Beam deflection worksheet with answers

Free printable Beam deflection worksheet: 6 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

For teachers: free to print, copy and use in class. Every new worksheet has new values and its own answer key. A link to ExamProblems on your course page is appreciated.

Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy
P = 29 kNABθ4 m

A cantilever carries a point load P at its free end. Find the slope θB of the beam at the free end B, in radians.

P = 29 kNL = 4 mE = 200 GPa (steel)I = 84 × 10⁶ mm⁴
θB = rad
2.Easy
P = 15 kNδL = 1.5 m

A cantilever carries a point load P at its free end. Find the deflection δ at the free end.

P = 15 kNL = 1.5 mE = 70 GPa (aluminium)I = 84 × 10⁶ mm⁴
δ = mm
3.Medium
w = 10 kN/mABθ5 m

A simply supported beam carries a uniformly distributed load w over its whole span. Find the slope θA of the beam at support A, in radians.

w = 10 kN/mL = 5 mE = 70 GPa (aluminium)I = 36 × 10⁶ mm⁴
θA = rad
4.Medium
P = 6 kNABδ5.5 m2.5 m

A simply supported beam carries a point load P at a = 5.5 m from support A. Find the deflection δP under the load.

P = 6 kNa = 5.5 mL = 8 mE = 11 GPa (timber)I = 57 × 10⁶ mm⁴
δP = mm
5.Hard
w = 4 kN/mP = 24 kNδL = 3 m

A simply supported beam carries a uniformly distributed load w and a point load P at midspan. Using superposition, find the midspan deflection δmax.

P = 24 kNw = 4 kN/mL = 3 mE = 70 GPa (aluminium)I = 36 × 10⁶ mm⁴
δmax = mm
6.Hard
w = 1.5 kN/mABδ3 m

A simply supported timber beam of rectangular section, 100 mm wide, carries a uniformly distributed load w over its whole span. Its midspan deflection may not exceed span/300. Find the smallest depth hreq of the section.

w = 1.5 kN/mL = 3 mE = 11 GPa (timber)b = 100 mm
hreq = mm

Answer key

  1. 1. θB = 0.01381 rad
  2. 2. δ = 2.87 mm
  3. 3. θA = 0.02067 rad
  4. 4. δP = 75.38 mm
  5. 5. δmax = 7.031 mm
  6. 6. hreq = 120 mm

Full step-by-step solutions: practise this topic on examproblems.com.