What Is Beam?
The beam is a structural element that stands against the bending. Mainly beam carries vertical gravitational forces, but also pull the horizontal loads on it.
The beam is called a wall plate or sill plate that carries the transmits and load it to the girders, columns, or walls. It is attached with.
In the early centuries, timbers were the most preferred material to be used as a beam for this structural support purpose, now to bear the force along with carrying vertical gravitational force, now they are made up of aluminum, steel, or other such materials.
In actual means, beams are these structural materials, which bear the sheer force of the load and the bending moment.
To carry on the more tension and load, pre-stressed concrete beams are widely used nowadays in the foundation of bridges and other such humongous structures.
Several famous beams used nowadays are supported Beam, Fixed Beam, Cantilever Beam, Continuous Beam, Overhanging Beam.
Construction Beams
In building construction, a beam is a horizontal member spanning an opening and carrying a load that may be a brick or stone wall above the opening, in which case the beam is often called a lintel (see post-and-lintel system).
Types of Beam
5 Different types of beam are as follows.
- Simply Supported Beam.
- Cantilever Beam.
- Over Hanging Beam.
- Continuous Beam.
- Fixed Ended Beam.
What Is Column?
A compression member, i.e., column, is an important element of every reinforced concrete structure. These are used to transfer a load of superstructure to the foundation safely.
Mainly columns, struts, and pedestals are used as compression members in buildings, bridges, supporting systems of tanks, factories, and many more such structures.
A column is defined as a vertical compression member who is mainly subjected to the effective length and axial loads of which exceeds three times its least lateral dimension.
The compression member whose effective length is less than three times its least lateral dimension is called Pedestal
Shape of ColumnÂ
The compression member who is inclined or horizontal and is subjected to axial loads is called Strut. Struts are used in trusses.
The function of columns is to transfer the load of the structure vertically downwards to transfer it to a foundation.
Apart from the wall performs the following functions also:
- It encloses building areas into different compartments and provides privacy.
- It provides safety from burglary and insects.
- It keeps the building warm in cools in summer and winter.
 Types of Column
15 Different types of Column are as follows.
- Tied Column
- Spiral Column
- Composite column
- Axially Loaded Column
- Column with Uniaxial Eccentric Loading
- Column with Biaxial Eccentric Loading
- Short Column
- Long Column
- Square or Rectangular Column
- Circular column
- L-Shape Column
- T-Shape column
- Shape of Steel Column
- Shape of Composite Column
- Reinforced Concrete, Steel, timber, Brick, Block, and Stone Column.
Difference Between Beam and Column
The minimum width of the beam is 200 mm. The minimum width of a column is 200 mm, however, for earthquake resistance, it should be 300mm.
| Sr.No. | Beam | Column |
| 1 | Communally a horizontal member of a structure that resists transverse load is called a beam. | Communally a vertical member of a structure that resists axial/eccentric load is called a column. |
| 2 | The beam is carried load perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. | The column is carried load parallel to the longitudinal axis. |
| 3 | Beam is basically carried or resists bending and shear force. | Column is basically carried or resists compression load. |
| 4 | Beams shapes can be square, rectangular, T shape, I shape, H shape. | Column shape can be rectangular, circular, square, T shape, L shape, C shape, elliptical etc |
| 5 | Minimum width of the beam is 200 mm. | Minimum width of a column is 200 mm, however, for earthquake resistance, it should be 300mm. |
| 6 | Longitudinal steel in Beam is on two faces which are used to resist bending moment while the vertical loads are resisted by stirrups or inclined beam | Longitudinal steel in Column is on all faces which basically resists compression |
| 7 | Communally cast with slab and hence greater care is observed for its concreting and curing in case of RCC structures. | Communally cast in small batches and hence the quality of concreting as well as curing ignored in case of RCC structures. |
| 8 | Beam without building possible | Here, Column important part of building |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Beams and Columns in Structural Engineering
What is the primary function of a beam in building construction?
Beams serve as horizontal members that span openings and carry loads, such as the weight of walls or floors above the opening. They resist bending and shear forces.
What materials are commonly used to construct beams?
While timber was historically popular, modern beams are often made of materials like aluminum, steel, or pre-stressed concrete for enhanced strength and durability.
What are the different types of beams used in construction?
Common types of beams include simply supported beams, cantilever beams, continuous beams, fixed-ended beams, and overhanging beams, each with unique applications and structural properties.
What is the role of a column in reinforced concrete structures?
Columns are vertical compression members that transfer loads from the superstructure to the foundation, ensuring the stability and integrity of the entire structure.
What are the main functions of columns besides load-bearing support?
Columns also compartmentalize building areas, provide privacy, offer protection from burglary and insects, and contribute to insulation for temperature control.
How do beams and columns differ in terms of load resistance and shape?
Beams primarily resist transverse loads perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, while columns resist axial or eccentric loads parallel to their longitudinal axis.
Additionally, beams come in various shapes like square, rectangular, T-shape, I-shape, and H-shape, whereas columns can be rectangular, circular, square, T-shape, L-shape, C-shape, or elliptical.
What are the minimum width requirements for beams and columns?
The minimum width for both beams and columns is typically 200 mm. However, for earthquake resistance, columns should ideally have a minimum width of 300 mm.
How does reinforcement differ between beams and columns?
Beams usually have longitudinal steel reinforcement on two faces to resist bending moments, with additional reinforcement like stirrups or inclined beams for vertical loads. Columns, on the other hand, have longitudinal steel reinforcement on all faces to primarily resist compression.
What considerations are important during the construction of beams and columns?
Beams are commonly cast with slabs, requiring careful concreting and curing practices. Columns, being cast in smaller batches, may sometimes experience lower quality concreting and curing, which could affect their structural integrity.
Are beams and columns equally essential in building construction?
While beams are crucial for load-bearing support, columns play an equally vital role in providing structural integrity to buildings. Both elements are integral components of any construction project, with their unique functions and characteristics contributing to overall stability and safety.
