I have added a moving load function to the ConBeamU spreadsheet, allowing maximum load actions and deflections to be determined in a continuous beam under the influence of a vehicle defined by a number of point loads. The new version may be downloaded from ConBeamU Download, including full open-source code.
The procedure to use the new function is:
- Define: Beam Segments, Supports, and fixed Distributed and Point Loads, as for the other beam analysis functions:
- Define the moving vehicle loads (axle loads and axle spacing), load factors and output units:
- Define the output actions or deflections required, and their location along the beam, with a two row range of as many columns as required.
- Define the vehicle positions to be analysed with a column of positions of Axle 1 of the vehicle.
- The loads generated for any specified vehicle position may be displayed by entering the vehicle position above the Loads graph:

Fixed load details, Output actions and positions, Vehicle positions, and output results, Click for full size view
Bending moments, shear forces and deflections for a 3 span bridge deck under AS 5100 MS1600 loading are illustrated in the graphs below:
For convenience, the input data areas used in the analysis shown have been shaded grey, but the input may be rearranged as desired, and then the MovLoadU function re-enetered, selecting the new ranges.
A summary of the input and output of this, and all the other functions included in the spreadsheet, may be found on the Functions sheet:
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Hello,

Looks great.
Can you explain more about OutActions? How it works?
Also there is a bug. ( I try it in 2 PCs)
If I delete data (B8:F11) in example, than Excel stop working.
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Thanks metroxx, I’ll fix the problem then post more details about how to use it.
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Updated version now available at:
http://interactiveds.com.au/software/ConBeamU.zip
I’ll post more details later
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Hello,
Where mistake? Please take a look into example:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/snu9za6eopr87rk/ConBeamU.xlsb
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Just delete the X values greater than the beam length in cells J35:J52.
Another thing to make friendlier in the next version.
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Thank you, its clear.
One more suggestion.
Is it possible to make that blank cells will be with formula? (=””). Its needed if you want to link data from other place.
Please see example:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/snu9za6eopr87rk/ConBeamU.xlsb
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Version 3.02 now uploaded.
Now X values greater than the beam length are ignored (Function returns N/A for those rows), and a formula linking to a blank cell is allowed in any input range.
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Works good.
Thank you 😉
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Pingback: Continuous Beams With Cantilevers by Macaulay’s Method | Newton Excel Bach, not (just) an Excel Blog
Hi..How can I solve a continuous beam problem in spreadsheet if load is applied as overhang? No support is provided after 3 supports.
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Just define the supports at the correct position.
If you had two 10 metre spans and a 5 metre cantilever than the beam length would be 25 m, and the support positions would be 0, 10, 20.
For a cantilever at the support positions would be 5, 15, 25.
For a cantilever at both ends the beam length would be increased to 30 m, with supports at 5, 15, 25.
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Hi really nice job!.
Why the X values are only until 30 m?. I need to analyze a 42 m continous beam and I would like to do it with your spreadsheet. Can it be modified?. Thanks
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Thanks.
All the areas shaded grey are user input, so you can enter any values you like for the X values.
Because the calculations are done through user defined functions, you can also adjust the output ranges. For instance, if you want more intermediate points you can increase the length of the output range. See:
https://newtonexcelbach.wordpress.com/using-array-functions-and-udfs-and-following-links/
for more details.
If anything is not clear, please ask.
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Dear Sir,
Can you make the axle numbers in vehicle definition at least up to 16, i tried but goes up to 12 axles.
Looking forward to your kind reply.
Thanks
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You can have up to 1048576 axles you just need change the range in the formula:
Click on the top-left cell of the output range. It should display {=MovLoadu(…
Press F2
Drag the range for the Vehicle definition down as far as you want
Press Ctrl-Shift-Enter
You can also change the range with the function wizard, or just edit the range address in the formula.
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