Flexural Design – Beam end partially restrained in a built-up wall: Design the beam for negative (hogging) moment at the face of support under a design load W and clear span L.
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AW L / 8
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BW L / 10
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CW L / 12
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DW L / 16
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EW L / 24
Answer
Correct Answer: W L / 12
Explanation
Introduction:When a beam end is built into or partially restrained by a wall, some fixity develops. This produces a negative (hogging) moment at the face of the support that must be resisted in design to avoid cracking and rotation at the bearing.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Uniformly distributed design load W on span L.
- End provides partial restraint due to embedment in a built-up wall.
- Design convention uses a codal negative moment coefficient at the face.
Concept / Approach:
End restraints reduce mid-span sagging moment and introduce end hogging. Classical coefficients for a partially fixed end commonly adopt an equivalent negative moment of W L / 12 at the face. This is a conservative and widely used detailing/design value.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Identify that restraint exists at the support → negative moment must be provided for.2) Adopt design coefficient for partial fixity at wall face → M_support = W * L / 12.3) Provide top bars (or compression steel for steel beams provide flange adequacy) to resist hogging near the face.Verification / Alternative check:
In the limiting cases, simply supported gives zero end moment; fully fixed would give a larger negative moment. The value W L / 12 sits between these, aligning with partial fixity practice.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
W L / 8 and W L / 10 overestimate typical partial fixity; W L / 16 and W L / 24 underestimate the required end capacity, risking cracks.
Common Pitfalls:
Ignoring end fixity in detailing, placing insufficient top bars at supports, or checking only mid-span sagging moment.
Final Answer:
W L / 12