Continuing from the previous post, we will move on to the py_Conbeam and py_MovLoad functions, that combine with the previous functions to analyse continuous beams with any number of spans and section types, under static or moving loads.

As before, there have been some significant changes to the Python code and the spreadsheet, so please download the latest versions from:

py_ConBeamU.zip

Also, see Python and pyxll for details of the pyxll package required to link the Python code to Excel, including a 10% discount code for new users.

The input and output for py_Conbeam are similar to py_SSSpan, except that there may be any number of supports, with cantilevers at one or both ends:

The py_ConbeamU function allows input and output to be in specified units. Note that in the current version units such as kNm must be separated with a . (kN.m), and exponents must have a ^ symbol (kN.m^2):

The py_MovLoad function calls py_ConBeam to analyse a specified vehicle at any number of locations along the beam. Input of section and support details is as for py_Conbeam, with the addition of axle loads and spacing, load factors, and positions of the first axle:

Input also allows static distributed and point loads to be specified, and output locations for bending moment and shear results: