Shear Deformation in Beams on Elastic Foundations

Abstract

The importance of the effect of transverse shear deformation in the flexure of an elastic beam of symmetric cross section, constrained by a Winkler-type elastic foundation, is found to depend upon both the elastic properties of the beam and the foundation and the geometry of the beam cross section. Under certain conditions the form of the solution is substantially altered and the periodic character predicted by the classical treatment is not present. The practical significance of these modifications is illustrated by means of the specific examples of an infinite beam under concentrated load and an infinite beam under concentrated couple.