As per the ACI 318-14 code requirements for arrangement of live load on continuous beams, the following arrangements are permitted to obtain maximum positive moment and maximum negative moment, respectively:
• Maximum positive moment near midspan occurs with wL applied on the span under consideration and on alternate spans. | ACI 318-14 (6.4.2.a) |
• Maximum negative moment at a support occurs with wL applied on adjacent spans only. | ACI 318-14 (6.4.2.b) |
Seven loading scenarios as shown in Figure 2 are investigated. The frame is analyzed by classical method of structural analysis, namely, the moment distribution method. Moment distribution procedures for each loading scenario are carried out in the next section.
Figure 2 – Loading Scenarios for Six-Span Continuous Frame