To calculate the normal and shear stresses at a point in a beam subjected to a combined loading. the state of stress at a point is a description of the normal and shear stresses at that point. when a structural element is subjected to multiple kinds of loads, the effects of each can be combined using the principle of superposition, as long as the deflections remain small, the response is elastic, and the material is homogenous. the beam shown (figure 1) is supported by a pin at a and a cable at b. two loads p = 20 kn are applied straight down from the centerline of the bottom face. determine the state of stress at the point shown (figure 2) in a section 2 m from the wall. the dimensions are w = 4.6 cm , h = 11.5 cm , l = 0.8 m , a = 1.5 cm , and b = 4 cm .