What is a continuous beam?
A continuous beam is a structural component that provides bending resistance when a load or force is applied. These rays are commonly used in bridges. The continuous beam has more than two points of support along its length. They are usually in the same horizontal plane and the span between the supports are in one line.
Unlike the simple -supported beam , which has a support and load at each end, which is somehow distributed along its length, is much suppressed and stronger. The bridge, which consists of rays that expand between just two supports, is called a simple -supported beam bridge. If two or more beams are strictly connected over more supports, the bridge becomes continuous. The reactions that occur on the support of simply supported beams determined by analysis only forces applied to the beam. For this reason, simple rays are known as statically determining . The continuous beam has more supports than the need to seeBalance protection and determination of support reactions also consider the behavior of deformation during load. As a result, a continuous beam is known as statically vague .
The construction of the continuous beam will affect its bending and deflection when force is applied. Carbon steel is commonly used for structural rays due to its high strength and bending resistance. The beams are also designed using a number of other materials, including wood, aluminum and concrete, depending on the application.
Today, these types of beams are often designed using engineering software that receive input data and determines a design that meets performance requirements. Input factors may include types of applied forces, span between supports, beam shape, material strength properties and mechanical connection to other structural members.
continuous beam must be designed to resistI break and stress and at the same time minimize weight, space requirements and material costs. Most of the beams are designed with a safety factor that is used to reduce the beam, which protects against loading and other factors that cannot be predicted in advance. The choice of a suitable security factor is based on a specific application in combination with a good engineering judgment. Too high safety will control the design of the beam, which is larger than needed, causing possible weight problems and higher production costs.