What is a simple beam in structural terms?

What is a simple beam in structural terms?

• A. A steel I-beam spanning across supports
• B. A wood joist spanning wall to wall
• C. A curved decorative member
• D. A concrete block used as a wall

Answer: (B)

A simple beam is a simply supported structural member that spans between two supports and carries vertical loads primarily by bending, with ends free to rotate and no continuous support along its length. A wood joist spanning from one wall to another is a classic example: it acts as the main bending member carrying floor or ceiling loads between bearing walls. The other options don’t fit because a curved decorative piece isn’t designed to carry vertical loads like a beam, and a concrete block wall is a wall, not a beam. While a steel I-beam can also function as a beam, the most straightforward example in typical framing is a wood joist spanning between supports.

A simple beam is a simply supported structural member that spans between two supports and carries vertical loads primarily by bending, with ends free to rotate and no continuous support along its length. A wood joist spanning from one wall to another is a classic example: it acts as the main bending member carrying floor or ceiling loads between bearing walls. The other options don’t fit because a curved decorative piece isn’t designed to carry vertical loads like a beam, and a concrete block wall is a wall, not a beam. While a steel I-beam can also function as a beam, the most straightforward example in typical framing is a wood joist spanning between supports.