Beams and columns

In building structures, columns are joined to
different footings to convey the load of the building to
the footings of the building. Columns are classified as
slender columns and short columns. The slender
columns were introduced with the result of high
strength materials. The column is said to be slender, if
the cross sectional dimensions are small compared to
its length. The load actions on the slender columns are
high-flying in the form of lateral deflection.
The columns are classified as short columns when the
condition is opposite to that of slender columns. In
practice, short columns are widely used than slender
columns. In short columns, compression action
dominates above the bending action.
In concrete columns, whether slender or short, the main
reinforcements are used parallel to the vertical loads,
and rectangular or circular ties are used to prevent the
bars buckling action. The vertical reinforcement has to
be erected straight while pouring concrete.
Beams
Beams in a structure is used to carry the loads from the
slabs to the columns. In a broader context, concrete
beams can be classified as T beams, L beams and
rectangular beams. The definition of either L , T or
rectangular is got because of the shape of the cross
sectional area. In steel beams there are I sections, L
sections, U sections etc.
Beams are mainly designed for bending moments and
shear stress that are the results of loading. In concrete
beams, the transverse reinforcement is used to prevent
the bending moments while the vertical reinforcement is
used to prevent the shear stresses caused due to
loading.
In the industry, pre-stressed concrete beams are widely
used in Bridges, while in small scale in houses. The
advantage of the prestressed beam is the higher load
carrying capacity compared to the normal beam.
Colums vs Beams
- Both, the beams and columns are load carrying elements, but
differ in the method or the way of handling the load by each
member. That means, the columns bear the compression of the
load, whereas beams bear the bending moment and the shear
force of the load.
- Similar materials are used in the construction of columns and
beams, which are steel, timber and concrete.
- A building can’t stand without columns but a building can stand
without beams.
- Design classifications of beams and columns are different.
Column are classified as slender or short, while beams are
classified as T,L or rectangular.
- The ties of the columns and the ties or shear reinforcement of
beams act differently.
- One should be careful in stating the behavior of each, because the
behaviors of the two elements are different.