A beam may be defined as a structural element which has one dimension (length) considerable larger compared to the other two direction i.e. breath and depth and is supported at a few points. It is usually loaded in vertical direction. Due to applied loads reactions develop at supports. The system of forces consisting of applied loads and reaction keep the beam in equilibrium.
Types of Beam
There are mainly three types of beam:
1. Simply supported beam
2. Over hang beam
3. Cantilever beam
1. Simply Supported Beam : The beam on which the both ends are simply supported, either by point load or hinged or roller support
2. Over–Hanging Beam: The beam on which one end or both ends are overhang (or free to air.) are called overhanging beam
3. Cantilever Beam: If a beam is fixed at one end and is free at the other end, it is called cantilever beam, In cantilever beam at fixed end, there are three support reaction a horizontal reaction (RH), a vertical reaction(RV), and moment(M)
Types of Loading
Mainly three types of load acting on any beam;
1. Concentrated load
2. Uniformly distributed load
3. Uniformly varying load
1. Concentrated load (or point load): If a load is acting on a beam over a very small length. It is called point load.
2. Uniformly Distributed Load: For finding reaction, this load may be assumed as total load acting at the center of gravity of the loading (Middle point).
3. Uniformly Varying Load: In the diagram load varying from Point A to point C. Its intensity is zero at A and 900N/M at C. Here total load is represented by area of triangle and the centroid of the triangle represents the center of gravity.
Thus total load = 1/2 ⋅ AB ⋅ BC
And C.G. = 1/3 ⋅ AB meter from B
= 2/3 ⋅ AB meter from A
