Structural Analysis: Beam Design

Study Notes

Simple Beam: A beam that is supported at both ends and is free to rotate at the supports.
Fixed Beam: A beam that is fixed at both ends and cannot rotate at the supports.
Cantilever Beam: A beam that is fixed at one end and is free to rotate at the other end.
Overhanging Beam: A beam that extends beyond its supports.

Load: The force applied to the beam, including:
- Point loads: Concentrated loads applied at a specific point.
- Uniform loads: Loads distributed evenly along the length of the beam.
- Moment loads: Loads that cause a rotation or twisting force.
Material properties: The strength and stiffness of the beam material, including:
- Modulus of elasticity (E): The measure of a material's stiffness.
- Yield strength (σy): The maximum stress a material can withstand before deforming plastically.
Section properties: The geometric properties of the beam cross-section, including:
- Area (A): The total area of the cross-section.
- Moment of inertia (I): A measure of the beam's resistance to bending.
- Section modulus (S): A measure of the beam's resistance to bending and deflection.

Determine the load: Calculate the load applied to the beam.
Select the material: Choose a material based on its strength, stiffness, and cost.
Determine the section properties: Calculate the area, moment of inertia, and section modulus of the beam cross-section.
Check for bending stress: Ensure that the bending stress is within the material's yield strength.
Check for deflection: Ensure that the deflection is within the allowable limit.
Check for shear stress: Ensure that the shear stress is within the material's yield strength.
Optimize the design: Iterate the design process to minimize material usage and cost.

Load is the force applied to the beam and includes point loads, uniform loads, and moment loads.
Point loads are concentrated loads applied at a specific point.
Uniform loads are loads distributed evenly along the length of the beam.
Moment loads are loads that cause a rotation or twisting force.
Material properties affect beam design, including modulus of elasticity (E) and yield strength (σy).
Modulus of elasticity (E) measures a material's stiffness.
Yield strength (σy) is the maximum stress a material can withstand before deforming plastically.
Section properties include area (A), moment of inertia (I), and section modulus (S).
Area (A) is the total area of the cross-section.
Moment of inertia (I) measures a beam's resistance to bending.
Section modulus (S) measures a beam's resistance to bending and deflection.

Evaluates the capacity of a foundation to support the weight of a structure
Involves analyzing soil-structure interaction, determining safe bearing capacity of soil, and designing foundation to resist various loads

Shallow Foundations:
- Spread footings (isolated, combined, and strap)
- Mat foundations
- Slab-on-grade foundations
Deep Foundations:
- Piles (driven, drilled, and helical)
- Drilled shafts (caissons)
- Piers

Site Exploration:
- Boring and sampling
- In-situ testing (e.g., cone penetration test, standard penetration test)
- Laboratory testing (e.g., triaxial test, unconfined compression test)
Soil Properties:
- Strength parameters (e.g., friction angle, cohesion)
- Deformation parameters (e.g., elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio)

Ultimate Capacity:
- Bearing capacity (gross and net)
- Resistance to sliding and overturning
Serviceability:
- Settlement and deformation analysis
- Pore water pressure and drainage considerations

Load Combinations:
- Dead and live loads
- Wind and seismic loads
- Soil and water pressures
Foundation Design:
- Selection of foundation type and size
- Material selection and detailing
- Construction and installation considerations