Shear force and bending moment diagrams for vertical point loads

What this note covers

1. An internal cut reveals shear and bending moment
2. Work a central point-load case from reactions to diagrams
3. An overhang changes the sign of the moment
4. Read slopes, areas and discontinuities as checks
5. Connect the bending diagram to material behaviour
6. Present a complete diagram rather than an unlabeled shape
7. Worked diagrams: two point loads and an internal zero-shear crossing
8. Worked diagram diagnosis: an impossible jump in bending moment

8 sections · 10 key terms & formulas · 6 common mistakes