In structural engineering, a beam is a horizontal structural element that primarily resists loads applied laterally to the beams axis). Beams are traditionally used in building or civil engineering structural elements, where they are horizontal and carry vertical loads). However, any structure may contain beams, such as automobile frames, aircraft components, machine frames, and other mechanical or structural systems). Beams can be made of a variety of materials, including wood, steel, aluminum, and stone).
Beams are classified into different types based on their support at the end, cross-section shape, and material used. Some common types of beams include:
- Simply Supported Beam: A beam supported at both ends and free to rotate and shear at the supports.
- Cantilever Beam: A beam supported at one end and free to rotate and shear at the unsupported end.
- Continuous Beam: A beam supported at more than two points along its length.
- L-section Beam: A beam with an L-shaped cross-section.
- T-section Beam: A beam with a T-shaped cross-section.
The design and sizing of beams require an understanding of basic physics principles and engineering statics. A structural engineer is trained and fully equipped to check the loads acting on a beam, calculate the forces and stresses on it, and choose the material, size, and shape of the beam accordingly.
