Bending Moment is the algebraic sum of all the Moments acting on one (either) side of the section. A Bending Moment is the reaction that occurs in a structural element as a result of an external force or moment that causes the element to bend.

The Beam is the Structural component that is bent the most frequently or simply. The beam in the diagram is simply supported at both ends, free to rotate and devoid of bending moments. The ends can only respond to shear stresses.

To calculate the Bending moment of a certain point in an element, you would take the magnitude of the force and multiply it by the distance of the force from that point. The Bending Moment is usually measured as a force x distance (kNm), and occurs as a result of external forces.

The concept of the Bending Moment is vital to Engineering because it is used to calculate how much bending may occur when different forces are at work. Civil and Structural Engineers construct Bending Moment Diagrams for a building based on the probable stresses or loads a building will experience. That diagram shows where an element will experience the maximum bending moment; in other words, where the element would most likely break from bending.They can then identify where the elements are weakest and provide the necessary reinforcement to resist bending.

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