Maximum Deflection
When analyzing beams under unsymmetrical loads, such as a train moving on a bridge, it is crucial to accurately determine the points of maximum stress and deflection. The process involves identifying the maximum deflection of the beam, which may not always occur at its midpoint due to the uneven distribution of the load.
The maximum deflection occurs at a specific point, known as point O, where the tangent to the deflection curve is horizontal. To find point O, the slope of the tangent at any...