ABSTRACT
The elements of a structure are designed to carry their loads and/or moments while ensuring safety and economy in the use of steel. The cross-sectional properties of members are classified in the code under the heading 'plastic', 'compact', 'semi-compact' and 'slender'. Beams are the elements of a structure that generally span between columns and are designed to resist bending/torsional moments and shear forces. This chapter outlines the main factors to be taken into account in the design of beams although many of the considerations apply equally to column design. The local capacity of a web in bearing is calculated on a load dispersion through a beam flange of 1 to 2.5. Lattice girders are suitable for large spans, preferably loaded at node points to avoid local bending in the top or bottom chord members. Deflection due to dead load on the truss should be calculated and the truss precambered upwards to counteract the deflected amount.
