Types of Beams in Engineering Mechanics

7/8/2021 Types of Beams in Engineering Mechanics
Types of Beams in Engineering

Mechanics
In this post we will be learning about various types of beams used in engineering
mechanics and their deflected shape on uniform loading.
There are basically 6 types of beams used in mechanics. Beams used for finding
out reactions on support are assumed to be massless and the support, if pinned or
roller, are frictionless. This is assumed to for the sake of easy calculations.
Simply Supported Beam
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Simply Supported Beam
Starting from the simplest of the beams, the simply supported beam rests on a pin
and roller support. Pin support allows rotation and roller support allow rotation
and lateral movement. The deflected shape of the beam on loading is shown in
white dashed line. This beam has got 3 unknown reactions which are vertical
reactions at both the support and a horizontal reaction at pin support. We have 3
equilibrium equations which are summation of forces in vertical direction is zero,
summation of forces in horizontal direction is zero and moment about any of the
support as zero, to find the 3 reactions. Hence it is called a statically determinate
beam.
Overhanging Beam
Overhanging Beam
Next we are looking at an overhanging beam in which some portion of the beam
extends from the support from one side. The deflected shape of the beam on
uniform loading between supports would look line white dashed line, in which
both the supports will allow rotation of the beam.
If the overhang is from both the ends, then the beam is supposed to be called,
double overhang and the deflected shape on uniform loading would look
something like this. These arrangements are also statically determined with 3
unknowns and 3 equilibrium equations.
Fixed Beam
Fixed Beam
Next is, Fixed beam, which has fixed or rigid supports from both the ends.
Deflected shape due to uniform loading will look something like white dashed
line in which fixed supports will not rotate. Fixed support gives all 3 reactions
which are horizontal, vertical and moment at both supports hence a total of 6
unknowns. These unknowns cannot be found by 3 equilibrium equations hence
the arrangement is called statically indeterminate.
Cantilever Beam
Cantilever Beam
Next we will see a cantilever beam, which is fixed on one side and free on the
other side. Deflected shape due to loading will look something like white dashed
line. This beam has got only 3 unknowns hence they can be found by equilibrium
equations making this beam statically determinate.
Propped Cantilever
Propped Cantilever
Next we will see a propped cantilever beam which is nothing but a cantilever
beam with a Roller support at the other end. The deflected shape due to loading
on the propped cantilever will look something like white dashed line. As the total
number of unknown reactions are 4, 3 from fixed support and one from roller, it
will be termed as a statically indeterminate beam.
Propped Cantilever with a Hinge
But what if I tell you that a propped cantilever can be made statically
determinate? This can be possible by introducing an internal hinge or pin. Internal
hinge allows free rotation hence moment at that point is zero. Beams to the left
and right of the internal hinge can be treated like 2 separate beams for
calculations. Deflections due to uniformly distributed load in this case would look
something like white dashed line. The slope abruptly changes on each side of the
hinge. In the real world a shear connection between 2 beams can be assumed as an
internal hinge.
Continuous Beam
Continuous Beam
Next comes a continuous beam which has 2 or more than 2 spans. The support at
the ends may be fixed, pinned or roller. The ends can be overhanging or
supported. Deflected shape of the continuous beam on loading will look
something like the white dashed line. Point to be noted here is that the
intermediate support will not allow rotation of the beam hence there will be some
amount of bending moment present at that support. As the unknown reactions in a
continuous beam are more than 3, the reactions cannot be statically determined.
Also read
Types of Support | Support Reactions in a Beam
Watch in video form.

Types of Beams in Engineering Mechanics

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7/8/2021 Types of Beams in Engineering Mechanics

Types of Beams in Engineering

Simply Supported Beam

Simply Supported Beam

Propped Cantilever with a Hinge

Types of Support | Support Reactions in a Beam

Watch in video form.

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