A Guide to Beams & Columns in Structural Engineering
Beams and columns are crucial structural elements that provide a safe load path to transfer the weight loads and forces of a structure to the foundations and into the ground. Maintaining a structure’s integrity, beams and columns are an essential in almost all structural engineering projects, loft conversions and civil engineering projects.
What are Beams in Structural Engineering?
Beams are horizontal structural elements that carry loads perpendicular to their longitudinal direction. Used to support the weight of floors, ceiling and roofs, transferring the load to a vertical bearing structural elements, beams can be constructed from an array of materials, including wood, steel and concrete.
The design or size of the beam requires an excellent understanding of basic physics and engineering principles. The responsibility of a structural engineer is to assess the loads on the beam, working out the forces and stresses to provide the optimum material, size and shape.
Beams are typically employed for forces such as;
- Point Loads – Intense forces applied at specific places along the beam’s shaft.
- Distributed Loads – Loads distributed along a portion of the beam, such as the weight of a roof or floor.
- Moments – Forces that initiate rotation around a point.
Types of Beams
- Simple Beam – Supported at each end.
- Cantilever Beam – Supported at a single end and free at the other.
- Overhanging Beam – A standard beam with one or each end extending beyond the supports.
- Continuous Beam – Supported by more than two points.
What are Columns in Structural Engineering?
Conversely, columns are vertical elements that carry loads parallel to the longitudinal axis such as compression or tension. Used to supports floors, ceilings, roofs and beams from the floor above, columns at the bottom or lower floors of tall buildings must carry the cumulative weight of all above floors.
Columns can be an isolated design, standing solitary in structures like temples or monuments, or connect as part of a grid system, such as buildings with multiple floors.
Similarly, the type of material utilised for columns depend on the engineering project.
Some common materials used for columns include;
- Steel
- Concrete
- Composite
- Timber
- Masonry
Types of Columns
Shapes
- Round: Commonly used in classical and historical architecture.
- Square: Utilised in contemporary construction.
- Rectangular: Rectangular in the cross-section, a versatile option for various structural requirements.
- H-Section: A ‘H’ shape that efficiently resists both axial loads and bending moments.
- Box Section: A rectangular or square shape with a hollow profile that’s lightweight and offers outstanding strength-to-weight ratios.
Functionality
- Load-Bearing: Supporting the weight of the structure, including beams, floors and roofs.
- Bracing: Offers lateral stability, preventing swaying or buckling.
- Decorative: An aesthetic solution, adding a touch of elegance or beauty to architectural projects.
Importance of Beams & Columns in Tandem for Structural Engineering
Beams and columns collectively create the structural framework that distributes loads throughout to ensure stability and structural integrity. Factoring in crucial information such as the materials, overall geometry and beam and columns connections, designing beams and column requires experience and careful consideration.