What is the formula for calculating the reaction forces at the supports of a simply supported beam with a uniform load?

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Q: What is the formula for calculating the reaction forces at the supports of a simply supported beam with a uniform load?

Solution: The reaction forces at the supports of a simply supported beam with a uniform load (w) are each equal to wL/2.

Steps: 6

Step 1: Understand that a simply supported beam has two supports, one at each end.
Step 2: Recognize that a uniform load (w) means the weight is evenly distributed along the length of the beam.
Step 3: Identify the total length of the beam as L.
Step 4: Calculate the total load on the beam by multiplying the uniform load (w) by the length (L). This gives you the total load = w * L.
Step 5: Since the beam is simply supported, the total load is shared equally between the two supports.
Step 6: Divide the total load by 2 to find the reaction force at each support. This gives you the reaction force = (w * L) / 2.