ABSTRACT
If a beam of symmetrical cross-section is subjected to a bending moment, then stresses due to bending action will occur. In pure or simple bending, the beam will bend into an arc of a circle. Due to couples, the upper layers of the beam will be in tension, because their lengths have been increased, and the lower layers of the beam will be in compression, because their lengths have been decreased. The bending of beams is of much importance in designing buildings, bridges, ships and ensuring their safety under these loads. In the case of buildings, bending stresses can be caused by wind, snow and so on. This chapter shows to: define neutral layer, define the neutral axis of a beam's cross-section, calculate the stresses in a beam due to bending and define anticlastic curvature. It also shows to: analyse composite beams, consider compatibility and horizontal and rotational equilibrium, define a flitched beam, understand composite ship structures.
