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BEAM. A beam is a structural element
that carries load primarily in bending (flexure). Beams generally
carry vertical gravitational forces but can also be used to
carry horizontal loads (i.e. loads due to an earthquake).
The loads carried by a beam are transferred to columns, walls,
or girders, which then transfer the force to adjacent structural
compression members. In Light frame construction the joists
rest on the beam.
Beams are characterized by their profile (the shape of their
cross-section), their length, and their material. In contemporary
construction, beams are typically made of steel, reinforced
concrete, or wood. One of the most common types of steel beam
is the I-beam or wide-flange beam (also known as a "universal
beam" or, for stouter sections, a "universal column").
This is commonly used in steel-frame buildings and bridges.
Other common beam profiles are the C-channel, the hollow structural
section beam, the pipe, and the angle.
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A
statically determinate beam, bending under an evenly distributed
load
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