Flexural shear is the shear associated with the change of bending moment along the span of a structural member. It is an important concept in structural engineering and plays a crucial role in the design and analysis of beams and other load-bearing elements.

Flexural shear occurs when a load is applied to a structural member, causing it to bend or deform. As the member bends, the bending moment changes along its length, resulting in a variation of shear forces within the material.

To understand flexural shear, it is essential to have a basic understanding of bending moment and shear force. Bending moment is the algebraic sum of the moments about a point in a structural member, while shear force is the internal force that acts parallel to the cross-section of the member.

When a load is applied to a beam, it induces a bending moment that causes the beam to bend. As the beam bends, the bending moment changes, resulting in varying shear forces along the span. This change in shear forces is known as flexural shear.

Flexural shear is typically highest at the supports of a beam and decreases towards the center of the span. This is because the bending moment is highest at the supports and gradually decreases towards the center.

Flexural shear is an important consideration in the design of beams and other load-bearing elements. The magnitude of flexural shear helps determine the size and reinforcement requirements of the beam to ensure it can withstand the applied loads without failure.

In summary, flexural shear is the shear associated with the change of bending moment along the span of a structural member. It is a critical concept in structural engineering and plays a significant role in the design and analysis of beams and other load-bearing elements.