Beams can be classified into different types based on the way they are supported. Let us learn about these types in detail if you missed the pervious Types of Beam so You can click on here To Learn About it, Types of Beam based on Geomatery & Types of Beam Based on Equilbrium

Table of Contents

Types of Beams Based on support

Simply supported beam

Cantilever beam

Overhanging beam

Fixed end beam

1. Simply supported beam

A simply supported beam is defined as the beam where both ends Are Fixed with the Supports one end is Fixed with the Hinge or Roller Load and Other end is pinned connection

Important Note

The bending moment in a simply supported beam is zero at the support and maximum at the center of the beam.
The shear force in a simply supported beam is zero at the support and maximum at the center of the beam.
The deflection of a simply supported beam is parabolic in shape and is maximum at the center of the beam.

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Simply supported beams are the most common type of beam because they are easy to analyse and design. Their construction is also relatively economical.

Let’s take a look at the important definitions that we will use in this topic

Supports – The supports are called pin supports and roller supports. Pinned supports allow the beam to rotate freely, while roller supports only allow the beam to rotate horizontally
BM – The bending moment is due to the load applied on the beam. The maximum bending moment occurs at the point where the load is applied
SF – Shear force is due to the difference in load applied on the beam. The maximum shear force occurs at the point where the load is applied or where the beam changes direction.
Deflection – Deflection is the amount of bending that occurs in the beam. Maximum deflection occurs at the point where the bending moment is maximum.

Here are some Practicable examples Floor beams

Roof beams
Bridge beams
Machine tool beds
Loading docks

2. Fixed Beam

A fixed beam is a beam supported by two supports that prevent it from rotating. The supports are called fixed supports, and they are usually made of concrete or masonry.

Fixed supports prevent the beam from rotating, which means that the beam is subjected to a moment at each support. The moment at each support is equal to the reaction force at the support times the distance from the support to the load.

Fixed beams are stronger and stiffer than simply supported beams. This is because the fixed supports prevent the beam from rotating, thereby reducing the bending moment in the beam. Fixed beams are more difficult to manufacture than simply supported beams.

Let’s look at the advantages of Fixed Beam

Fixed Beam are stronger and stiffer than simple supported beams.
They can Takes heavy loads easily. without any deflection.
Fixed beams are used where Rotation is needs to be prevent.

Let’s look at the drawbacks of fixed beam

These are more difficult to fabricate than simply supported beams.
Construction of Fixed beam is more costly.

3. cantilever beam

Cantilever beams are fixed at one end and other end is free. They are excellent for making hanging structures such as diving boards and balconies.

The cantilever beam is subjected to a moment at the support and a shear force along its length. The moment at the support is equal to the weight of the beam times the length of the beam. Shear force is equal to the load exerted on the beam minus the moment at the support.

Cantilever beams are less strong and rigid than fixed beams, but they require less material and are easier to manufacture. Cantilever beams are used in applications where it is not necessary to prevent the beam from rotating such as in the case of balconies.

Let’s look at the advantages of Fixed Beam.

Cantilever beam are less difficult to manufacture than fixed beams.
Cantilever beams require less material to construct.
Cantilever beams are less expensive.
Cantilever beam can be used in applications where it is not necessary to prevent the beam from rotating.

A propped cantilever beam is a statically indeterminate beam, meaning that there are more unknown reaction forces than the equilibrium equations allow. This makes it more difficult to analyze a supported cantilever beam than simply supported beams or cantilever beams.

Propped cantilever beam can be analyzed using force method, moment distribution method or stiffness method. The force method is a graphical method to analyze propped cantilever beams.

The design of a propped cantilever beam is also more complex than the design of a simply supported beam or cantilever beam. This is because the designer must consider the interaction of the beams at the supports. The designer must also consider the deflection of the beam, which may be more pronounced in simply supported cantilever beams than simply supported beams or cantilever beams.

5. Continuous Beams

Continuous beams have multiple supports along their length, making them suitable for long spans. They are commonly used in buildings and bridges where extended supports are required.

Continuous beams are more efficient than simply supported beams because they can distribute the load over multiple supports. It can reduce the bending moment and shear force in the beam, and it can also reduce the deflection of the beam.

Continuous beams are used in bridges

buildings
bridges
parking garages
runway

Let’s Look at some additional details Related to the continuous beam

The analysis of continuous beams is more complex than the analysis of simply supported beams. This is because the reactions on the support are not known a priori. The reactions at the supports should be determined using an iterative method, such as the moment distribution method or the stiffness method.

The design of a continuous beam is also more complex than the design of a simply supported beam. This is because the designer must consider the interaction of the beams at the supports. The designer must also consider the deflection of the beam, which may be more pronounced in a continuous beam than in a simply supported beam.

Let’s look at the advantages of Fixed Beam

More efficient than simple supported beams.
They can Take heavy loads.
They are less likely to deflect under load.

6. Overhanging Beams

One end of an overhanging beam is supported, while the other extends beyond the support. These beams are ideal for building awnings and canopies

Let’s dive into some additional details 

An overhanging beam is a beam that is supported by two or more supports, but one or more supports allow the beam to hang beyond the supports.

An overhang is that part of a beam that extends beyond the supports. Overhanging beams are more efficient than simply supported beams because they can distribute the load over a longer length. It can reduce the bending moment and shear force in the beam, and it can also reduce the deflection of the beam.

Overhanging beams are used in

balcony
canopies
cornice
shelving
railing

Analysis of overhanging beams is more complex than analysis of simply supported beams. This is because the reactions on the support are not known a priori. The reactions at the supports should be determined using an iterative method, such as the moment distribution method or the stiffness method.

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