Editing Beam (structure)

{{Short description|Structural element capable of withstanding loads by resisting bending}}
[[File:Bending.svg|frame|right|A [[statically determinate]] beam, bending (sagging) under a uniformly distributed load]]

A '''beam''' is a [[structural element]] that primarily resists [[Structural load|loads]] applied [[wikt: lateral|laterally]] across the beam's axis (an element designed to carry a load pushing parallel to its axis would be a [[strut]] or column). Its mode of [[Deflection (engineering)|deflection]] is primarily by [[bending]], as loads produce [[reaction force]]s at the beam's support points and internal [[shear force|bending moment]]s, [[Shear force|shear]], [[Stress (mechanics)|stresses]], [[Strain (mechanics)|strains]], and [[Deflection (engineering)|deflections]]. Beams are characterized by their manner of support, profile (shape of cross-section), equilibrium conditions, length, and material.

Beams are traditionally descriptions of building or [[civil engineering]] structural elements, where the beams 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. Any [[structural element]], in any orientation, that primarily resists [[Structural load|load]]s applied laterally across the element's axis is a beam.

== Overview ==
Historically a beam is a squared timber, but may also be made of metal, stone, or a combination of wood and metal<ref>"Beam" def. 1. Whitney, William Dwight, and Benjamin E. Smith. ''The Century dictionary and cyclopedia''. vol, 1. New York: Century Co., 1901. 487. Print.</ref> such as a [[flitch beam]]. Beams primarily carry [[vertical direction|vertical]] [[gravitational]] [[force]]s, but they are also used to carry [[Horizontal plane|horizontal]] loads such as those due to [[earthquake]] or wind, or in tension to resist rafter thrust ([[Tie (engineering)#Rafter tie (and Tie-beams)|tie beam]]) or compression ([[collar beam]]). The loads carried by a beam are transferred to [[column]]s, [[wall]]s, or [[girder]]s, then to adjacent structural [[compression member]]s, and eventually to the ground. In [[light frame construction]], [[joist]]s may rest on beams.

==Classification based on supports==
In engineering, beams are of several types:<ref>Ching, Frank. ''A visual dictionary of architecture''. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1995. 8–9. Print.</ref>

# Simply supported – a beam supported on the ends which are free to rotate and have no moment resistance.
# Fixed or encastré (encastrated) – a beam supported on both ends and restrained from rotation.
# Overhanging – a simple beam extending beyond its support on one end.
# Double overhanging – a simple beam with both ends extending beyond its supports on both ends.
# Continuous – a beam extending over more than two supports.
# Cantilever – a projecting beam fixed only at one end.
# Trussed – a beam strengthened by adding a cable or rod to form a [[truss]].<ref>{{cite book|title=The American Architect and Building News, Vol XXIII|date=1888|publisher=James R. Osgood & Co|location=Boston|page=159|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tKYwAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA159}}</ref>
# Beam on spring supports
# Beam on elastic foundation

==Second moment of area (area moment of inertia)==
{{main|Second moment of area}}

In the [[Euler–Bernoulli beam theory|beam equation]], the variable ''I'' represents the ''second moment of area'' or ''moment of inertia'': it is the sum, along the axis, of ''dA''·''r''<sup>2</sup>, where ''r'' is the distance from the neutral axis and ''dA'' is a small patch of area. It measures not only the total area of the beam section, but the square of each patch's distance from the axis. A larger value of ''I'' indicates a stiffer beam, more resistant to bending.

== Stress ==
[[File:BeamDiagram.svg|thumb|360px|right|Diagram of stiffness of a simple square beam (A) and universal beam (B). The universal beam flange sections are three times further apart than the solid beam's upper and lower halves. The second moment of inertia of the universal beam is nine times that of the square beam of equal cross section (universal beam web ignored for simplification)]]

Loads on a beam induce internal [[compression (physical)|compressive]], [[tensile]] and [[shear stress]]es (assuming no torsion or axial loading). Typically, under gravity loads, the beam bends into a slightly circular arc, with its original length compressed at the top to form an arc of smaller radius, while correspondingly stretched at the bottom to enclose an arc of larger radius in tension. This is known as ''sagging''; while a configuration with the top in tension, for example over a support, is known as ''hogging''. The axis of the beam retaining its original length, generally halfway between the top and bottom, is under neither compression nor tension, and defines the ''neutral axis'' (dotted line in the beam figure). 

Above the supports, the beam is exposed to shear stress. There are some [[reinforced concrete]] beams in which the concrete is entirely in compression with tensile forces taken by steel tendons. These beams are known as [[prestressed concrete]] beams, and are fabricated to produce a compression more than the expected tension under loading conditions. High strength steel tendons are stretched while the beam is cast over them. Then, when the concrete has cured, the tendons are slowly released and the beam is immediately under eccentric axial loads. This eccentric loading creates an internal moment, and, in turn, increases the moment-carrying capacity of the beam. Prestressed beams are commonly used on highway bridges.

[[File:Parallam support beam.jpg|thumb|A beam of [[Parallel strand lumber|PSL]] lumber installed to replace a [[load-bearing wall]]]]

The primary tool for [[structural analysis]] of beams is the [[Euler–Bernoulli beam equation]].  This equation accurately describes the elastic behaviour of slender beams where the cross sectional dimensions are small compared to the length of the beam.  For beams that are not slender a different theory needs to be adopted to account for the deformation due to shear forces and, in dynamic cases, the rotary inertia.  The beam formulation adopted here is that of Timoshenko and comparative examples can be found in NAFEMS Benchmark Challenge Number 7.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ramsay|first1=Angus|title=NAFEMS Benchmark Challenge Number 7|url=http://www.ramsay-maunder.co.uk/downloads/nbr07.pdf|website=ramsay-maunder.co.uk|access-date=7 May 2017}}</ref>  Other mathematical methods for determining the [[Deflection (engineering)|deflection]] of beams include "method of [[virtual work]]" and the "slope deflection method". Engineers are interested in determining deflections because the beam may be in direct contact with a [[brittle]] material such as [[glass]]. Beam deflections are also minimized for aesthetic reasons. A visibly sagging beam, even if structurally safe, is unsightly and to be avoided. A [[stiffness|stiffer]] beam (high [[modulus of elasticity]] and/or one of higher [[second moment of area]]) creates less deflection.

Mathematical methods for determining the beam forces (internal forces of the beam and the forces that are imposed on the beam support) include the "[[moment distribution method]]", the force or [[flexibility method]] and the [[direct stiffness method]].

==General shapes==
Most beams in [[reinforced concrete]] buildings have rectangular cross sections, but a more efficient cross section for a beam is an {{ibeam}}- or H-shaped section which is typically seen in steel construction. Because of the [[parallel axis theorem]] and the fact that most of the material is away from the [[neutral axis]], the second moment of area of the beam increases, which in turn increases the stiffness.

[[File:Ahmaskoski_road_bridge.JPG|thumb|An {{ibeam}} shaped beam of metal under a bridge]]

An {{ibeam}}-beam is only the most efficient shape in one direction of bending: up and down looking at the profile as an '{{ibeam}}'. If the beam is bent side to side, it functions as an 'H', where it is less efficient. The most efficient shape for both directions in 2D is a box (a square shell); the most efficient shape for bending in any direction, however, is a cylindrical shell or tube. For unidirectional bending, the {{ibeam}}-beam or wide flange beam is superior.<ref>{{cite web |title=Beam Calculation Template |url=https://calcforge.com/1/free-beam-calculator |website=CalcForge |access-date=8 November 2024}}</ref>

Efficiency means that for the same cross sectional area (volume of beam per length) subjected to the same loading conditions, the beam deflects less.

Other shapes, like L-beam (angles), [[Structural channel|C (channels)]], [[T-beam]] and [[double tee|double-T]] or tubes, are also used in construction when there are special requirements.

==Walers and struts==
This system provides horizontal bracing for small trenches, ensuring the secure installation of utilities. It's specifically designed to work in conjunction with steel trench sheets.<ref name="MGF 2020 d759">{{cite web | title=Walers and Struts | website=MGF | date=27 August 2020 | url=https://mgf.co.uk/products/walers-and-struts/ | access-date=24 October 2023}}</ref>

==Thin walled ==
{{main|Thin walled beams}}

A '''thin walled beam''' is a very useful type of beam (structure). The cross section of ''thin walled beams'' is made up from thin panels connected among themselves to create closed or open cross sections of a beam (structure). Typical closed sections include round, square, and rectangular tubes. Open sections include I-beams, T-beams, L-beams, and so on. Thin walled beams exist because their bending stiffness per unit cross sectional area is much higher than that for solid cross sections such a rod or bar. In this way, stiff beams can be achieved with minimum weight. Thin walled beams are particularly useful when the material is a [[composite laminate]].  Pioneer work on composite laminate thin walled beams was done by [[Librescu]].

The torsional stiffness of a beam is greatly influenced by its cross sectional shape.  For open sections, such as I sections, warping deflections occur which, if restrained, greatly increase the torsional stiffness.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ramsay|first1=Angus|title=The Influence and Modelling of Warping Restraint on Beams|url=http://www.ramsay-maunder.co.uk/knowledge-base/publications/the-influence-and-modelling-of-warping-restraint-on-beams/|website=ramsay-maunder.co.uk|access-date=7 May 2017}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Airy points]]
* [[Beam engine]]
* [[Building code]]
* [[Cantilever]]
* [[Classical mechanics]]
* [[Deflection (engineering)]]
* [[Elasticity (physics)]] and [[Plasticity (physics)]]
* [[Euler–Bernoulli beam theory]]
* [[Finite element method in structural mechanics]]
* [[Flexural modulus]]
* [[Free body diagram]]
* [[Influence line]]
* [[Materials science]] and [[Strength of materials]]
* [[Moment (physics)]]
* [[Poisson's ratio]]
* [[Post and lintel]]
* [[Shear strength]]
* [[Statics]] and [[Statically indeterminate]]
* [[Stress (mechanics)]] and [[Strain (materials science)]]
* [[Thin-shell structure]]
* [[Timber framing]]
* [[Truss]]
* [[Ultimate tensile strength]] and [[Hooke's law]]
* [[Yield (engineering)]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
*{{cite book
 | last = Popov
 | first = Egor P.
 | title = Introduction to mechanics of solids
 | publisher = [[Prentice-Hall]]
 | year = 1968
 | isbn = 978-0-13-726159-8
}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Beams}}
* [http://www.awc.org/ American Wood Council]: [https://web.archive.org/web/20070210155548/http://www.awc.org/Publications/download.html  Free Download Library] Wood Construction Data
* [http://www.arch.virginia.edu/~km6e/arch324/ Introduction to Structural Design] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013013923/http://www.arch.virginia.edu/~km6e/arch324/ |date=2008-10-13 }}, U. Virginia Dept. Architecture
** [https://web.archive.org/web/20180122083807/https://www.arch.virginia.edu/~km6e/references/glossary/struc-glossary.html  Glossary]
** [http://www.arch.virginia.edu/~km6e/arch324/highlights/home.html Course Sampler] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081019183205/http://www.arch.virginia.edu/~km6e/arch324/highlights/home.html |date=2008-10-19 }} Lectures, Projects, Tests
** [https://web.archive.org/web/20070322183324/http://urban.arch.virginia.edu/~km6e/arch324/content/lectures/lec-10/review-of-09.html Beams and Bending] review points (follow using ''next'' buttons)
**  [https://web.archive.org/web/20070504030331/http://urban.arch.virginia.edu/~km6e/arch324/content/lectures/lec-08/pres.html Structural Behavior and Design Approaches] lectures (follow using ''next'' buttons)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070212205812/http://physics.uwstout.edu/statstr/Strength/indexfbt.htm U. Wisconsin–Stout, Strength of Materials] online lectures, problems, tests/solutions, links, software
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070302091811/http://physics.uwstout.edu/StatStr/Strength/Beams/beam41.htm Beams I – Shear Forces and Bending Moments]

{{Structural engineering topics}}
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[[Category:Bridge components]]
[[Category:Solid mechanics]]
[[Category:Statics]]
[[Category:Structural system]]