Types and applications of beams

Practical applications of different types of beams

Here are some practical applications for different types of beams:

a) Simple beams

Simple beams - Used as basic load-bearing elements in frame structures, supporting floors, walls, and roofs. They serve as the main load-bearing elements of beam bridges, transferring vertical loads to the supports.

b) Inclined beams

Inclined beams - Form the framework of sloped roofs, providing the appropriate angle of inclination and support for the roofing material. They support decorative and functional elements in sloped facades of buildings.

c) Hinged beams

Hinged beams - Allow for the compensation of thermal movements and other displacements, minimizing stresses in the structure. Used in constructions exposed to movements, such as drawbridges, grids in gates, or movable platforms.

Internal forces in beams

In the field of material strength, internal forces are key values that initiate the process of dimensioning structural elements. Knowledge about these forces is extremely important, as it forms the basis for subjects such as material strength or various types of mechanics.

During the analysis of structures, we first calculate support reactions, and then we need to determine three main cross forces - axial forces, shear forces, and bending moments. The graphs of these forces on structural elements show how the examined structure responds to the applied load.

From this course, you will learn:

what types of supports there are,
how to determine support reactions in beams,
how to check the correctness of calculated reactions,
how to draw diagrams of normal forces, shear forces, and bending moments in simple, inclined, and hinged beams,
you will learn to draw diagrams using two methods - by recording the functions of internal forces and without recording these functions,

all of this starting from very simple examples of beams, moving on to beams with more loads, through inclined beams (which is a good introduction to frames with inclined bars) ending with examples of hinged beams.

Below you will also find links to numerous solved examples of both simple and inclined beams, as well as hinged ones.