The strength durability cost and aesthetics of a structure are all greatly impacted by the building materials used in the construction industry. Bricks and blocks are among the materials that are used the most. The basic building blocks for walls partitions and other structural components are these units. Numerous varieties of bricks and blocks are available each with special qualities and uses. Brick Types: 1. Bricks made of clay (burnt bricks) The most widely used and conventional bricks in construction are made of burned clay. Clay is molded into a rectangular shape dried and then fired in kilns to create them. These bricks are robust long-lasting and appropriate for all kinds of buildings. They are categorized according to their quality into four grades (Class I to IV). 2. Bricks made of Fly Ash Fly ash cement gypsum and lime are the ingredients used to make fly ash bricks. Compared to clay bricks these environmentally friendly bricks are lighter have smooth surfaces and provide su...
Beams are the basic construction and civil engineering structural components that are meant to resist bending and carry loads. Depending on the type of support they receive, beams are classified into various categories. Support conditions define the transfer of the loads from the supports to the foundations and finally to the supports. Support conditions have a significant effect on the behavior of the beam, the stability of the beam, and the internal forces the beam undergoes.
1. Simply Supported Beam
The simply supported beam is one of the most straightforward and widely used types. It features supports at both ends—usually a pin support on one end and a roller support on the other. These supports allow the beam to rotate but prevent any horizontal or vertical movement.
Characteristics:
One end is pinned, stopping both vertical and horizontal movement.
The other end rests on rollers, halting vertical movement while allowing horizontal motion.
It can only resist vertical loads.
It does not resist moments at the supports.
Applications:
Bridges
Floor beams in residential and commercial buildings
Temporary structures like scaffolding
2. Cantilever Beam
Because only one end of a cantilever beam is supported, the other end is free to extend into space, making it special. Due to its rigid attachment, the fixed end cannot rotate or move in either a vertical or horizontal direction.
Characteristics:
Fixed at one end while the other end is free.
Can handle vertical loads, horizontal loads, and moments.
Experiences both bending moments and shear forces along its length.
Applications:
Balcony slabs
Overhead sign structures
Cantilevered roofs
Aircraft wings
3. Fixed Beam
In a fixed beam, both ends are securely fixed, meaning it cannot translate or rotate at either end. This type of support restrains both vertical and horizontal movements, as well as bending moments at the supports.
Characteristics:
Both ends are rigidly fixed.
Develops moments at both ends.
Exhibits less deflection compared to simply supported beams.
Indeterminate structure, requiring additional analysis for solution.
Applications:
Continuous slabs and frames
Reinforced concrete frames
Rigidly connected steel beams
4. Continuous Beam
A continuous beam stretches over more than two supports. Unlike simply supported beams, these have intermediate supports that create additional points of support throughout the span. Since they are statically indeterminate, advanced analysis methods are needed.
Characteristics:
More than two supports.
Minimizes maximum bending moment and deflection.
Needs compatibility and equilibrium conditions for analysis.
Applications:
Bridge decks
Multi-span floor systems in buildings
Conveyor belt structures
5. Overhanging Beam
An overhanging beam is a combination of a cantilever beam and a simply supported beam, with one or both ends protruding past the support points. An overhang that functions as a cantilever is the result of this design.
Characteristics:
Part of the beam extends beyond its supports.
Can feature a single overhang (one end) or a double overhang (both ends).
Combines traits of both simply supported and cantilever beams.
Applications:
Canopies
Balconies
Extended loading docks
6. Propped Cantilever Beam
The propped cantilever beam features one end fixed while the other end is simply supported. This design provides extra support.
Characteristics:
One end is fixed, while the other is simply supported (either pinned or on rollers).
Partially restricts rotation at the simply supported end.
Considered a statically indeterminate structure.
Applications:
Structural systems needing reduced deflection
Retaining walls
Roadway support structures
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between the different types of beams based on the support points is very important because beam design and analysis are carried out differently based on different support supports. Every type of beams has its own specific response to the applied loads and is chosen according to the specific requirements of the structure such as load distribution, standards of deflection, material used, and aesthetics. The suitable type of beam ensures stability, economy, and optimum performance over the service life of the structure.
1. Simply Supported Beam
The simply supported beam is one of the most straightforward and widely used types. It features supports at both ends—usually a pin support on one end and a roller support on the other. These supports allow the beam to rotate but prevent any horizontal or vertical movement.
Characteristics:
One end is pinned, stopping both vertical and horizontal movement.
The other end rests on rollers, halting vertical movement while allowing horizontal motion.
It can only resist vertical loads.
It does not resist moments at the supports.
Applications:
Bridges
Floor beams in residential and commercial buildings
Temporary structures like scaffolding
2. Cantilever Beam
Because only one end of a cantilever beam is supported, the other end is free to extend into space, making it special. Due to its rigid attachment, the fixed end cannot rotate or move in either a vertical or horizontal direction.
Characteristics:
Fixed at one end while the other end is free.
Can handle vertical loads, horizontal loads, and moments.
Experiences both bending moments and shear forces along its length.
Applications:
Balcony slabs
Overhead sign structures
Cantilevered roofs
Aircraft wings
3. Fixed Beam
In a fixed beam, both ends are securely fixed, meaning it cannot translate or rotate at either end. This type of support restrains both vertical and horizontal movements, as well as bending moments at the supports.
Characteristics:
Both ends are rigidly fixed.
Develops moments at both ends.
Exhibits less deflection compared to simply supported beams.
Indeterminate structure, requiring additional analysis for solution.
Applications:
Continuous slabs and frames
Reinforced concrete frames
Rigidly connected steel beams
4. Continuous Beam
A continuous beam stretches over more than two supports. Unlike simply supported beams, these have intermediate supports that create additional points of support throughout the span. Since they are statically indeterminate, advanced analysis methods are needed.
Characteristics:
More than two supports.
Minimizes maximum bending moment and deflection.
Needs compatibility and equilibrium conditions for analysis.
Applications:
Bridge decks
Multi-span floor systems in buildings
Conveyor belt structures
5. Overhanging Beam
An overhanging beam is a combination of a cantilever beam and a simply supported beam, with one or both ends protruding past the support points. An overhang that functions as a cantilever is the result of this design.
Characteristics:
Part of the beam extends beyond its supports.
Can feature a single overhang (one end) or a double overhang (both ends).
Combines traits of both simply supported and cantilever beams.
Applications:
Canopies
Balconies
Extended loading docks
6. Propped Cantilever Beam
The propped cantilever beam features one end fixed while the other end is simply supported. This design provides extra support.
Characteristics:
One end is fixed, while the other is simply supported (either pinned or on rollers).
Partially restricts rotation at the simply supported end.
Considered a statically indeterminate structure.
Applications:
Structural systems needing reduced deflection
Retaining walls
Roadway support structures
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between the different types of beams based on the support points is very important because beam design and analysis are carried out differently based on different support supports. Every type of beams has its own specific response to the applied loads and is chosen according to the specific requirements of the structure such as load distribution, standards of deflection, material used, and aesthetics. The suitable type of beam ensures stability, economy, and optimum performance over the service life of the structure.
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