A continuous beam has more than two support points and is stiffer and stronger than a simply supported beam. Design factors include loading, material strength, and deflection. Engineering software is often used for design, and a factor of safety is necessary to protect against unpredictable factors.
A continuous beam is a structural component that provides resistance to bending when a load or force is applied. These beams are commonly used in bridges. A beam of this type has more than two support points along its length. These are usually in the same horizontal plane and the spans between the supports are in a straight line.
Unlike a simply supported beam, which has supports at each end and a load distributed somewhat along its length, a continuous beam is much stiffer and stronger. A bridge composed of beams spanning between only two supports is called a simply supported beam bridge. If two or more beams are rigidly joined at multiple supports, the bridge becomes continuous.
The two main factors to consider in designing a continuous beam are the type of loading and the strength characteristics of the material used to construct the beam. The reactions that occur at the supports of a simply supported beam can be determined by analyzing only the forces applied to the beam. For this reason simple beams are called statically determined. A continuous beam has more supports than necessary to provide equilibrium and the deformation behavior under load is also taken into account when determining support reactions. Consequently, this type of beam is known as statically indeterminate.
The construction of a continuous beam will affect its deflection and deflection when a force is applied. Carbon steel is commonly used for structural beams due to its high strength and bending strength. The beams are also constructed using a variety of other materials, including wood, aluminum, and concrete, depending on the application.
Today, these types of beams are often designed using engineering software that takes input data and determines a design to meet performance requirements. Input factors can include the types of forces applied, the distance between supports, the shape of the beam, the strength properties of the material, and the mechanical connections to other structural elements.
A continuous beam must be designed to withstand forces and strains while minimizing weight, space requirements and material cost. Most beams are designed with a factor of safety, which is to oversize the beam to protect it from loading and other factors that cannot be predicted in advance. Selecting an appropriate factor of safety is based on the specific application in conjunction with good engineering judgement. Too high a safety margin will result in a larger-than-necessary beam design, leading to possible weight issues and higher manufacturing costs.
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