The world of civil engineering and architecture is one of science and innovation, manifesting itself through various structures. Cantilever beams are one such structure in the long line of architectural marvels.
What are cantilever beams?
Cantilever beams are building structures, supported only at one end, while hanging free at the other end. One end of a cantilever beam is supported by a vertical structure, while the free horizontal end draws support from the vertical end. During the construction of a cantilever beam, workers employ scaffolding ie temporary structures, to hold up the original design.
See also: All about Mivan construction technology
How does a cantilever work?
A cantilever supports weights above the beam. The upper half of the thickness of a cantilever is subjected to tensile stress while the lower half to compressive stress, thus, eliminating deflection.
A cantilever is a rigid body where the restraints at the fixed end hold the beam in place. Since forces at the free end are counteracted by the fixed end, the cantilever structure remains static. It is made by combining concrete and steel.
Also read all about AAC block price, sizes and uses in construction
Simply supported beam deflection
A simply supported beam is one that rests on two supports and is free to move horizontally. Bridges, beams in buildings and beds of machine tools are examples of simply supported beams. The deflection and slope of a simply supported beam depends on the load case it is subjected upon.
What is cantilever beam deflection?
Deflection is the movement of a beam from its original position due to the forces and loads being applied to the member. Cantilever beams deflect more than other types of beams because they are only supported from one end. This means there is less support for the load to be transferred.
What is cantilever beam deflection formula?
To calculate the deflection of the cantilever beam, the following equation can be used:
Where:
D stands for beam deflection
W stands for force at one end
L stands for length of beam
E stands for young’s modulus
I stands for moment of inertia
Importance of beam deflection formula
Understanding a beam’s deflection is necessary to ensure the safety of the structure. Since excessive movement can affect the overall structural integrity of the building. Deflection helps measuring the weight of a structure and how it affects the supporting beams.
Examples of cantilever
A cantilever beam is an oft-used method to build bridges, towers and residential buildings (billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s home Antilia is an example) to provide them with a modern, aesthetic charm.
The balcony or overhanging roofs in your home are an apt example of a cantilever beam. The most popular example of a cantilever beam in India is the Howrah Bridge where the burden to support the loose end of the structure lies on the fixed end.
Who introduced cantilevers?
Frank Lloyd Wright is credited as the originator of cantilevers in construction. Wright used them in the 1906 construction of the Robie House in Chicago. However, German engineer, Gottfried Heinrich Gerber is credited with building the first cantilever bridge over the Main River in Germany in 1867.
Ideas for cantilever beam design
Cantilever beam design 1
3d visualization of a modern house with cantilevers.
Cantilever beam design 2
A modern house with cantilevers.
Cantilever beam design 3
A country family cottage with a cantilevered balcony.
Cantilever beam design 4
Design of a futuristic cottage with a cantilevered floor with a large overhang.
Cantilever beam design 5
Cantilevered floor of an exclusive elite house
Cantilever beam design 6
Cantilevered second floor of a stylish private cottage finished with a facade board.
Cantilever beam design 7
Red brick paving around the swimming pool in the yard of a stylish modern country house with a glass-walled cantilevered floor.
FAQs
What is an example of a cantilever?
The Howrah Bridge is a great example of a cantilever.
Who invented the cantilever?
German engineer Gottfried Heinrich Gerber invented it in 1867 when he used a cantilever to build a bridge.
What is the purpose of a cantilever?
The purpose of a cantilever is to extend into the open space, away from a support.
An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal, Sunita Mishra brings over 16 years of expertise to the fields of legal matters, financial insights, and property market trends. Recognised for her ability to elucidate complex topics, her articles serve as a go-to resource for home buyers navigating intricate subjects. Through her extensive career, she has been associated with esteemed organisations like the Financial Express, Hindustan Times, Network18, All India Radio, and Business Standard.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Sunita holds an MA degree in Sanskrit, with a specialisation in Indian Philosophy, from Delhi University. Outside of her work schedule, she likes to unwind by practising Yoga, and pursues her passion for travel.
[email protected]
