30 Types of Beams (Used in Construction)

Heather Robbins
by Heather Robbins

Every day we travel over bridges and overpasses without a thought. Some days we enter tall buildings and take the elevator to the 70th floor, and all we have to do is press a button. We never once take a second to think about how we are appropriately supported hundreds to thousands of feet in the air, but much of it depends on the types of beams.

Beams come in many shapes, sizes, and supportive components, all used for specific jobs with a particular purpose for the structural integrity of the building. Types of beams include L-section beams, reinforced beams, cantilevered beams, timber beams, steel beams, and T-section beams. Other beams are girders, open-web beams, raker beams, and many more.

Structures are well thought out during construction by civil engineers to provide a safe and secure environment for everyone. Builders use beams, which are usually horizontal structures that support the weight above them. Various types of beams are for specific construction projects, and they are responsible for transferring the weight laterally. Let’s go over the different types of beams in detail.

Top Types Of Beams

There are many different types of beams that have different uses. It’s essential to choose the one that you will need for your particular project.

1. Composite Beam

Composite beams feature materials like concrete and steel, which combine to create one unit. Builders use these beams to span an ample space without any support from columns.

Some examples of composite beams are shallow floors and down stand beams. They are one of the most common types people use throughout industrial projects as well as manufactured homes.

2. Types Of Beams: Reinforced Concrete Beam

Concrete, in general, has strong compression qualities but lacks tensile strength. To defeat this flaw, the addition of steel reinforcements makes up tensile stresses for reinforced concrete beams.

These beams are vital elements to the structural integrity of the building. Their design withholds transverse external loads. Reinforced beams are great for support; however, they don’t hold up the best during earthquakes and other types of natural disasters.

3. Cantilever Beam

A cantilever beam has a fixed end that is within the concrete of the building, and the other end extends freely in the air. The free end has the capabilities to move when under pressure.

However, nothing is affected at the fixed end. The pressure is transferred to manage proper support. Builders often use this type of beam for balconies and some bridges.

4. Types Of Beams: L-Section Beam

This is one type of beam that is named for its shape, which is the form of an inverted “L.” It is placed to the top of the beam forms the edge of the floor.

Manufacturers build them monolithically and builders use them in conjunction with a reinforced concrete slab at the outside of the structure. An L-beam is used ideally at corners of a building or around staircase corners.

5. Precast Concrete Beam

Precast beams are premade or cast in a plant rather than at the construction site. The manufacturing process takes place in a controlled setting. The controlled environment provides the best conditions to guarantee the greatest strength of the beam.

After workers perform quality control checks, they transport the beams to the construction site. These beams mainly enhance the support of parking structures.

6. Deep Beam

A deep beam has a larger depth and thickness ratio than that of conventional beams. Because of these dimensions, deep beams create a two-dimensional action rather than a one-dimensional action.

Compression force carries the weight of the load to the supports, combining the weight and the reaction. This then makes the stress distribution no longer linear. Deep beams are necessary with structures that have a large span without the use of columns.

7. Types Of Beams: Steel Beam

Engineers create steel beams by pouring molten hot steel into molds. They then roll out the beams and form them into a variety of shapes.

Steel beams are a high-strength material compared to other types of construction material. It also maintains strong and durable qualities. Builders primarily use these types of beams in a multitude of construction projects like bridges and steel roof trusses.

8. Simply Supported Beam

This beam’s name says it all; it is simply supported on both ends, with one fixed end and one end on rollers. The roller support end allows the beam to expand or contract axially.

Alternatively, the fixed end prevents any horizontal movements. Due to the roller support end, builders often use this beam for suspension bridges and earth-quake-resistant buildings.

9. Types Of Beams: Timber Beam

Featuring timber, builders commonly used these types of beams in older methods of construction and you don’t see them much anymore. Timber beams are used with a combination of posts that support the beam within the frame.

The beam runs horizontally between two posts. Sometimes they support subfloors in an older house and or you can find them in wooden roof trusses.

10. Fixed Beam

Unlike simply supported beams, fixed beams feature two fixed ends, so there is minimal or no rotational movement. They create fixing moments at the ends rather than reactions. They are also called built-in beams and builders often use them in high rises and skyscrapers.

11. Continuous Beam

A continuous beam is a simply supported beam based on the end supports but has intermediate support throughout the span of the beam from end to end. The added support decreases deflection compared to simply supported beams and can span more considerable distances as well. This makes them ideal for bridge construction.

12. Types Of Beams: Girder Beam

A girder beam is a support beam that is the primary horizontal support but supports smaller beams. They have I-beam cross-sections that have two-load bearing flanges.

Alternatively, they can also have a Z shape. They can come in different sizes but mainly feature steel as the material. Builders primarily use girders to build bridges.

13. Rectangular Beam

Rectangular beams have cross-sections that are rectangular. They have compression at the top from what is being supported that causes tension at the bottom from gravity pulling down.

Usually, these beams need reinforcement on the bottom to add support. Builders use these types of beams often in residential construction.

14. Ground Beam

Formwork concrete ground beams

Commonly known as a “footer,” a ground beam is constructed on-site below the ground. They feature concrete and they support brickwork and blockwork for housing foundations. Ground beams should span the length of the foundation and support the weight of the structure built on top of it.

15. T-Section Beam

T-section beams create the shape of a “T” and are usually cast monolithically with a concrete slab. The slab is an essential part of the beam, acting as a flange for the beam.

The slab will curve in a lengthways direction of the beam. T-beams can support a larger span compared to other beams because of the decreased deflection. Engineers typically use these beams for highway overpasses and parking garages.

16. Types Of Beams: Collar Beam

Sometimes called a collar tie, this beam is commonly used in roof construction. It is a beam that is placed horizontally between two rafters and is, more often than not, a structural component to the roof.

They are strategically placed to keep the rafters from sagging. Sometimes they can be placed to help frame in a ceiling.

17. Cast In-Situ Concrete Beam

In-situ is a Latin phrase commonly used in construction, meaning “on-site” or “in place.” These beams are created on-site by using formwork that is a fixed frame for size.

Fresh concrete is then poured in with the help of some compaction techniques then let to cure. Once cured, the beam is put in place to support the load it was created for. A lot of structures, like bridges and buildings, need these types of beams created on site.

18. Types Of Beams: Tapered Beam

People also refer to tapered beams as slant beams or wedge beams. You can find them in specific designs, such as lean-tos, in order to increase floor space.

The most common tapered beam is a steel I-beam, where one side is wider than the other. Builders often use tapered beams within a framing structure, which is a form of rigid framing that has a series of columns with the beams as rafters.

19. Types Of Beams: Prestressed Concrete Beam

Prestressed concrete beams are created by stressing tension wire within the concrete. Special hydraulic jacks do the stressing of the wire before casting the beam. By doing this, it enables the concrete to be stronger. Prestressed concrete beams are primarily used for heavily loaded structures, such as bridges.

20. Lintel Beam

Some solid concrete structures are doors and windows, which essentially act as a weakened “hole” of the structure being built. A lintel beam is placed on top of the door or window to support the upper part of the wall and becomes part of the wall being built. Its main goal is to help distribute the load off of the window or door.

21. Types Of Beams: I-Beam

One of the most common beams used in construction, it is an essential beam of steel structures that engineers have to understand. Due to its shape, it gets its name from the letter “I”; however, it is also called a universal beam or a rolled joist.

They are manufactured in various dimensions, widths, and other specifications for the job that needs to be done. Contractors decide on the beams’ makeup depending on factors, like vibration and tension, for the job. The I-beams are enabled to bend when under a lot of pressure, which makes them a vital part of the bridge and building construction.

22. Trussed Beam

Using a system of trusses, which is a triangulated system constructed to sustain the axial force. It is usually made of steel, but sometimes it can be created out of wood.

They are used to support a substantial amount of weight over broad space, generally spanning from about 30 feet to over 300 feet. They are mainly used in warehouses and workshops, where open space is needed.

23. Overhanging Beam

This beam is not to be confused with a cantilever beam, although it may appear similar. Overhanging beams have two supports, one is a fixed support at one end, and the other is somewhere in the middle with the other end “overhanging” freely.

They are used in residential buildings for balconies and vary in length from about 130 feet to almost 400 feet.

24. Double Overhanging Beam

With a single overhanging beam in mind, a double overhanging beam is the same concept except for the beam overhangs on both sides of the support wall. Both supports can either be fixed, or they can be combined with a simply supported beam concept. This is the same concept that’s used when balancing the main beam for a roof. You hang both sides over in order to gain that balance.

25. C-Beam

The same concept of I-beams steel cross-section, this beam forms a “C.” It is a structural channel commonly known as a C-channel.

It is usually always positioned vertically where the flanges are at the top and bottom. However, it does not have to be placed that way.

These beams are used in civil engineering, and there can be some weak points with the beam. Therefore, careful consideration is taken during construction to be affixed for the supreme contact area.

26. Types Of Beams: Hip Beam

A hipped roof is a style of roof that is described as a tented roof with no gables and has slopes down to meet the walls. This style of roofing needs to be appropriately supported, thus the creation of the hip beam. This beam forms the angle of the roof and supports other load-bearing rafters, which span down to the eaves of the house.

27. Open Web Beam

The majority of beams are created to support a great deal of weight; however, few are created to provide lightweight support. Open web beams are part of structural engineering with a “webbed” system of triangular trusses.

They are generally used for buildings that comprise extended widths with light to moderate support. So, it wouldn’t be suitable for a cemented dome top but may be great for supporting the store of a warehouse or something with an aluminum roof.

28. Lattice Beam

The structure of this beam is created using a pattern of diagonal lacing with structural struts. These struts inhibit axial compression and tension, mainly to hinder the bending of the beam. Modern construction has developed bolted or welded plates; however, a prime example of lattice beams is the Eiffel Tower.

29. Raker Beam

Going to a ballgame or a theater can be very entertaining, and sitting in the nosebleed seats can be cost-effective. However, no one ever thinks about the support needed for these types of seats.

Construction companies use raker beams, which are angled and notched to support these types of arenas. They can be used also for indoor structures as well but in very rare instances.

30. Types Of Beams: Ceiling Beam

Not all beams are structural; some can be merely decorative. A big style that a lot of people want in their home is ceiling beams. These beams started as actually wooden joists that were let exposed; these, of course, are structural.

To appeal to this style, manufacturers have created a way to offer faux beams with wood and plastic. These ceiling beams are lightweight and non-structural, which means they can be added anywhere for decorative purposes.

Things To Consider When Choosing Types Of Beams For The Ceiling

Ceiling beams have been altered to fit our lifestyle of design need. They are decorative additions that can add dimension as well as texture to your space. You can add them as you are building your new home or update your existing space. Regardless of when you want to add your ceiling beams, there are a few things to consider.

Measure

Measuring where you are putting your beam will reduce waste and ultimately cut costs. Taking measurements is extremely necessary if you are planning to cover existing beams. The exterior dimensions of the beam will differ significantly from the interior dimensions of the new beam, especially if the surface is irregular or rough.

Choose A Style Of Beam And Color

There are few questions you should ask yourself before purchasing your beam. What kind of texture do you like? Do you prefer a smooth or rough look? Do you want to match colors or have a dramatic distinction? There are many factors when considering the style of your beam, so it should be a well-thought-out plan.

When selecting your beam, you will have the option to choose unfinished or pre-finished designs. If you have an exact color in mind or do not like the pre-finished options, then you will need to select an unfinished beam.

Then you can have someone stain the beam to your specifications. Regardless, typically you custom order these beams.

There are hundreds of stain options; furthermore, you can mix some stains to create more stain options. This is all going to depend on the finished style you want for your room, and you will need to decide between contrasting or contemporary. Generally, the beam color is decided based on the ceiling; the darker the beam, the more dramatic effect you will have.

End Caps, Beam Plates, And Brackets

End caps will create a smooth finished look by eliminating the seam where the beam meets the wall. There are some end caps that may have nuts and bolts already fitted into the design of your beam. Similarly, metal plates or straps can be a decorative addition to your beam and add some support in solid wood options. The plates offer more of a visual appeal than end caps to hide the seams between the beams and the wall.

Brackets may look like they are a supportive structure, but in this case, they are a decorative accessory for your beam. There is a wide selection of decorative brackets to match your style. They come in a variety of options for contemporary or classic appeals. You can even get unfinished brackets to stain it to the same color as your beam.


Related Questions

Is there an alternative to wood beams for residential use?

This alternative beam is cost-effective for owners and is not subject to common damages of wood beams. They are considered a “faux” wood and are stain, insect, and chip resistant. Plus, they also add to the aesthetic of the home and can increase property values.  They weigh approximately 15 to 20 percent of that of wood beams, so they are easier to install.They are ideal to use in renovation projects due to the design flexibility of the manufacturer. You can have custom millwork to replicate any of the existing beams or match crown moldings. Lightweight polyurethane beams do not usually need any support; however, some larger beams for major renovations may need engineer consultation to ensure support.


What is a column?

Both columns and beams offer structural support in construction, but they do so differently. Unlike beams, which run horizontally, columns provide vertical support and work through compression.Some different types of columns are rectangular, circular, reinforced concrete, and axially loaded. Often, you can use many of the same materials to make columns and beams. Typically, columns support floor or roof beams and any columns above them.

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Heather Robbins
Heather Robbins

Heather is a passionate writer who loves anything DIY. Growing up, she learned everything from home repairs to design, and wants to share her tips with you. When she's not writing, she's usually hiking or searching for her next DIY project.

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