Types of Beam:
Depending upon the type and number of supports, the beams are divided into two categories :
1. Statically determinate beam,
2. Statically indeterminate beam.
Statically Determinate Beam
A beam is called to be statically determinate, when it might be analyzed by using three static equilibrium equations, i.e. ∑Hx = 0, ∑Vx = 0 and ∑Mx = 0, where
∑Hx = it is algebraic sum of horizontal forces at section x,
∑Vx = it is algebraic sum of vertical forces at section x, and
∑Mx = it is algebraic sum of moment of all the forces about the section x.
Examples are as given:
1. Cantilevers,
2. Simply supported beams
3. Overhanging beams.
Forces and Stresses in Beams
It might also be stated, if the number of unknown reactions or stress components can be found by means of three equilibrium equations, after that the beam is called as statically determinate beam.