Review: "Exercice Corrigé – Portique Isostatique" (PDF)

Document Type: Pedagogical exercise & correction
Target Audience: Undergraduate civil/mechanical engineering students (L2/L3), Classe Préparatoire (MPSI/MPI), or BTS/BUT in Structural Mechanics.
Main Topic: Calculation of support reactions, internal forces (M, V, N), and shear/moment diagrams for a statically determinate portal frame.

L'étude d'un portique isostatique (structure composée de barres horizontales et verticales) consiste à déterminer les réactions aux appuis, puis à tracer les diagrammes des sollicitations internes : l'effort tranchant ( ), l'effort normal ( ) et le moment fléchissant (

1. Réactions d'appui

Soit un portique isostatique soumis à des charges verticales et horizontales. Le portique est constitué de deux poteaux de hauteur 3 m et d'une poutre de longueur 4 m. Les charges appliquées sont :

  • "Mécanique des Structures – Exercices corrigés" by J. Bastien
  • "Structural Analysis" by R.C. Hibbeler (companion solution manual)

General Impression

This type of PDF is a classic and essential resource for mastering the fundamental method of sections and equilibrium equations. The best examples clearly distinguish between rigid frames and articulated frames (with a hinge). However, quality varies significantly: some are rigorous, step-by-step guides; others contain algebraic errors or skip crucial intermediate steps.

  • Step 5 – Diagrams: The final diagrams (M, V, N) are drawn, respecting sign conventions (usually positive bending moment = tension on the inner fiber of the frame).
  • The typical correct results for such an exercise (from known PDF solutions):