Element Continuity
Shear Force (f)
Continuous
The shear force (f) is constant within the element and therefore must be continuous for the entire length (L) of the element. This means that the graph of the shear force will be continuous and not have any gaps. It should be noted that since forces can only be applied at the nodes, this eliminates any gaps in the graph of the shear force within the element, as shown in the shear force diagram below.
