Answer:
(a) 22 kN
(b) 36 kN, 29 kN
(c) left will decrease, right will increase
(d) 43 kN
Explanation:
(a) When the truck is off the bridge, there are 3 forces on the bridge.
Reaction force F₁ pushing up at the first support,
reaction force F₂ pushing up at the second support,
and weight force Mg pulling down at the middle of the bridge.
Sum the torques about the second support. (Remember that the magnitude of torque is force times the perpendicular distance. Take counterclockwise to be positive.)
∑τ = Iα
(Mg) (0.3 L) − F₁ (0.6 L) = 0
F₁ (0.6 L) = (Mg) (0.3 L)
F₁ = ½ Mg
F₁ = ½ (44.0 kN)
F₁ = 22.0 kN
(b) This time, we have the added force of the truck's weight.
Using the same logic as part (a), we sum the torques about the second support:
∑τ = Iα
(Mg) (0.3 L) + (mg) (0.4 L) − F₁ (0.6 L) = 0
F₁ (0.6 L) = (Mg) (0.3 L) + (mg) (0.4 L)
F₁ = ½ Mg + ⅔ mg
F₁ = ½ (44.0 kN) + ⅔ (21.0 kN)
F₁ = 36.0 kN
Now sum the torques about the first support:
∑τ = Iα
-(Mg) (0.3 L) − (mg) (0.2 L) + F₂ (0.6 L) = 0
F₂ (0.6 L) = (Mg) (0.3 L) + (mg) (0.2 L)
F₂ = ½ Mg + ⅓ mg
F₂ = ½ (44.0 kN) + ⅓ (21.0 kN)
F₂ = 29.0 kN
Alternatively, sum the forces in the y direction.
∑F = ma
F₁ + F₂ − Mg − mg = 0
F₂ = Mg + mg − F₁
F₂ = 44.0 kN + 21.0 kN − 36.0 kN
F₂ = 29.0 kN
(c) If we say x is the distance between the truck and the first support, then using our equations from part (b):
F₁ (0.6 L) = (Mg) (0.3 L) + (mg) (0.6 L − x)
F₂ (0.6 L) = (Mg) (0.3 L) + (mg) (x)
As x increases, F₁ decreases and F₂ increases.
(d) Using our equation from part (c), when x = 0.6 L, F₂ is:
F₂ (0.6 L) = (Mg) (0.3 L) + (mg) (0.6 L)
F₂ = ½ Mg + mg
F₂ = ½ (44.0 kN) + 21.0 kN
F₂ = 43.0 kN
