Beam Deflection Calculator

Q: What is beam deflection?

Beam deflection is the amount a beam bends under load, measured from its original position. It's crucial for structural integrity and safety.

Q: Why is deflection important?

Deflection affects structural integrity, functionality, appearance, and compliance with building codes. Excessive deflection can cause structural failure.

Q: What is the maximum allowed deflection?

Typically L/360 for steel and concrete, L/240 for wood and aluminum, where L is the span length. These ratios ensure structural safety.

Q: How do I reduce deflection?

Increase beam dimensions, use stiffer materials with higher elastic modulus, add intermediate supports, or reduce the span length.

Q: What affects beam deflection?

Load magnitude, beam length, material properties (elastic modulus), cross-sectional dimensions, and support conditions all affect deflection.

Beam Parameters

Beam Type

Select beam support type

Material Type

Select material type

Beam Length

Length of the beam

Beam Width

Width of the beam

Beam Height

Height of the beam

Load Type

Select load distribution type

Load Value

Load magnitude

Calculation Results

Beam Deflection Calculator: Your Guide to Structural Analysis

Understanding beam deflection is crucial for structural engineering and design. Our Beam Deflection Calculator helps you determine how much a beam will bend under various loading conditions.

Understanding Beam Deflection

Beam deflection calculations are important for several reasons:

Safety: Ensures structural integrity
Design: Helps in material selection
Compliance: Meets building codes
Functionality: Prevents excessive movement
Aesthetics: Maintains visual appearance

How to Use the Beam Deflection Calculator

Select Beam Type: Choose the support configuration
Select Material: Choose the material type
Enter Beam Length: Input the beam span
Enter Dimensions: Input width and height
Select Load Type: Choose load distribution
Enter Load Value: Specify load magnitude
Click Calculate: Get deflection values

Beam Deflection Calculation Formula

Deflection Formula:
δ = (5 × w × L⁴) / (384 × E × I)
Where:
δ = Maximum deflection (m or ft)
w = Distributed load (N/m or lb/ft)
L = Beam length (m or ft)
E = Elastic modulus (Pa or psi)
I = Moment of inertia (m⁴ or in⁴)

Moment of Inertia Formula:
I = (b × h³) / 12
Where:
b = Beam width (m or in)
h = Beam height (m or in)

Common Material Properties

Steel:
- Elastic Modulus: 200 GPa
- Typical Use: Structural beams
- Max Deflection: L/360
Aluminum:
- Elastic Modulus: 70 GPa
- Typical Use: Light structures
- Max Deflection: L/240
Wood:
- Elastic Modulus: 10-15 GPa
- Typical Use: Residential construction
- Max Deflection: L/240
Concrete:
- Elastic Modulus: 20-30 GPa
- Typical Use: Heavy structures
- Max Deflection: L/360

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Simply Supported Steel Beam

Beam Type: Simply Supported
Material: Steel
Length: 5 meters
Width: 200 mm
Height: 300 mm
Load Type: Uniform
Load Value: 10,000 N/m
Results:
- Maximum Deflection: 12.5 mm
- Deflection Ratio: L/400
- Bending Moment: 62.5 kN⋅m
- Status: Acceptable

Example 2: Cantilever Wood Beam

Beam Type: Cantilever
Material: Wood
Length: 3 meters
Width: 100 mm
Height: 200 mm
Load Type: Point Load
Load Value: 5,000 N
Results:
- Maximum Deflection: 25 mm
- Deflection Ratio: L/120
- Bending Moment: 45 kN⋅m
- Status: Acceptable

Frequently Asked Questions

What is beam deflection?

The amount a beam bends under load, measured from its original position.

Why is deflection important?

It affects structural integrity, functionality, and appearance.

What is the maximum allowed deflection?

Typically L/360 for steel and L/240 for wood, where L is the span length.

How do I reduce deflection?

Increase beam dimensions, use stiffer materials, or add supports.

What affects beam deflection?

Load magnitude, beam length, material properties, and cross-section.