Abstract

In the finite element method, there are shortcomings using the conventional formulae to calculate the sectional forces, i.e., the bending moment and the shear force, at any cross-section of Bernoulli-Euler beam under dynamic loads. This paper presents some new finite-element formulae overcoming the shortcomings of the conventional ones to calculate the sectional forces at any cross-section of a Bernoulli-Euler beam on continuously viscoelastic foundation subjected to concentrated moving loads. The proposed formulae can easily degenerate into the formulae for calculating the sectional forces of a simply supported or a continuous Bernoulli-Euler beam subjected to concentrated moving loads, and into the formulae for calculating the sectional forces of a Bernoulli-Euler beam on Winkler foundation under static loads. Five numerical examples including static and dynamic analyses are chosen to illustrate the application of the proposed formulae. Numerical results show: (1) compared with the conventional formulae, the proposed formulae can improve the calculation accuracy of the sectional forces of beam; (2) one should use the proposed formulae, not the conventional formulae, to calculate the sectional forces at any cross-section in Bernoulli-Euler beam.