Types and applications of beams

Here are some practical applications for different types of beams:
Straight beams – Used as fundamental load-bearing elements in skeletal structures, supporting floors, walls, and roofs. They serve as the main load-bearing elements of girder bridges, where they transfer vertical loads to the supports.
Inclined beams – Form the framework of sloping roofs, providing the correct angle of inclination and support for the roofing. They also support decorative and functional elements in inclined building façades.
Hinged beams – Allow compensation for thermal movements and other displacements, minimizing stresses in the structure. Used in structures exposed to movement, such as drawbridges, gate grilles, or movable platforms.

In the field of strength of materials, internal forces are key values that initiate the sizing process of structural elements. Knowledge of these forces is extremely important, as it serves as a foundation for subjects like strength of materials and various types of mechanics.

During structural analysis, we first calculate the support reactions, and then we need to determine the three main cross-sectional forces—axial forces, shear forces, and bending moments. The diagrams of these forces on structural elements show how the analyzed structure carries the applied load.



Below, you will also find links to numerous solution examples for both straight and inclined beams, as well as hinged beams.