What is Beam (structure)?
[[File:Bending.svg|frame|right|A beam, bending under an evenly distributed load.]] A '''beam''' is a structural [[:wikt:element|element]] that carries [[structural load]]. Beams generally carry [[wikt:vertical|vertical]] [[Force (physics)|forces]], but can also be used to carry [[horizontal]] [[load]]s (Those loads can result from [[wind]] or an [[earthquake]]). The loads that a beam carries are led to [[column]]s or [[wall]]s, which lead the force to the next element. Beams are characterized by their [[wikt:profile|profile]] (their [[shape]]), their [[length]], and their [[material]]. In [[construction]]s of today beams are mostly made of [[steel]], [[reinforced concrete]], or [[wood]]. {{stub}} [[Category:Architectural elements]]