Lines of influence on the Gerber beam

Many bridges are executed as Gerber beams. Bridges are subjected to moving loads. Consequently, it is important to take these moving loads into account in the design process. To that end, the so-called lines of influence are determined. Lines of influence describe static reactions to a moving load, such as the internal reactions of the beam or support reactions. The lines of influence are determined by way of method of sections and the conditions of equilibrium, in the same way as the bending moment diagram for a static load for example.

• investigation of the lines of influence in a statically determinate Gerber beam under different loading
• Gerber beam comprising 2 cantilever beams and 1 suspended beam
• suspended beam mounted by articulated supports on cantilever beams
• beam subjected to moving load or loaded down by single loads
• 4 movable supports with force gauge
• storage system to house the components
• experimental setup in frame