Abstract:

ESDU 78030 gives graphs showing the end bending moments, and the maximum bending moment and its position, for a strut elastically restrained at its ends. The strut is initially straight and has a uniform section. Loading conditions are end moments, point lateral load, uniformly distributed loading over part of the length, or distributed loading over all the length linearly varying from zero at one end. An Appendix outlines how the differential equations for struts subjected to lateral loading can be formulated for numerical solution. The equations constructed apply to any lateral load configuration applied to a strut, with or without initial bow and/or offset end loads, the cross-sectional dimensions and material properties of which vary along the length.