APSC AE WRD 2019 PYQ: Point of Contraflexure

Point of Contraflexure Multiple Choice Question

Question: The point of contraflexure occurs in:
(A) Cantilever beam
(B) Simply supported beam
(C) Overhanging beam
(D) Fixed beam

Answer: (C) Overhanging beam

Explanation

The point of contraflexure is a location along a beam where the bending moment is zero and changes sign (from positive to negative or vice versa). This phenomenon occurs in beams where both positive and negative bending moments are present, typically due to specific loading and support conditions.

Beam Types and Contraflexure

Beam Type	Description	Point of Contraflexure
Cantilever Beam	A beam fixed at one end and free at the other, typically experiencing a single sign of bending moment.	Not present (bending moment does not change sign).
Simply Supported Beam	A beam supported at both ends, with bending moment zero only at supports.	Not present (no change of sign along the span).
Overhanging Beam	A beam with one or both ends extending beyond supports, leading to both positive and negative bending moments.	Present (due to moment sign change).
Fixed Beam	A beam fixed at both ends, which may experience moment sign changes depending on loading.	Possible (but not guaranteed, depends on loading).

Key Notes

• The point of contraflexure is a critical concept in structural engineering for analyzing beam behavior under load.
• Overhanging beams are most likely to exhibit points of contraflexure due to their configuration, which creates both positive and negative bending moments.
• In fixed beams, points of contraflexure may occur depending on the loading conditions, but they are not always present.
• Understanding the bending moment distribution is essential for designing safe and efficient beams in civil engineering.

Note: Identifying points of contraflexure is crucial for determining the structural behavior of beams and ensuring safe design in civil engineering applications.

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