Approximate Beam Analysis - The Art of Being Close Enough

This video is the first in a series on approximate structural analysis. Approximate analysis is valuable for checking results from an indeterminate or computer analysis. It is also very useful for multiple choice exams, such as the FE and PE exams - getting a quick answer that is close enough can eliminate incorrect solutions or even hone in on the correct answer.

This first video focuses on indeterminate beam analysis. An indeterminate system is converted to a determinate system by adding hinges at the inflection points (i.e., the locations of zero moment). Principles of locating inflection points are discussed, and two full examples problems are shown.