Beams

What are Beams?

• A beam is a structural element that resists loads applied to the beam's axis.
• Beams primary mode of deflection is bending.
• Beams are built with supports which produce reaction forces when loads are applied to the beam's axis. [2]

Characteristics of Beams

General Terminology

• Span: The length of a beam from end to end.
• Height: The vertical length of a beam.
• Width: The length of a beam from side to side.
• Load: The force exerted on a beam.
• Moment: The rotational effect on a body produced by a force

Measurements

• Beams are measured through their; span, height and width.

Moment of Inertia

• The moment of inertia is dependent on the beams cross-section.
• It is a measure of the beams resistance to bending.

Bending Moment

• The bending moment occurs when a force or moment is applied at a certain distance from a reference point causing the beam to bend. [3]

Beam Deflection

• Beam deflection refers to how much a beam deflects from it's original shape due to loads applied to the beam[4]. 

Reaction Forces

• • • Supports prevent deflection of beams by producing reaction forces which counteract the loads applied to the beam.

Types of Beams (Page Link)

Beams Use Cases