Element Continuity
Moment (m)
Continuous
Since the moment (m) is described by a linear polynomial, which is a continuous function, the moment (m) must also be continuous for the entire length (L) of the element. This means that a graph of the moment will be continuous and not have any gaps. It should be noted that since forces and moments can only be applied at the nodes, this eliminates any gaps in the graph of the moment within the element, as shown in the bending moment diagram below.
