Why do we find deflection?

Deflection is a crucial consideration in the design of a structure and failure to apply due attention to it can be catastrophic. Different types of load can cause deflections. These include point loads, uniformly distributed loads, wind loads, shear loads as well as ground pressure and earthquakes, to name but a few.

Why is it sometimes important to know about the deflection of beams?

If we know the deflection of the beam that may occur under specific conditions then we may easily judge if it seems safe or not (for example if a 1 m long beam deflects by 10 cm then it’s not good). We can also find out if the deflection is high enough to cause any interference with other parts of the structure.

What is deflection a measure of?

“Deflection” describes the change in position of one area of an object, usually as the result of a load or other change in conditions. If the object as a whole moves, it is usually referred to as a position measurement.

How is deflection calculated?

Generally, deflection can be calculated by taking the double integral of the Bending Moment Equation, M(x) divided by EI (Young’s Modulus x Moment of Inertia).

Why the deflection of beam is important in structural analysis?

Beam deflection means the state of deformation of a beam from its original shape under the work of a force or load or weight. One of the most important applications of beam deflection is to obtain equations with which we can determine the accurate values of beam deflections in many practical cases.

Why is it important to evaluate the deflection of a structure?

The deflections of structures are important for ensuring that the designed structure is not excessively flexible. The large deformations in the structures can cause damage or cracking of non-structural elements. The deflection in beams is dependent on the acting bending moments and its flexural stiffness.

Why is it necessary to keep the deflection as small as possible?

Apart from being unsightly and giving an impression of insecurity, excessive deflection can cause cracking of plaster ceilings and partitions. For steel beams, the deflection should not exceed 1/360 of its span and for timber it is .

Why is it important to check serviceability deflection in beams?

For civil engineering and many other industries, it is important to ensure that a structure meets the functional requirements – the Serviceability limit state (SLS). It does not involve collapse or strength of a building but impair it usefulness and stiffness.

When Macaulay’s method is preferred?

Macaulay’s method (the double integration method) is a technique used in structural analysis to determine the deflection of Euler-Bernoulli beams. Use of Macaulay’s technique is very convenient for cases of discontinuous and/or discrete loading.

What do you understand by deflection?

Deflection is the act of deflecting—redirecting something or causing it to move in a direction that’s different from the course it had been on. The verb deflect can also be used in a passive way meaning for something to have its course changed, and deflection can also refer to an instance of this.

What are the advantages of Macaulay’s method?

Use of Macaulay’s technique is very convenient for cases of discontinuous and/or discrete loading. Typically partial uniformly distributed loads (u.d.l.) and uniformly varying loads (u.v.l.) over the span and a number of concentrated loads are conveniently handled using this technique.