Different types of beams can be observed in the structures. They are categorized based on construction materials, beam support arrangement, and other special aspects.
Let's discuss each type of categorization in detail.
The categorization of beams based on construction materials is explained below.
Construction Materials
The following classification is based on the type of materials
- Concrete beams
There are different types of engineered concrete beams with different cross sections. These types of beams are mainly reinforced concrete beams used to carry loads.
They can be mainly divided into rectangular and round bars.
In addition, other types of beams are also used in construction, such as inverted T beams, flanged beams, etc.
- Steel beams
There are many types of steel beams that are considered types of load-carrying beams.
The universal beam mainly refers to the steel beam that supports the load. Furthermore, it has greater rigidity in the direction of flexion.
In addition, there are bars such as: B. Sheet metal beams used to transport heavy loads.
Depending on requirements, steel pipes, C-channels, rectangular hollow profiles, solid pipes, etc. are also used as steel supports.
- wooden beams
Wood is a very popular building material in some parts of the world. Furthermore, very large and tall buildings are constructed of wood.
In these structures, beams are used as supporting elements. Treated wood is used in construction because it is mainly about the durability of the structures.
- Composite beams
As the name suggests, it is a combination of materials to improve the stiffness of the beam.
Composite beams are mainly cast from steel and concrete. These types of beams are often used in steel structures.
A combination of concrete and steel profile is taken into account for the composite effect. Shear bolts attached to the beam are embedded in the concrete. They create this compound effect.
Beam types can be classified based on the conditions of the supports we consider during analysis and design.
Based on beam support types
- Simply supported beam
There are two supports and these allow rotation on the support.
This allows the edge of the beam to rotate freely.
The bending moment is greatest at mid-span or close to mid-span, depending on the arrangement of the loads. The shear force is greater at the supports.
- Continuous beam
When there are two or more supports, the beam is called a continuous beam.
Depending on the boundary conditions, a bending moment occurs at all supports. If the beam is designed assuming knife-edge supports, no bending moments occur at the end supports.
When we design a concrete beam supported on concrete columns, the effect of the concrete columns or the stiffness of the concrete column must be considered in the analysis. Analysis of the knife edge and pillar supports has a significant impact on the results.
- Cantilever beam
Regardless of whether the beam ends at the column or continues into the other spans, the beam must be designed for the bending moment of the cantilever arm.
No moment distribution can be made to the bending moment of the cantilever arm.
Other types of special beams
- Ready beams
As the name suggests, these are types of beams that are individually shaped and placed in the appropriate location.
This construction method is becoming more and more popular nowadays when the work is repetitive. Beams can be cast in bulk and then installed.
This is an economical and time-saving method.
The reinforcement of the beam can be the same as that of the normal beam. However, depending on boundary conditions, etc., there may be adjustments to the reinforcement area. To maintain continuity, special connection details may be used depending on the type of structure.
- Prestressing beams/tension beams
Pre-tensioning means that the cables are tensioned before the beam is cast. In tensioned beam construction, the beam is cast first and then the cables are tensioned.
There are two phases in the construction of prestressed concrete beams. This is the transfer phase and the operational phase. In the transfer phase, we plan taking transport into account. The operational phase is when we apply the load to the beam.
Prestressed concrete beams and precast beams are often used to support large spans. These beams are often used in bridge construction.
The bridge design article can serve as a reference to get an idea about tension beam construction.
- Deep jet
To support large spans, massive loads, etc., we design deep beams.
Deep radii are most commonly observed in Transfer Floor Construction. The distance between supports increases parking areas in multi-story buildings. Above this level we place the supports close to each other for several reasons.
At this level, a deep beam is constructed to support the load exerted by the structure above the transfer floor.
There are special procedures that must be followed when designing the deep jet . For more information, you can refer to the article “Deep Beam Design”.
- Cone beam
Tapered beams are often used as an architectural element. This type of beam is not widely used.
Construction is much more difficult than normal beam construction. Furthermore, the arrangement of reinforcement along the length of the beam must be changed. For example, we all need to make shear joints in different sizes.
However, in steel construction, these types of beams are more effective and economical. We increase the tread depth only when necessary.
This is common in the construction of portal frames. Furthermore, the use of conical beams and columns can bring cost savings to the project.
- Classification of beams based on cross-sectional area, L-shaped, T-shaped, rectangular,
There are types of beams such as “L” shape, “T” shape, etc., which are constructed from sections of different angles.
Rectangular hollow profiles, circular hollow profiles and solid profiles with rectangular and circular cross-sections are also used as beam profiles.
