1. What is Vertical Beam Load?

Vertical beam load refers to the total force acting on a beam due to its own weight and any additional distributed loads. It is calculated as the product of weight per unit length and the length of the beam.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the vertical beam load equation:

Where:

• \( w \) — Weight per unit length (N/m)
• \( L \) — Length of the beam (m)
• \( Load \) — Total vertical load (N)

Explanation: This simple multiplication gives the total distributed load acting on the beam's supports.

3. Importance of Load Calculation

Details: Accurate load calculation is essential for structural design, ensuring beams can safely support the intended loads without excessive deflection or failure.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight per unit length in N/m and length in meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units should I use for the inputs?
A: Use Newtons per meter (N/m) for weight per unit length and meters (m) for length. The result will be in Newtons (N).

Q2: Does this account for point loads or concentrated forces?
A: No, this calculator only handles uniformly distributed loads. For point loads, additional calculations are needed.

Q3: What about beam self-weight?
A: The weight per unit length (w) should include both the beam's self-weight and any additional distributed loads.

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides the total vertical load, but actual stress distribution depends on beam support conditions and material properties.

Q5: Can this be used for inclined beams?
A: This calculation is specifically for vertical loads on horizontal beams. For inclined beams, trigonometric components must be considered.