Beam (structure) facts for kids
A beam is a super important part of many buildings and bridges. Think of it like a strong, straight bar that helps hold things up! Its main job is to carry weight, also known as a structural load.
Beams usually carry weight pushing down on them, like the weight of a roof or a floor. But they can also handle sideways pushes, like those from strong winds or even an earthquake. All the weight a beam carries is then passed on to other strong parts of the building, like columns or walls, which then send the force down to the ground.
What Are Beams?
Beams are special parts of a building or structure that are designed to support weight. They are usually long and straight. Imagine the floor joists in your house or the big supports under a bridge – those are beams!
How Do Beams Work?
When a beam carries a load, it bends a tiny bit. This bending creates forces inside the beam that help it resist the weight. The way a beam is shaped, how long it is, and what it's made of all affect how strong it is and how much weight it can hold.
What Are Beams Made Of?
Today, beams are made from very strong materials. The most common ones you'll see are:
- Steel: This is a very strong metal often used for large buildings and bridges.
- Reinforced concrete: This is concrete with steel bars inside it, making it extra strong and good at handling different kinds of forces.
- Wood: Wood beams are common in houses and smaller buildings. Sometimes, special types of engineered wood are used, like PSL, which is made by gluing many small pieces of wood together.
Images for kids
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A beam made of special engineered wood called PSL, used to replace a wall that was holding up weight.
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A metal beam shaped like an "I" under a bridge. This shape makes it very strong.
See also
In Spanish: Viga para niños
