ABSTRACT

Chapter 1 dealt with trusses. Trusses are used mainly for large structures such as bridges and domes. In this chapter, we shall study beams which are used not only in bridges but also in buildings. A beam is a horizontal member supporting a roof or a floor as shown in Figure 2.1.1a. A beam that projects out from a support and has a free (unsupported) end is called a ‘cantilever beam.’ To understand the phenomenon of bending of beams in simple steps, we shall start by studying strength and deformation properties of a cantilever beam embedded in a rigid wall (Figure 2.1.1b).