What are Beam and the types of the beam?

BEAM

A beam is a structural member used for bearing loads. It is typically used for resisting vertical loads, shear forces, and bending moments. In beam transverse load is acted, and it is an integral part of building structure.

Types of beams:

 Beams are classified as follows.

 According to end support:

1. Simply Supported Beam:

As the name implies, simply supported beam is supported at both ends. One end of the beam is supported by hinge support and the other one by roller support. This support allows for the horizontal movement of the beam. Its beam-type undergoes both shear stress and bending moment.

2. Continuous Beams:

When we talk about types of beams we cannot forget continuous beams. This beam is similar to a simply supported beam except more than two support are used on it. One end of it is supported by hinged support and another one is roller support. One or more supports are used between these beams. It is used in long concrete bridges where the length of the bridge is too large.

 3. Overhanging Beams:

The overhanging beam is a combination of a simply supported beam and a cantilever beam. One or both of the end overhangs of this beam. This beam is supported by roller support between two ends. This type of beam has heritage properties of cantilever and simply supported beam.

4. Cantilever Beams:

Cantilever beams a structure member of which one end is fixed and the other is free. This is one of the famous types of beam used in trusses, bridges, and other structural members. This beam carries a load over the span which undergoes both shear stress and bending moment.

5. Fixed beams:

This beam is fixed from both ends. It does not allow vertical movement and rotation of the beam. It is only under shear stress and no moment produces in these beams. It is used in trusses and other structures.

  According to a cross-section:

A beam may have a different cross-section. The most common cross-section of the beam is as follows.

1. I beam:

These beam types have I cross-section as shown in the figure. It has high resistance to bending.

2. T beam:

It has a T cross-section as shown in the figure.

According to the equilibrium condition:

1. Statically determinate beam:

A beam is called a determinate beam if it can be analyzed by the basic equilibrium condition. The support reaction can be found by using the basic equilibrium condition. These conditions are Summation of all horizontal forces is zero. The summation of all vertical forces is zero. The summation of all moments is zero. Example: Simply supported beam, Cantilever beam, etc.

2. Statically indeterminate beam:

If the beam cannot be analyzed by using a basic equilibrium condition, known as a statically indeterminate beam. The end reaction finds out by using basic equilibrium conditions with a combination of other conditions like strain energy method, virtual work method, etc.

Example: Continuous beam, fixed beam

According to Geometry:

1. Straight beam

2. Curved beam

3. Tapper beam

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