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Types of Beams and Types Beam Support
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: September 25th, 2023
Before diving into the Types of Beams, let’s first understand Beams. A beam is a structural member resists loads applied laterally to its axis. Its primary mode of deflection is bending. Loads applied to the beam cause reaction forces at its support points. The sum of all the forces acting on the beam produces shear forces and bending moments within the beams, which cause internal stresses, strains, and deflections.
Beams are distinguished by their support method, profile, equilibrium conditions, length, and material. In this article, we will discuss various types of beams, such as Cantilever beams, simply supported beams, Overhanging beams, Fixed beams, and Continuous beams, with appropriate examples.
Table of content
Different Types of Beams
A beam is a horizontal structural member that runs horizontally to support vertical loads emanating from the building frame. The load is distributed to the beam’s ends and transferred to columns, walls, and posts on both sides of the beam. Beams are a major part of the GATE Civil syllabus. It can only bear lateral loads on the beam’s axis. The following are the types of beams:
- Cantilever beam
- Simply Supported beam
- Overhanging beam
- Fixed beams
- Continuous beam
Cantilever Beam
A cantilever beam is a member with one end protruding beyond the point of support, allowing it to move vertically under the impact of vertical loads placed between the free end and the support.
Simply Supported Beam
A simply supported beam is one that is supported by two points and can travel horizontally. Bridges, beams in structures, and machine tool beds are examples of typical practical applications of simply supported beams with point loadings. SSS, or simply supported beam, important for the GATE exam, is shown below
Overhanging Beam
When the end of a beam extends beyond the support, it is referred to as an overhanging beam. Overhanging can occur on one or both sides of the supports.
Fixed Beam
Two fixed ends hold up a fixed beam. It’s also known as a fixed-end beam, built-in beam, or constrained beam. It is classed as a statically indeterminate beam since there are more than three unknowns and the static equilibrium equations alone are insufficient to identify the support reactions. The Fixed beam is shown below:
Continuous Beam
Continuous steel beams are made up of two or more beams that are welded together and reinforced by additional beams to form a strong but flexible component for large-scale structures. Continuous beams, for example, are utilized in bridges, multi-story buildings, complex roof structures, and other construction projects.
Types of Beam Support
For stability, a structure relies less on the weight and stiffness of a material and more on its shape. Whatever the condition, a certain degree of stiffness is required for connection designs. The form of support connection influences the load-bearing capability of each member that makes up a structural system. Each support condition has an effect on the behaviour of the elements and, thus, the system. Horizontal-span support systems and vertical building structure systems are two types of structures.
Candidates can expect questions in the GATE question paper based on types of Beam support. Roller, pinned, fixed, hanger, and simple support are the five main idealized support structure types, classified by the forms of deflection they constrain.
- Roller supports
- Pinned support
- Fixed support
- Hanger support
- Simple support
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