In construction, a beam is a horizontal structural element that is used to support the weight of a structure and transfer the load to the vertical supports or columns. Beams are an essential component of any building or structure and are used in a wide range of applications, from simple residential construction to large-scale commercial and industrial projects.
There are several types of beams used in construction, each with its own use and advantages over other types of beams.
In this article, we will explore the 32 types of beams used in construction, and their applications one by one.
Types of beams based on materials
1. Timber Beam
A timber beam is a beam made of wood, typically used in residential and light commercial construction. Timber beams are lightweight, easy to work with, and can be fabricated on-site, making them a popular choice in many applications.
2. Steel Beam
A steel beam is a beam made of steel, commonly used in commercial and industrial construction. Steel beams are strong, durable, and can support heavy loads, making them ideal for structures such as bridges, high-rise buildings, and warehouses.
3. Concrete Beam
A concrete beam is made of concrete, commonly used in construction due to its high compressive strength. Concrete beams are used in a wide range of applications, including bridges, buildings, and tunnels.
4. Composite Beam
A composite beam is a beam made of two or more different materials, typically combining a steel or timber beam with a concrete slab or other material. Composite beams are used in applications where a high load capacity and stiffness are required, such as in bridges, parking structures, and industrial buildings.
5. Flitch Beam
A flitch beam is a composite beam made up of a steel plate sandwiched between two timber beams. This type of beam is commonly used in construction where a stronger and more stable beam is needed than can be achieved with timber alone.
Types of beams based on loading type
6. Simply Supported Beam
A simply supported beam is a beam that is supported at its two ends with pins or rollers, which allow the beam to rotate freely at these points. This type of beam is subjected to a point load, distributed load, or a combination of both.
7. Cantilever Beam
A cantilever beam is a type of beam that is fixed at one end and free at the other end. It is designed to resist the load at the fixed end and is commonly used in structures such as balconies, diving boards, and bridges.
8. Fixed Beam
A fixed beam is a beam that is fixed at both ends, meaning it cannot rotate or move. This type of beam is capable of resisting bending and shear forces and is commonly used in structures such as bridges and buildings. The fixed beam is more rigid and stable than a simply supported beam or a cantilever beam.
9. Continuous Beam
A continuous beam is a beam that has more than two supports along its length, which allows it to resist larger loads than a simply supported beam. This type of beam is commonly used in bridges, multi-story buildings, and other large structures.
10. Overhanging Beam
An overhanging beam is a beam that extends beyond its supports on one or both ends. This type of beam is commonly used in structures such as balconies, roofs, and bridges.
11. Double-Hanging Beam
A double-hanging beam is a beam that has both ends extended beyond the supports, resulting in two overhanging sections. This type of beam is commonly used in structures such as cranes and gantries, which require a long span and high load capacity.
Types of beams based on shape and geometry
12. Rectangular Beam
A rectangular beam is a beam with a rectangular cross-section, where the height is greater than the width. This type of beam is commonly used in buildings, bridges, and other structures.
13. Square Beam
A square beam is a beam with a square cross-section, where the height and width are equal. This type of beam is used in structures where a balanced load capacity is required in all directions.
14. Circular Beam
A circular beam is a beam with a circular cross-section, which provides a more uniform load distribution and increased strength compared to other beam shapes. This type of beam is commonly used in structures such as towers, columns, and bridges.
15. I Beam
An I beam (or H beam) is a beam with an I or H-shaped cross-section, where the top and bottom flanges are parallel and the middle section is called the web. This type of beam provides a high strength-to-weight ratio and is commonly used in building construction, bridges, and other heavy load-bearing applications.
16. T Beam
A T beam is a beam with a cross-section that resembles the letter T. It is often used in reinforced concrete construction to provide additional strength and support to slabs and other structures.
17. C Beam
A C beam (also known as a channel beam) is a beam with a C-shaped cross-section. It is commonly used in construction for framing, as well as in industrial and manufacturing settings.
18. L Beam
An L beam is a beam with an L-shaped cross-section, where one side of the beam is longer than the other. It is often used in construction for framing, as well as in industrial and manufacturing settings.
19. Tapered Beam
A tapered beam is a beam that has a non-uniform cross-section, where the dimensions of the beam change along its length. This type of beam is used in structures where weight reduction and material efficiency are important, such as aerospace and automotive engineering.
20. Stepped Beam
A stepped beam is a beam that has a varying cross-sectional area, where the beam changes its cross-sectional dimensions abruptly along its length. It is commonly used in buildings and bridges to distribute loads effectively, as well as in machinery where the beam needs to be stronger in some parts than others.
21. Curved Beam
A curved beam is a beam that has a non-linear path and a curved cross-section. It is used in structures where a curved design is required, such as arches, domes, and bridges. The shape of the beam is usually determined by the function of the structure and the load it will carry.
22. Straight Beam
A straight beam is a beam with a linear path and a constant cross-sectional area along its length. It is the most common type of beam used in construction and is typically used to support loads such as roofs, floors, and bridges. The shape and size of the beam are chosen based on the requirements of the specific application.
23. Cambered Beam
A cambered beam is a beam that is intentionally curved upward in the middle. This is done to counteract the sagging that can occur over time due to the weight of the structure or other loads.
Types of beams based on functions
24. Header Beam
A header beam is a beam that spans an opening in a wall, such as a door or a window. It is designed to support the weight of the structure above the opening and transfer the load to the adjacent walls or columns.
25. Joist
A joist is a beam that supports a floor or ceiling. Joists are typically made of wood or steel and are arranged in parallel to support the load of the structure above them.
26. Girder
A girder is a large horizontal beam that supports other beams and joists in a structure. Girders are commonly used in bridges, buildings, and other large structures.
27. Lintel
A lintel is a horizontal beam that spans an opening, such as a door or window, and supports the weight of the structure above it. Lintels are typically made of concrete, stone, or steel and are commonly used in masonry construction.
Types of beams based on location
28. Landing Beam
A landing beam is a beam that is located at the top or bottom of a staircase landing. It provides support to the landing and distributes the weight of the staircase to the adjacent walls or columns.
29. Ridge Beam
A ridge beam is a beam that is located at the highest point of a sloping roof. It supports the weight of the roof and transfers it to the walls or columns of the building.
30. Tie Beam
A tie beam is a horizontal beam that connects two or more vertical members, such as roof trusses or columns. It helps to prevent the vertical members from spreading apart under the weight of the structure.
31. Plinth Beam
A plinth beam is a beam that is located at the ground level of a building. It provides support to the walls and columns of the building and helps to distribute the weight of the structure evenly.
32. Bottom Chord Beam
A bottom chord beam is a horizontal beam at the bottom of a truss or other structural frame. It provides support to the vertical members of the frame and helps to distribute the weight of the structure evenly.
FAQs
What are the main types of materials used for beams in construction?
The main materials for beams include timber, steel, concrete, composite materials, and flitch beams. Each material has its own set of properties and is chosen based on factors such as strength, weight, and application.
What is the difference between a simply supported beam, a cantilever beam, and a fixed beam?
Simply supported beams have support at both ends allowing rotation, cantilever beams are fixed at one end and free at the other, while fixed beams are secured at both ends and cannot rotate.
How do beam shapes and geometries differ, and what are their specific applications?
Beam shapes include rectangular, square, circular, I-beam, T-beam, C-beam, L-beam, tapered beam, stepped beam, curved beam, and straight beam, each with unique characteristics.
What are the functions of header beams, joists, girders, and lintels in construction?
Header beams span openings in walls, supporting the structure above; joists support floors or ceilings; girders are large horizontal beams supporting other beams and joists; lintels are horizontal beams over openings, like doors or windows, transferring weight to the structure.
Can you explain the role of tie beams, plinth beams, and bottom chord beams in construction?
Tie beams connect vertical members to prevent spreading; plinth beams are at ground level, providing support to walls and columns; bottom chord beams are at the bottom of trusses, supporting vertical members.
