Beam (structure)
A beam is a structural element that carries structural load.
Beams generally carry vertical forces but can also be used to carry horizontal loads (those loads can result from winds or earthquakes). The loads that a beam carries are led to columns or walls, which lead the force to the next element.
Beams are characterized by their profile (their shape), their length, and their material. Today, most construction has beams that are made of steel, reinforced concrete, or wood.
Beam (structure) Media
Diagram of stiffness of a simple square beam (A) and universal beam (B). The universal beam flange sections are three times further apart than the solid beam's upper and lower halves. The second moment of inertia of the universal beam is nine times that of the square beam of equal cross section (universal beam web ignored for simplification)
A beam of parallel strand lumber (PSL) lumber installed to replace a load-bearing wall
A metal I-beam beam supporting a bridge
