The purpose of beams in construction and engineering is to provide support for structures and to transfer loads from one point to another. As an integral part of the construction process, beams come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with unique properties and capabilities. Depending on the project, the type of beam needed can vary. In this blog post, we will look at the different types of beams used in construction and engineering, including their respective advantages and disadvantages.
From steel I-beams to wooden lintels and from pre-fabricated joists to reinforced concrete beams, understanding the characteristics of different beams and their capabilities can help engineers and contractors make the right decision when it comes to the design and construction of their projects. We will also discuss the different installation techniques used to install different types of beams, and considerations to keep in mind when designing and constructing a structure. By the end of this post, we hope that you will have a better understanding of the different types of
Types of Beam with Diagram
Construction careers that use beams
Knowing about beams is useful for many professionals in the construction industry. Here are some of those careers:
Primary responsibilities: As manual laborers, skilled laborers run heavy equipment and assist in the construction of big structures. Construction workers are skilled workers who follow the blueprints provided by their clients to complete construction projects and offer their own recommendations on the best building materials to use.
Construction inspectors’ main responsibilities are to make sure a construction site is safe. These experts keep an eye on building projects to uphold corporate and governmental safety standards. Construction inspectors also approve the blueprints and materials for projects.
Primary duties: Carpenters specialize in woodworking. These experts follow blueprints as skilled workers to cut and shape wood to support projects. Furniture, building frames, and construction supplies can all be produced by carpenters.
Cost estimators’ main responsibilities are to estimate the labor, equipment, material, and time costs associated with a construction project. This can help during the planning stage of construction. Cost estimators frequently visit construction sites and have specialized knowledge of the sector.
Construction managers’ main responsibilities include supervising all phases of the construction process, including creating building plans, keeping an eye on employee performance, and finishing the project. These professionals handle managerial and project planning responsibilities.
What are beams?
Beams are buildings that civil engineers and construction professionals construct and use to support larger structures. These structural components support a building’s weight in order to maintain stable and robust working conditions.
If you work in the fields of construction, engineering, architecture, or structure design in general, you may need to be familiar with the various types of beams in order to choose the one that will work best for your project and understand how it will affect the cost and shape of the building you are helping to build.
Classification of beams
Engineers and construction workers employ a variety of beam types to achieve various goals. Professionals base their determination of the various beam types on these classifications:
Although experts classify each beam according to these categories, a beam may apply to more than one class. However, experts frequently classify beam types according to a certain feature or distinction from other beams.
Types of beams
It’s crucial to comprehend how beam types differ from one another if you’re interested in learning about the design and application of specific building components or if you’re pursuing a career in the building or engineering industries. Heres a list of different types of beams:
Cantilever beam
Professionals can classify a cantilever beam by its support conditions. This horizontally extending structural component has one end attached to the rest of the structure and the other end free. Construction experts use cantilever beams to build certain bridge types, bay windows, and balconies.
Simply supported beam
Professionals can also categorize simply supported beams based on the conditions of that support. They are pinned to two different types of supports and fixed on both ends. A simply supported beam has a rotating feature at one end that can be moved, while the other end is stationary and attached to a stationary support structure. These beams are used by engineers and construction experts to construct buildings and suspension bridges that are earthquake resistant.
Overhanging beam
Building contractors and others fasten sagging beams to two stationary support points. However, this beam hangs past its supporting structure at least on one end. When constructing balconies and roof extensions, experts can use overhanging beams. They’re particularly well-liked in the architecture of hotels and apartment complexes.
Double overhanging beam
Similar to an overhanging beam, a double overhanging beam extends past its fixed point of support on both sides rather than just one. These beams may be used by experts in structures with floors that rise above lower levels, such as enclosed balconies or buildings housing tourist attractions with glass floors.
Continuous beam
Professionals classify continuous beams based on their support conditions. These beams are typically longer than other beams and frequently have multiple fixed support points. These beams can be used by engineers and construction experts in a variety of structures, such as bridges, rooftop additions, and multi-story buildings.
Fixed beam
Fixed beams are also referred to as built-in beams. Theyre fixed at both ends and cannot move. This provides very stable support for the structure. Professionals use fixed beams when building column-like structures.
Trussed beam
Any beam strengthened by a truss is referred to as a trussed beam by experts. A truss is a triangle-shaped support structure. Professionals in construction and building design categorize trussed beams according to these support conditions. Trussed beams are incorporated into the design of some bridges and commercial structures, including warehouses.
Elastic foundation beam
Professionals classify elastic foundation beams by their support system. These beams are supported by an elastic foundation that offers constant support to both halves of the beam. A railroad track is a typical application of a trussed beam.
Spring support beam
A spring support beam closely resembles a cantilever beam. It has one fixed end, but a spring mechanism supports the other end.
Steel beams
Professionals categorize steel beams according to the materials they are made of rather than the conditions of their support. Professionals use these beams in a variety of applications. Typically, steel beams have two parallel horizontal sections that join with a single vertical section. Steel beams are given a shape that resembles the capital “I” as a result. “.
Reinforced concrete beams
A support structure protected by a concrete slab are reinforced concrete beams. These strong beams are used by experts to build larger, weight-bearing structures like dams, parking garages, stadiums, and piers.
Timber beams
Timber beams are made of various types of wood and frequently have trusses. Despite the fact that timber beams can be useful in construction, experts frequently use beams made of other materials, such as steel or concrete. Construction workers do, however, occasionally use timber beams to enhance a home’s interior architecture because they are frequently visible.
Composite beams
A type of beam made of two or more materials is called a composite beam. Professionals classify composite beams as a subtype of reinforced concrete beams.
Rectangular beams
Professionals categorize rectangular beams by their cross-section. Theyre known as the most commonly used beam in construction. Rectangular beams experience top compression in addition to bottom tension for the majority of their reinforcement.
T-section beam
T-section beams earn their name from their shape. Professionals categorize this beam based on its cross-section. Compared to other support beams, T-section beams can be more flexible and cost-effective. When used, t-section beams can lower the height from floor to ceiling of a space, enabling construction workers to use them when they need to be cost- and space-efficient.
L-section beam
The cross-sectional shape of L-section beams, which resembles the capital “L,” gave them their name. Professionals frequently employ these beams when building stairs and corners.
Straight beam
Any type of beam with a straight shape and no cross-sections is referred to as a “straight beam” in a broader sense. Steel, composite, wood, and concrete are just a few of the materials that manufacturers can use to create these beams.
Curved beam
Fixed on both ends, curved beams have a “c” shape. For stability, these beams frequently have two support points. Professionals use curved beams to construct round houses, buildings with circular rooms or towers, gazebos, arches, and other structures.
Tapered beam
Tapered beams feature two ends that vary in width. Although there are many ways in which professionals can use tapered beams, construction workers frequently use tapered beams in more ordinate buildings and structures, such as churches.
Statistically determinate beam
Statistically determinate beams are categorized by their equilibrium conditions by engineers, architects, and construction workers, which can aid experts in determining the amount of force a beam can withstand. These beams aid in the construction of buildings and structures, such as bridges, that may be subject to varying degrees of stress.
Statistically indeterminate beam
Professionals categorize statistically indeterminate beams by their equilibrium conditions, much like a statistically determinate beam. Statistically uncertain beams are supported more than is necessary, resulting in complete structural stability.
Cast in situ concrete beam
To ensure specific conditions, experts create cast-in-place concrete beams on the construction site. These beams can be created by construction workers by pouring concrete into a mold and letting it cure there.
Precast concrete beam
Precast concrete beams are made by experts in a plant or factory, unlike cast in situ concrete beams, and are then transported to a specific construction site. To ensure a high-quality outcome, manufacturers put these beams through rigorous testing and treatment before shipping.
Prestressed concrete beam
Before they are cast, experts test and exert force on pre-stressed concrete beams. In order to create a solid beam for high-quality construction projects, this can help.
Deep beam
Deep beams can help reduce the strain on other beams because they are frequently wider than other beams. These beams are used by experts to build floor diaphragms, shear walls, and the lower levels of high-rise structures.
Girder beam
Another beam and trusses are used to connect girder beams, which can have a square or rectangular shape. Because girder beams can support more weight than most beams, experts frequently use these beams. Girders are occasionally used by engineers and construction workers to build bridges and flyovers.
FAQ
What are 3 types of beams?
- Continuous beams. A continuous beam is one that is strengthened by two or more additional supports.
- Simply supported beams. Beams that have supports at both ends are known as simply supported beams.
- Fixed beams. …
- Overhanging beams. …
- Cantilever beam.
How many types of beams are there?
Learn about the different types of beams, including cantilever beams, straight beams, overhanging beams, fixed beams, and continuous beams.
What are some types of beams?
- Universal beam.
- Hip beam.
- Trussed beam.
- Lattice beam.
- Composite beam.
- Chilled beam.
- Reinforced concrete beam.
- Steel beam.
What are beams and its types?
Types of Beams: I-beams are beams with an “I”-shaped cross section. T-beam – Beam with ‘T’ cross section. C-beam – Beam with ‘C’ cross section.
