Moment Determination for Moving Load Systems

Abstract

An accurate method is described for the determination of the curves of maximum moments for beams loaded with moving loads. This method avoids errors in the range of 15 percent produced by the commonly used approximation techniques. It applies to simple beams and to beams overhanging their supports. The basic idea of the method is to replace each of the moving load systems by a virtual system of stationary loads. The moments and the reactions produced by this virtual system are equal to the maximum moments and to the maximum reactions respectively produced by the actual moving system of loads. Examples of the application of the theory are given for some simple loading conditions.