Fixed Support

Definition

A fixed support is a type of structural support that prevents any translation or rotation of a structure at the point of attachment. It provides resistance against vertical and horizontal forces, as well as moments, making it crucial in maintaining the stability of structures and analyzing their behavior under loads.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fixed supports are often used in beams, frames, and other structural systems to ensure stability and control deformation under load.
2. At a fixed support, three reaction components occur: vertical force, horizontal force, and a moment.
3. The presence of a fixed support simplifies the process of drawing free-body diagrams, as the reactions can be clearly represented.
4. Fixed supports can be made from various materials, including concrete and steel, depending on the structural requirements.
5. Understanding fixed supports is essential for analyzing complex structures and determining their load-bearing capacity.

Review Questions

• How does the presence of a fixed support influence the behavior of a structure under applied loads?
  • A fixed support significantly influences the behavior of a structure by providing resistance against vertical and horizontal forces as well as moments. This means that when loads are applied to a structure with fixed supports, they help maintain its position and prevent excessive deflection or rotation. The reactions developed at the fixed support ensure that the structure remains stable, making it essential for proper structural design and analysis.
• Discuss the role of fixed supports in free-body diagrams and how they affect the analysis of structural systems.
  • In free-body diagrams, fixed supports play a crucial role as they introduce reaction forces that need to be accounted for when analyzing structural systems. These supports have three components: vertical reaction, horizontal reaction, and moment. Including these forces in the free-body diagram allows engineers to assess how loads will be distributed within the structure and predict its response to various loading conditions, facilitating effective design solutions.
• Evaluate the implications of miscalculating the effects of fixed supports in engineering design and its potential impact on structural integrity.
  • Miscalculating the effects of fixed supports can have severe implications for engineering design, leading to structural failures or excessive deformation. If the reactions at these supports are underestimated or improperly modeled, it could result in inadequate load-bearing capacity or stability issues. This may cause safety hazards and financial losses due to necessary repairs or redesigns. Therefore, understanding fixed supports is vital for ensuring that structures can withstand anticipated loads throughout their service life.

Related terms

Free Support: A support that allows for movement in one or more directions, providing no resistance to rotation or translation.

Moments: The rotational effect produced by a force applied at a distance from a pivot point, often considered in determining the equilibrium of structures.

Reaction Forces: The forces developed at supports due to applied loads, balancing out those loads to maintain static equilibrium.