What is a Beam? A beam is a structural element that has one dimension significantly greater than the other two, and supports forces applied laterally (transverse) to its main dimensional axis. Some examples of beams are shown at right (click on descriptions below).
Modeling Beams Beams are typically classified according to both the way in which they are supported (e.g., their end-conditions) and the way in which they are loaded. Some examples are shown at right (click descriptions below).
Beam Cross-sections and Materials
Beams are also classified according to the shape of
their cross-section and the material
from which they are constructed. Some common beam cross-sections and materials
are shown at right (click descriptions below).
