Different Types Of Beams Used In Construction

Various beams used in construction: wood, steel, concrete, composite, and box beams cater to diverse structural needs.

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What is Beam?

A beam is like the backbone of a structure, bearing the weight and resisting the forces applied laterally to its axis. Imagine it as the sturdy spine that holds everything together. Its primary mode of deflection is through bending, gracefully accommodating the loads it carries.

Cantilever Beam

A cantilever beam is like a diving board, extending out from its support with one end free to move vertically. It's designed to withstand vertical loads placed between its free end and the support. Think of it as the daring acrobat of structural engineering, gracefully balancing loads while defying gravity.

Simply Supported Beam

A simply supported beam rests on two supports, allowing it to move horizontally with ease. Picture it as the steady foundation of a bridge or the backbone of a building, capable of carrying loads placed upon it, like the weight of a passing vehicle or the structure above. Its versatility makes it a common choice in various applications, from bridges to machine tools, providing reliable support where it's needed most.

Continuous Beam

A continuous beam is like a team player in the world of structural engineering, with more than two supports, making it statically indeterminate. This means its reactions at the supports can't be determined solely through static equilibrium equations. To find these reactions, each section of the beam is treated as an independent beam, requiring a more intricate analysis. Think of it as a puzzle where each piece interacts with the others, creating a seamless and sturdy structure.

Overhanging Beam

When a portion of a beam extends beyond its support, it becomes an overhanging beam. This extension can occur on one or both sides of the support. Imagine it like a brave explorer stepping out beyond the edge, adding complexity to the beam's behavior. Whether it's a single overhang or on both sides, the beam's design must account for this extension to ensure stability and strength.

Fixed Beam

A fixed beam, also known as a fixed-end beam, built-in beam, or restrained beam, is supported between two fixed ends. This means that the beam is rigidly attached to its supports, preventing any rotation or movement at those points.

Consider it as the backbone of a structure, firmly anchored at both ends, providing robust support and stability. Due to its fixed connections, it is classified as statically indeterminate, requiring more than three unknowns to determine its support reactions. This complexity surpasses the capability of equilibrium equations alone, demanding advanced analysis techniques for accurate determination of reactions and stresses.

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