1. What is Beam Deflection?

Beam deflection refers to the displacement of a beam under load. For simply supported beams with uniformly distributed load, the maximum deflection occurs at the center and is calculated using the standard formula.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the maximum deflection formula for simply supported beams:

Where:

• \( \delta \) — Maximum deflection (m)
• \( w \) — Uniformly distributed load (N/m)
• \( L \) — Beam length (m)
• \( E \) — Modulus of elasticity (Pa)
• \( I \) — Moment of inertia (m⁴)

Explanation: This formula calculates the maximum vertical displacement at the center of a simply supported beam subjected to uniform loading.

3. Importance of Deflection Calculation

Details: Deflection calculations are crucial in structural engineering to ensure beams meet serviceability requirements, prevent excessive sagging, and maintain structural integrity under load.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in consistent SI units. Load should be in N/m, length in meters, modulus in Pascals, and moment of inertia in m⁴. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a simply supported beam?
A: A beam supported at both ends with pinned connections that allow rotation but prevent vertical movement.

Q2: What are typical deflection limits?
A: Deflection is typically limited to L/360 for live loads and L/240 for total loads, where L is the span length.

Q3: How do I find the moment of inertia?
A: Moment of inertia depends on the cross-sectional shape. For rectangular sections, I = (b × h³)/12, where b is width and h is height.

Q4: What is modulus of elasticity for concrete?
A: For normal weight concrete, E ≈ 4700√f'c MPa, where f'c is the compressive strength in MPa.

Q5: Does this formula account for creep and shrinkage?
A: No, this is for immediate elastic deflection. Long-term effects like creep require additional calculations.