To the issue of the application of the general equations of solid equilibrium in constructing a consistent theory of bending plates
Using standard equilibria, a consistent theory of pure plate bending is constructed. Kirchhoff hypotheses were used for deriving the bending equations. It has been established that the transverse load acting on the plate must be nonzero over the entire area of the plate and satisfy Laplace’s equation, i.e. to be harmonious. In this case, the transverse deflections will satisfy the standard biharmonic equation with the zero right-hand side. A number of examples have been solved for bending plates under their own weight.