26 sin( + 90 −  )
sin( + 90 −  ) is max imum
sin( + 90 −  ) = sin 90
 =

F
=3
sin 16.26
F = 3 sin 16.26 = 0.839kN

2) Two cables are connected at A and B as shown in figure. And a force of 30 kN is applied at C.
Determine the forces in the cable CA and CB.

Using Lami’s Theorem, we have

TCA T 30
= CB =
sin 135 sin 120 sin 105
30
TCA =  sin 135
sin 105
= 21.961K N
TCB 30
=
sin 120 sin 105
30
TCB =  sin 120
sin 105
= 26.897 KN

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS
Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

3 ) The figure shows a rope supporting two loads W and P. If BC is horizontal and W =600 N.
determine the load P also find the tensile forces developed in the different segments of rope.

F.B.D of B F.B.D of C

Consider F.B.D of B and Apply the Lami’s Theorem

TBA TCB 600

= =
sin 90 sin 120 sin 150

TCB 600
=
sin 120 sin 150

600
TBC =  sin 120
sin 150
=1039.230 N

Consider F.B.D of C and Apply the Lami’s Theorem

TCD 1039.23 P
= =
sin 90 sin 150 sin 120

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Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

1039.23
P=  sin 120
sin 150
=1800 N
600
TBA =
sin 150
=1200 N

1039.23
TBA =
sin 150
= 2078.46 N

4) A string ABCD attached to two fixed points A and B has two equal weights 500N attached to
it at B and C. The weights rest with portions AB and CD inclined at angles of 30 and 60
respectively with the vertical. Find the tensions in the portions AB, BC, and CD of the string.
The inclination of BC with vertical is 120.

Consider F.B.D of B and Apply the Lami’s Theorem

TBA TBC 500

= =
sin 60 sin 150 sin 150

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Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

TBc = 500 N
TBA 500
=
sin 60 sin 150

TBA =866.03N

Consider F.B.D of C and Apply the Lami’s Theorem

TBC TCD 500

= =
sin 120 sin 120 sin 120

TCD = 500 N.

5) Compute the tensions in the strings AB, BC&CD shown in figure.

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Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

Consider FBD at C

Using Lami’s theorem we

have

TCD
0
= TBC = 800 0
sin 120 sin 150 sin 90

TBC= 400N

TCD=692.82N

Consider FBD at B

Using conditions of equilibrium we have

 Fx =0
-TABcosθ+400cos300=0

TABcosθ=346.41-------------- (1)

 Fy =0

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Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

TABsinθ-400sin30-1000=0

TABsinθ=1200------------------ (2)

= TAB sin  = 1200

TAB cos 346.41

θ=73.900 substitute the value ofθ in 1, we get

TAB=1249.158N

6) ) A sphere weighing 100 N is fitted in a right-angled notch as shown in figure. If all contact
surfaces are smooth, determine the reaction at contact surfaces:

At contact point, reaction is developed and is perpendicular to the plane..

Applying Lami’s theorem, we have

RB RA 100
= =
sin 120 sin 150 sin 90

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Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering
sin 120  100
RB =
sin 90

= 86.602 N

sin 150  100

RA = = 50 N
sin 90

7) A horizontal shaft with inner clearance of 1000mm carries two spheres of radius 350mm and
250mm. The weights are 600N and 500N respectively. Find the reactions at all the points of
contact.

PR=1000-350-250= 400mm

PQ=350+250 =600mm

PR 400
cos = = = 48.18 0 .
PQ 600

Consider the F.B.D. of sphere (2)

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS
Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

Using Lami’s theorem, we have

RA RB 500
= = =447.365N.
sin 138.18 sin 90 sin 131.82

500
RB =  1 =670.922N.
sin 131.82

Consider the F.B.D. of sphere 1

Applying laws of equilibrium

ΣFx=0

ΣFy=0 we get

ΣFx=0

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Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

 Rc − 670.922  cos 48.18 = 0

 Rc = 670.922  cos 48.18 =447.366N

ΣFy=0

RD-600-670.922sin48.18=0.: RD=1100N

8. Two cylinder weighing 5000N and 2500N resting on a smooth inclined plane as shown in fig.
Neglecting the weight of connecting bar. Find the force P applied such that the system is in
equilibrium.

Consider F.B.D. of A

Using Lami’s theorem, we have

R RK 5000
= =
sin(120 0 ) sin(110 0 ) sin(130 0 )

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Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

5000
R= 0
 sin 120 0 = 5652.579 N .
sin(130 )

5000
RK = 0
 sin 1100 = 6133.407 N .
sin(130 )

Consider F.B.D. of sphere B

Fx=0

R cos 20 − RL sin 30 − P sin 450 = 0

RL sin 30 + P sin 45 = 5311.686 ------ (1)

ΣFy=0

+ RL cos 300 − P cos 450 = 4433.29 --- (2)

(1)+ (2)

RL cos 300 + RL sin 300 = 9744.981 .

RLcos30+0.5RL=9744.981

1.366 RL=9744.981, RL=7133.953N.

Substitute the value of RLin 2 we get

7133.953×cos30-Pcos45=4433.295N

Pcos45=1744.889N

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Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

P=2467.645N.

9. Determine the reactions at the surface of contact and tension in the string AB shown in
figure.R1=R2=R3 =200mm.

Two equal and opposite reactions will be developed between the contact surfaces of two
bodies.

Consider the F.B.D. of sphere 1

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Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

Using Lami’s theorem, we have

R1 R3 1
sin 131.40 = sin 131.40 = sin 97.200
0 0

R1 1
0
sin 131.40 0 = sin 97.20 ,  R1=0.756kN

R3 1
sin 131.40 = sin 97.20 0 , R3=0.756kN.
0

Consider the F.B.D. of sphere 2

Using the conditions of equilibrium, we have

 Fx =0
TAB-0.756cos41.400 =0 TAB=0.567kN

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Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

 Fy =0
R2-0.756sin 41.400-1 =0

R2=1.5kN

Consider the F.B.D. of sphere 3

Using the conditions of equilibrium, we have

 Fy =0
R4-0.756sin 41.400-1 =0,R4=1.5kN.

R1=0.756kN.

R2=1.5kN.

R3=0.756kN.R4=1.5kN. TAB=0.567kN.

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS
Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

Support Reactions:
The various structural members are connected to the surroundings by various types of
supports. The structural members exert forces on supports known as action. Similarly supports
exert forces on structural members known as reaction. A beam is a horizontal member, which is
generally placed on supports.
The beam is subjected to the vertical forces known as action. Supports exert forces on beam known
as reaction.
Types of supports:
1) Simple supports
2) Roller supports
3) Hinged or pinned supports
4) Fixed supports
1) Simple supports:

Simple supports are those supports, which exert reactions perpendicular to the plane of support. It
restricts the translation of body in one direction only, but not rotation.
2) Roller supports:

Roller supports are the supports consisting of rollers which exert reactions perpendicular to the
plane of the support. They restrict translation along one direction and no rotation.

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Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

3) Hinged or Pinned supports:

Hinged supports are the supports which exert reactions in any direction but for our convenient
point of view it is resolved in to two components. Therefore, hinged supports restrict translation
in both directions. But rotation is possible.
4) Fixed supports:

Fixed supports are those supports which restricts both translation and rotation of the body.
Fixed supports develop an internal moment known as restraint moment to prevent the rotation of
the body.
Types of Beams: -
1) Simply supported Beam:

It is a beam which consists of simple supports. Such a beam can resist forces normal to the
axis of the beam.

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Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

2) Continuous Beam:

It is a beam which consists of three or more supports.

3) Cantilever beam:

It is a beam whose one end is fixed and the other end is free.
4) Propped cantilever Beam:
It is a beam whose one end is fixed and other end is simply supported.

5) Overhanging Beam:
It is a beam whose one end is exceeded beyond the support.

Types of loads:
1) Concentrated load: A load which is concentrated at a point in a beam is known as concentrated
load.

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS
Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

2) Uniformly Distributed load: A load which is distributed uniformly along the entire length of
the beam is known as Uniformly Distributed Load.

Convert the U.D.L. into point load which is acting at the centre of particular span
Magnitude of point load=20KN/mx3m=60kN
3) Uniformly Varying load: A load which varies with the length of the beam is known as
Uniformly Varying load

Magnitude of point load=Area of triangle and which is acting at the C.G. of triangle.

PROBLEMS:
1. A simply supported beam of span 6m is subjected to loading as shown in figure. Determine the
reactions at A and B.

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS
Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

Applying laws of equilibrium, we get

FY=0
RA + RB − 5 − 9 − 2 = 0

RA+RB=16 -------- (1)

Σ MB=0
-2×1.5-9×3-5×4.5+RA×6=0
RA=52.5/6=8.75kN.
RB=7.25kN.
2. Determine the reactions at A&B for the beam shown in the figure.

Σ Fx =0

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Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

RAX-200cos45=0
RAX=141.421kN.

ΣFY=0
RE+RAY-100-60-200sin45
RE+RAY =301.421. --------------------- (1)

ΣMA=0
-RE×12+200sin45×9+60×4.5+100×3+100=0
RE=161.899kN
Substitute RE in (1)
161.899+RAY=301.421
RAY =139.522kN.

3. For the beam with loading shown in the figure. Determine the reactions at the supports.

1 1
tan  =   = tan −1   = 26.56 0
2 2

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Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

Σ Fx=0

RAX + 100 cos 450 − RD sin 26.560 = 0

RAX- 0.477RD =70.71----------------------- (1)

ΣFY=0
RAY+RDcos26.56-100sin45-150=0
RAY+0.894×RD=220.71 ------------------ (2)

ΣMA=0
-5RDcos26.56+150×3.5+100sin45×1=0
RD = 133.199KN.
Substitute in (1), we get
RAX=-7.174KN
Substitute RD in (2), we get
RAY=101.63 kN
RA=101.88 Kn

4. Find the support reactions at A&B for the beam loaded as shown in figure

Using the conditions of equilibrium, we have

 Fx =0

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Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

RAX-3=0 RAX=3kN

 Fy =0
RAY+RB-5-6=0 RAY+ RB =11 -------------- (1)

M A =0

-RB×6+5×1+6×4.5-3×0.5-10
RB=3.417kN, substitute in (1) we get
RAY+3.417=11  RAY=7.583kN.

RA= RAX 2 + RAY 2

RA=8.155Kn

5. Calculate the support reactions for the cantilever beam shown in the figure.

Converting rectangular load to point load

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS
Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

Magnitude of load = Area of triangle=1/2×2×2=2kN

Load is acting at CG
Σ Fx=0
RAX = 80 cos 30 = 0

RAX = 69.282KN .
ΣFY=0
RAY-80sin30-2-12-30=0
 RAY =84kN.
ΣMA=0

2 
+80sin30×3+2   2 + 5  +12  8.5+30  12+MA=0
3 
 MA =-594.667kNm.
MA is an anticlockwise moment.

6. Determine the reactions at the supports A&B for a beam loaded as shown in figure

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS
Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

Using the conditions of equilibrium, we have

 Fx =0
40cos45- RAX =0
 RAX =28.284kN

 Fy =0
RAY +RB-40sin45-60-60=0
RAY + RB =148.284 --------------------- (1)
ΣMA=0
- RB ×3+60×1.5+60×2+50-40sin45×1=0
RB =77.238kN.
Substitute the value of RB in equation (1), we get
RAY=71.046kN.

 RA = RAx 2 + RAy 2

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Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

RA = (28.284 )2 + (71.046 )2
= 78.469kN.

 71.046 
θ=tan-1   =68.290.
 28.284 
Result: RA =76.469kN
RB =77.238kN

7. Determine the support reactions for the following figure.

Area of the triangle = 1  6  20 = 60kN .

2

Uniformly varying load to point load

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Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

i) Triangular load to point load

Area of the triangle = 1  5  20 = 50kN .

2
ii) U.D.L. to point load = 10kN/m  5m=50kN.

ΣFx=0
 -RDX=0
RDX=0
ΣFY=0
RBY+RDY-60-50-50=0
RBY+RDY =160------------------------ (1)
ΣMB=0,

2 
-RDY  8+50    5 + 3  +50(2.5+3) =0
3 

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS
Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

RDY=73.958kN.
 RBY=160-73.958=86.042kN

RD = RDY 2 + DDX 2 = (0) 2 + (73 .958 ) 2

 RD=73.958KN.

8. Determine the support reactions for the compound beam shown in the figure.

Radius of the roller is negligible.

Consider beam BE
ΣFY=0

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 ENGINEERING MECHANICS
Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

RB+RE=9kN --------------------------- (1)

ΣMB=0
5  1+4  2-RE  3=0
 3RE=13
RE=13/3=4.33kN.
 RB=9KN-4.333KN=4.667kN.
Consider beam AC
ΣFx=0
 RAX=0
ΣFy=0
RAY+ Rc =15+4.667=19.667kN.
ΣMA=0,
15  1.5+4.667  3-Rc  4=0
4Rc=36.501
Rc =9.125KN.
RAy=19.667-9.125=10.542kN
RA =10.542kN.
Beam DF:
ΣFx=0
 RFx=0
ΣFy=0
RD+RFY=15+4.333=19.333kN
ΣMF=0
-15  1.5-4.333  3+RD  4=0
RD =8.875kN.
 RFY =19.333-8.875=10.458kN
 RFy =10.458kN.

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Subject Code: BCIVC203 Department: Civil Engineering

REVIEW QUESTIONS:
1. State and prove Lami's theorem.
2. A string ABCD is tied at A & D to Hooks as shown in figure. At c, weight of 433N is suspended.
And at B, an unknown weight W is suspended such that BC is horizontal and AB &CD are inclined
at 450 and 600 respectively to the horizontal Determine the tensions in AB, BC and CD and find
magnitude

3. A chain ABCD attached to two fixed points A&D has two equal weights of 100kN attached to
B & C as shown in figure. Find the tension in the chain AB, BC and CD

4. Two smooth cylinders, each of weight W=1000N and radius 15cm are connected at their
center by string AB of length =40cm and rests upon a horizontal plane supporting above them a
third cylinder of weight =2000N and radius 15cm as shown in the figure. Find the force S in the
string AB and the pressure produced on the floor at the pointer of contact D &E

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5. Two smooth spheres rest between two vertical columns as shown in figure. The larger and
smaller spheres weigh respectively 1200N & 360N. The diameters of the larger and smaller
spheres are 36cm & 16cm respectively. Find the reactions at 1, 2, 3 and 4.

6. The fore system as shown in fig has a resultant of 240 acting up along the Y axis. Compute the
value of force P and its inclination with x axis.

.
7. Determine the support reactions for the beam supported and loaded as shown in figure.

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8. Find the magnitude of anticlockwise couple M to be applied at D so that reaction at ‘F’ will be
35KN upward Also find the reaction at support B of beam as shown in figure.

9. Define a beam. Explain the types of beams with a neat sketch.

10. Explain different types of supports in the analysis of the beam.
11. Explain the different types of horizontal members which are generally placed on the support.
12. Define equilibrant. Explain the conditions for equilibrium of coplanar concurrent force system
and coplanar non-concurrent force system.
13. Calculate the support reactions for the beam loaded and supported as shown in figure. Ans: RA
=13 kN RB = 16kN

14. Determine the support reactions for the beam supported and loaded as shown in figure.
Ans: RB = 32kN, RA = 58.85kN

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15. Determine the support reactions for a beam loaded as shown in figure.
Ans: RA = 55.83kN, RE = 79.17kN

16. A horizontal beam 6mlong is supported on a knife edge at its end B and the end A, rests on a
roller support placed on an inclined plane, having an inclination of 300 as shown in figure. Find
the reactions at the support A & B. Ans: RA = 1667.44N, RB = 1696.17N

17. Find the magnitude of anticlockwise couple M to be applied at D so that reaction at ‘F’ will be
35KN upward Also find the reaction at support B of beam as shown in figure.
Ans: M = 18.75N RB = 50kN

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18. Find the support reactions for a beam loaded and supported as shown in figure.
Ans: RAX = 5kN, RAY = 1.17kN, RB=16.83kN

19. Compute the reactions at the support of beam ABCD is laded and supported as shown in figure.
Ans: RCH = 50.558kN RA = 26.462kN, RCV=84.096kN

20. A beam ABF is loaded and supported as shown in figure. Find the direction and magnitude of
couple to be applied at B will be 50kN upward. Also compute the reaction at ‘F’ support.
Ans: couple at D = 18.75kN RF=35kN

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