1. What is the Beam Deflection Equation?

The beam deflection equation calculates the maximum deflection of a simply supported beam under uniform load. This is essential for structural engineering to ensure beams meet design requirements and safety standards.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the beam deflection equation:

Where:

• \( w \) — Uniform load (pounds per linear foot)
• \( L \) — Span length (feet)
• \( E \) — Modulus of elasticity (pounds per square inch)
• \( I \) — Moment of inertia (inches to the fourth power)

Explanation: This equation calculates the maximum deflection at the center of a simply supported beam carrying a uniformly distributed load.

3. Importance of Beam Deflection Calculation

Details: Calculating beam deflection is crucial for structural design to ensure that beams don't deflect excessively under load, which could cause serviceability issues or structural failure.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter load in plf, span in feet, modulus in psi, and moment of inertia in in⁴. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical acceptable deflection limit?
A: For residential floors, deflection is typically limited to L/360. For roofs, L/240 is common. Always check local building codes.

Q2: Does this equation work for all beam types?
A: This specific equation is for simply supported beams with uniform load. Other support conditions and load types require different equations.

Q3: What are typical E values for wood?
A: Modulus of elasticity varies by wood species. Common values range from 1,000,000 to 1,800,000 psi for structural lumber.

Q4: How do I find the moment of inertia for a beam?
A: Moment of inertia depends on the cross-sectional shape. For rectangular beams, I = (b × h³)/12, where b is width and h is height.

Q5: Are there limitations to this equation?
A: This equation assumes linear elastic material behavior, small deflections, and uniform cross-section along the beam length.