1. What Is Beam Deflection?

Beam deflection refers to the displacement of a beam under load. For a two-span continuous beam with uniform load, the maximum deflection occurs at specific points along the beam and is calculated using specialized formulas that account for the beam's continuity over supports.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the two-span continuous beam deflection formula:

Where:

• \( \delta \) — Maximum deflection (m)
• \( w \) — Uniformly distributed load (N/m)
• \( L \) — Span length (m)
• \( E \) — Modulus of elasticity of beam material (Pa)
• \( I \) — Moment of inertia of beam cross-section (m⁴)

Explanation: This formula calculates the maximum deflection for a two-span continuous beam subjected to a uniform load along its entire length.

3. Importance Of Deflection Calculation

Details: Calculating beam deflection is crucial in structural engineering to ensure that beams will not deflect excessively under load, which could lead to serviceability issues, cracking of supported elements, or visual discomfort for occupants.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter the uniform load in N/m, span length in meters, modulus of elasticity in Pascals, and moment of inertia in meters to the fourth power. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a continuous beam?
A: A continuous beam is a structural element that has more than two supports, creating multiple spans. This provides more stability and typically results in smaller deflections compared to simply supported beams.

Q2: Where does maximum deflection occur in a two-span continuous beam?
A: For a two-span continuous beam with uniform load, the maximum deflection typically occurs near the midpoint of the longer span, if spans are unequal, or at approximately 0.4215L from the outer support for equal spans.

Q3: What are typical deflection limits for beams?
A: Most building codes limit beam deflection to L/360 for live loads and L/240 for total loads, where L is the span length. Specific requirements may vary based on the structure's use and local building codes.

Q4: Does this formula account for beam self-weight?
A: The formula calculates deflection due to the specified uniform load. Beam self-weight should be included in the uniform load value if it contributes significantly to the total deflection.

Q5: What if my beam has different support conditions?
A: This calculator is specifically for two-span continuous beams with uniform load. Different support conditions (fixed, pinned, roller) or load types (point loads, varying loads) require different deflection formulas.