EK396

The deflection and rotation of the beam due to its loading will cause a concentration of bearing at the front edge and, depending upon the load from above the bearing, a possible lifting of the back edge of the plate. It is often assumed, therefore, that the distribution of reaction stresses under beam will be either trapezoidal or triangular. If it is expected that the front edge concentration will be high the plate is set back from the front of the pier. This is to reduce the possibility of spalling at the front of the pier.