1. What is Cantilever Steel Beam Deflection?

Cantilever steel beam deflection refers to the displacement of a beam that is fixed at one end and free at the other under a uniform load. It's a critical parameter in structural engineering for ensuring structural integrity and serviceability.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the cantilever beam deflection formula:

Where:

• \( \delta_B \) — Deflection at the free end (m)
• \( q \) — Uniformly distributed load (N/m)
• \( L \) — Length of the beam (m)
• \( E \) — Modulus of elasticity of steel (Pa)
• \( I \) — Moment of inertia of the beam cross-section (m⁴)

Explanation: The formula calculates the maximum deflection at the free end of a cantilever beam subjected to a uniformly distributed load along its length.

3. Importance of Deflection Calculation

Details: Accurate deflection calculation is crucial for ensuring structural safety, preventing excessive deformation, and meeting building code requirements for serviceability limits.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in the specified units. For steel, the modulus of elasticity is typically around 200 GPa (2.0 × 10¹¹ Pa). Moment of inertia depends on the cross-sectional shape of the beam.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical modulus of elasticity for steel?
A: For structural steel, E is typically 200 GPa (200 × 10⁹ Pa or 2.0 × 10¹¹ Pa).

Q2: How do I calculate moment of inertia for different beam shapes?
A: Moment of inertia formulas vary by cross-section. For rectangular beams: I = (b × h³)/12, where b is width and h is height.

Q3: What are acceptable deflection limits?
A: Building codes typically limit deflection to L/240 to L/360 for live loads, where L is the span length.

Q4: Does this formula work for other materials besides steel?
A: Yes, but you must use the appropriate modulus of elasticity for the specific material.

Q5: What if the load is not uniform?
A: Different formulas exist for point loads, triangular loads, and other load distributions.