Continuous Beam Analysis Spreadsheet

This spreadsheet undertakes the analysis of a user specified beam which spans continuously over 1, 2, 3 or 4 supports, subject to user defined loads and support conditions. The spreadsheet then returns the analysis results in the form of maximum and minimum values for each span and support, and generates charts to illustrate the analysis of the whole beam.

The Spreadsheet includes the following functions;

•  Can model continuously spanning beams of any dimensions, including up to 5 spans
• The end supports can be modelled as either simply supported or fixed, the centre supports must be simply supported.
• Can model continuously spanning beams of any material by modifying the Modulus of Elasticity, though all spans must be the same material
• Can model continuously spanning beams of any shape by modifying the Inertia, and each span can be a different section
• Can model continuously spanning beams subject to any combination of more than 100 loading conditions, including;
  • Up to three different UDLs on each span
  • Up to six different Distributed Loads on each span
  • Up to six different Point Loads on each span
  • Up to six different Moments on each span
• Output
  • Returns values for maximum and minimum bending moments and gives their precise location for each span. Also returns bending moment values at a user specified point and draws a chart showing the bending moments at all points on the beam.
  • Returns values for maximum and minimum shear and gives their precise location for each span. Also returns shear values at a user specified point and draws a chart showing the shear at all points on the beam.
  • Returns values for maximum and minimum deflection and gives their precise location for each span. Also returns deflection values at a user specified point and draws a chart showing the deflection at all points on the beam.
  • Returns values for maximum and minimum rotation and gives their precise location for each span. Also returns rotation values at a user specified point and draws a chart showing the rotation at all points on the beam.
  • Returns values for the reactions and moments transferred into each of the supports.

The above values can be taken into a detailed beam design program.