In structural engineering, a beam is a horizontal or inclined structural element that supports load by resisting bending. Beams can be made from a variety of materials such as wood, steel, reinforced concrete, and composite materials. There are different types of beams used in construction, and some of the common types of beams are:
Simply supported beam:
This is the most common type of beam used in construction. It is supported at both ends and carries the load by bending. Simply supported beams can be of different shapes such as rectangular, circular, I-beam, and T-beam.
Cantilever beam:
This type of beam is fixed at one end and free at the other end. It carries the load by bending and is commonly used in structures such as balconies, bridges, and overhanging roofs.
Continuous beam:
A continuous beam is supported by more than two supports and has multiple spans. It carries the load by bending and is commonly used in long-span bridges and buildings.
Fixed beam:
A fixed beam is supported at both ends and is fixed against rotation. It carries the load by bending and is commonly used in structures such as retaining walls and buildings.
Tied beam:
A tied beam is a beam that has reinforcement that ties the two faces of the beam together. It is commonly used in construction to resist the shear force in a beam.
Composite beam:
A composite beam is made of two or more materials, such as steel and concrete, that are combined to form a single structural element. This type of beam is commonly used in high-rise buildings and bridges.
Flitched beam:
A flitched beam is made of timber and steel. The timber provides compression strength, while the steel provides tensile strength. This type of beam is commonly used in residential buildings.
Laminated beam:
A laminated beam is made of thin layers of wood that are glued together. This type of beam is commonly used in residential construction for applications such as headers and beams.
In addition to these types of beams, there are also other specialized types of beams used in construction, such as curved beams, beam columns, and pre-stressed beams. The type of beam used in construction depends on several factors, including the span of the beam, the load it will carry, and the structural requirements of the building or structure. Types of beam