A beam is a structural member that is supported along its length and subjected to external forces acting perpendicular to its central axis. There are different types of beams including cantilever, simply supported, overhanging, fixed, and continuous beams. Beams can experience different types of transverse loading such as point loads, uniformly distributed loads, and uniformly varying loads.

1. Beams
 Beam is a structural member which is supported along the
length and subjected to external forces or loads acting
transversely i.e., perpendicular to the centre line. Beam is
sufficiently long when compared to the lateral dimensions.

2. Types of Beams
 Cantilever beam
 Simply supported beam
 Overhanging beam
 Fixed beam
 Continuous beam

3. Cantilever beam
 A beam with one end free and the other end fixed is called
cantilever beam.

4. Simply supported beam
 A beam supported or resting freely on the supports at its both
ends is called SSB.

5. Overhanging beam
 If the one or both the end portions are extended beyond the
support, then it is called overhanging beam.

6. Fixed beam
 A beam whose both ends are fixed or built into the walls, is
called a fixed beam.

7. Continuous beam
 A beam which has more than two supports is called continuous
beam.

8. Transverse loading on beams
 A load which is acting vertically downward on the horizontal
beam is called transverse load.
 Types of transverse load
Point load (or) concentrated load
Uniformly distributed load (UDL)
Uniformly varying load (UVL)

9. Point load (or)
concentrated load
 A load which is acting at a particular point is called point load

10. Uniformly distributed load (UDL)
 A load which is spared over a beam in such a manner that the
rate of loading is uniform throughout the length.

11. Uniformly varying load
(UVL)
 A load which is spared over a beam in such a manner that the
rate of loading uniformly varies from point to point along the
beam. The load is zero at one end and increases uniformly to the
other end. It is also known as triangular load.

12. Derivation of stiffness matrix for beam
element.(Fourth order beam equations)