7 Types of Beam Support Used in Construction

The beam supports of a structure are extremely important in the construction industry since they sustain the weight and stress of the building to ensure that it is structurally stable. By distributing loads uniformly across the framework, they prevent any particular location from experiencing an excessive amount of pressure.

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1. Fixed Support

The form of support that is both robust and silent is the fixed support. During the point of connection, they perform the function of an unyielding anchor, which entirely restricts the rotation and movement of the beam. A fixed support looks like a beam that is tightly inserted into a concrete wall. The most rigid support is provided by this form of support, making it an excellent choice for circumstances that require a high level of stability.

2. Pinned Support

At the end of the beam, a pinned support, which is sometimes referred to as a hinged support, assumes the role of a fixed point. Along the axis of the beam, it prohibits movement in both the vertical and horizontal directions, although it does permit rotation at the connecting point. Trusses, which have beams that are joined to one another to produce a structure that is both stiff and flexible, frequently make use of pinned supports.

3. Roller Support

The roller support can withstand a force only in one specific line or movement. The only forces that a roller can withstand are those that are perpendicular to its path of travel or that act vertically. One unknown figure is equivalent to a reaction that occurs on this kind of support.

4. Rocker Support

There is a lot of overlap between roller support and rocker support to consider. In addition to being able to move and rotate horizontally, rocker support can also fight forces that come from the top down. On the other hand, horizontal movement is constrained in this scenario due to the curved surface that constitutes the bottom. Because of this, there is a limitation placed on the degree of horizontal movement.

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5. Link Support

Through the use of link support, only rotation and translation that is perpendicular to the direction of the link are permitted. Navigating towards the link is not feasible for translation. When seen from the direction of the connection, it possesses a single linear outcome force that may be broken down into both vertical and horizontal proportions.

6. Guide Support

The only translations that are supported by sliders are horizontal ones. Due to its inability to rotate or translate vertically along any axis, it exhibits both vertical and moment reactions.

7. Simple Support

In its most basic form, a simple support is simply the external framework on which the component rests. Their ability to limit vertical forces, but not horizontal forces, is relatively comparable to that of roller supports. However, they are not capable of accommodating horizontal forces. All that is required is for the member to rest on an external structure, which is then the recipient of the force. If a vertical force is applied to it in this scenario, it will not be able to support the weight of the object. It is unusual for engineers to use basic supports in real-world constructions unless they are sure the member will not translate. Without this, the engineer is at risk of the member sliding off the support.

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