Lesson 3: Distributed Loads and Equilibrium

Question 1

What is a distributed load?

Answer 1

A load that is spread over a length rather than acting at a single point.

Question 2

How do you replace a distributed load with an equivalent force?

Answer 2

1. Divide the load into rectangles and triangles.
2. Calculate the area of each section.
3. Apply the resultant force at the centroid.

Question 3

What is a Free Body Diagram (FBD)?

Answer 3

A sketch that represents a body isolated from its surroundings, showing all forces and moments acting on it.

Question 4

What are the types of supports and their reaction forces?

Answer 4

1. Pinned support – Horizontal and vertical reactions.
2. Roller support – Only a vertical reaction.
3. Fixed support – Horizontal, vertical, and moment reactions.

Question 5

What are the three equilibrium equations?

Answer 5

∑Fx=0, ∑Fy=0, ∑M=0