Beams
Table of Contents
Beam Bridge [1] |
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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].
Deflection of a Beam [5] |
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Reaction Forces
Forces Applied to a Beam Resulting in Reaction Forces [6] |
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Types of Beams (Page Link)
Beams Use Cases
Exposed Beams in Home | Timber Beams | Steel Beams |
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