Beam layout is very important for any structure. various things are considered to do a perfect beam layout for a structure.
The structural layout plan, often known as the structural scheme of a structure, is critical to its structural performance. The process of determining the placement of structural components is known as structural layout preparation.
Many young structural engineers overlook this factor and begin modeling in software without first establishing the structural beam layout plan. For beginners, positioning structural parts is always a struggle.
Below mentioned are some recommendations on what to look for and how to best determine beams in a building to help take some of the mystery out of beam positioning and beam location!
Before going forward I would also recommend reading my article on Structural Engineering as a Career.
Table of Contents
Things to Remember for Beam Layout
Here are some important points to consider while doing the beam layout of a structure.
Why are beams required in a structure?
A beam may be required in a structure for a variety of reasons. There are three unique and prevalent explanations for this. This criterion is important for entry-level engineers, architects, MEP engineers, and anyone wanting to build a home to comprehend.
This understanding allows entry-level engineers and architects to better coordinate requirements with other stakeholders or each other, resulting in less unnecessary effort and a faster project. The design phase of every project is sped up by a well-coordinated structural beam plan.
The functional loads in a building are first transferred to the slab, which then passes them on to the beam, columns, and footings, and finally to the earth.
The best way to divide a slab in buildings!
All structural elements must be of adequate size to withstand the forces applied to them. The thickness of a slab, which is a flexural member, is determined by the bending moments and shear force created in it. The forces in the slab are determined by the span of the slab for a certain load. In other words, the slab’s thickness is determined by its breadth. A thickness range of 100mm to 150mm is appropriate for most buildings, and anything greater is not recommended. So, in order to keep the slab thickness within this range, we must restrict the spans of the slabs. Beams are there to split the slabs into manageable thicknesses.
Support of slab to walls
The wall layout at lower levels and upper levels does not have to be in the same vertical line in many buildings. The walls will have to sit on the slab if they do not match different levels. While it is possible to design the slab by taking into account the wall load and the presence of a wall, this is often not cost-effective, especially when the wall thickness is substantial. As a result, a beam is introduced underneath the wall to support it whenever possible. But there’s more to it than just putting a beam where there’s a wall. With experience, such decisions are easier to take.
Tying the columns
All columns in the building should be connected to the adjacent column or beam in either direction. For lateral resistance, this tying of columns is required. For places that are seismically active, all structures must be designed to withstand earthquakes. The lateral resistance of the building is increased by tying the columns together.
The columns will be skinny if they are not linked, and the building’s lateral sway will be significantly higher. In addition, the column’s slenderness moments increases. This will raise the column size as well as the building’s reinforcement requirements.
A beam may not always be provided to the desired location due to architectural constraints. If a beam is not in line with a wall on the lowest floor, it will be visible and aesthetically unappealing. If a beam is required in such instances, a concealed beam of the same thickness as the slab can be used to connect the columns. To secure tie action, this concealed beam should be reinforced all the way through. The most crucial thing to know is that concealed beams aren’t very stiff, thus they shouldn’t be used as slab support. At this concealed beam, the slab panel is not considered divided. The hidden beam is only a gimmick.
The top three reasons for having beams in a floor slab are the most prevalent and crucial. Aside from that, there could be a variety of project-specific, construction, and construction-sequence-specific, or even site-specific reasons for providing beams. It also depends on whether the work is new or old, and so on. The following is a list of some of them.
Refurbishment
When a building needs to be repaired, such as adding stairs or changing the functional use of the structure, more beams are added to meet the need.
Shafts and cut-outs
Additional beams might be required to support the slabs surrounding the openings. The layout of beams is determined by the actual conditions and locations of the openings.
Reasons of aesthetics
When you look up from the room below, you may notice that there is an unavoidable structural reason to offer a beam, which may clash with the aesthetics of the floor. It may require adding more beams to cover this up in order to make it look better. Many other factors can also lead to the need for beams on a floor.
How to improve your skills in the scheme
Some of the above points can only be mastered by devoting adequate time to projects. Below mentioned are a few things that can be done to improve the ability to determine beam placements.
Investigate the Layout of the Structure
Try to grasp the structural scheme by studying as many structural layouts as feasible. Understanding the architectural as well as the MEP requirements should be prioritized. This assists in improving comprehension and planning skills.
Site Visits
Visiting sites helps visualize things more clearly. One can learn how and where the structural members are provided physically. This type of exploration aids in the development of visualizing skills.
Real-world projects to work on
There’s nothing like working with a seasoned structural engineer to help you learn. Take advantage of understanding the intricacies of structural consulting, including structural scheme development. There are many structural courses in which one gets the opportunity to work on real-world projects.
Learn from Structural Design courses
Learning from well-structured structural design courses has the same effect as working with a consultant, provided, the course covers real projects and a mentor guides on all the designs and details.