Differences Between Beams and Columns

Structural elements such as beams and columns are important components that help in the integrity and stability of buildings. They are the building blocks of modern architecture that help engineers design structures that can be visually pleasing, as well as capable of withstanding different loads and stresses.

Beams and columns are significantly different, but they complement each other in the function related to the structural framework of the buildings. This blog helps in understanding the differences between beams and columns that are used in the construction industry.

Beam vs Column

Beam:

The horizontal structural component that resists the vertical load is known as a beam and its mode of deflection is bending. It helps in the transfer of loads to the walls, columns, and foundations. Beams are mainly designed to handle different types of loads like

Dead Loads
Live Loads
Environmental Loads

Some types of beams based on support conditions are,

Simply Supported Beams
Cantilever Beams
Fixed Beams
Continuous Beams

Some types of beams based on cross sectional shapes are:

Rectangular Beams
I-Beams
T-Beams
L-Beams

Some common materials used for beams are concrete, steel and wood. They are mainly present below the roof and floor structures of every building and help in transmitting loads from there to the columns or load bearing walls.

Column:

A column is a vertical structural element that bears the loads, especially compression. It majorly bears loads from the beams or roofing above it and transmits these to the floor or foundation below it. It is essential for supporting slabs, beams, and other horizontal elements.

The main role of columns and in transferring loads to foundations is bearing vertical loads and resisting buckling and crushing.

Column types based on shape are:

Circular columns
Square columns
Rectangular columns

Column types based on slenderness ratio are:

Short columns
Long columns

Column types based on material used are:

Concrete column
Steel column
Wood column
Composite column

Columns are essential in different types of construction that include high-rising buildings, bridges, and large infrastructures like stadiums, airports, and so on.

Differences Between Beams and Columns

S.No	DESCRIPTION	BEAM	COLUMN
1	Support	They are supported by columns or load bearing walls at one end or both ends.	They are supported on the foundation or on floor slabs.
2	Weight transfer	It carries the weight of slabs, ceilings, floor, and roofs of a building and transfers it to columns.	It carries the load transferred by the beam or roof and ultimately transfers it to the footing and ground.
3	Classification	Beams are classified based on their shape and support end condition.	Columns are classified based on their cross-section shape, slenderness ratio and types of loading.
4	Shape	A beam may be square, rectangular, T-shape, I-shape, and H-shape.	A column may be rectangular, circular, square, T-shape, L-shape, and C-shape.
5	Definition	A beam is a structural member carrying transverse loads.	A column is a structural member carrying axial loads.
6	Load Transferring	A beam transfers the load perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.	A column transfers the load parallel to the longitudinal axis
7	Way of Load Resistance	Beams resist the transverse load of the structure.	Columns resist the compression load of the structure.
8	Steel Consumption in RCC	Minimum and maximum steel usage of an RCC beam is 0.25% to 2.5%.	Minimum and maximum steel usage of an RCC column is 0.8% to 5%.
9	Failure	Beam failure shows symptoms like cracks or deflection before collapse.	Column failure happens suddenly without any warning and can cause fatal damages.
10	Position	Beams are horizontal structural components.	Columns are vertical structural components.
11	Response to Loads	Shear force and bending moment occur in beams, causing strain and deflection.	Columns experience compressive stress, with lateral deflection occurring due to lateral loads.
12	Confinement Bars	Beams require stirrups to resist shear force and torsion.	Columns use ties to hold longitudinal bars in place and prevent buckling.
13	Design Criteria	Beams require checks for longitudinal, shear, and torsional reinforcement during design.	Columns require checks for PMM interaction ratio, rebar percentage, and other criteria during design.

Example: Consider a steel rod with a length of 5 meters that needs to support a load, labeled “P.”

First Situation: We place the rod horizontally across two supports and then apply the load on top of it. In this configuration, the load is primarily transferred through bending, so the rod functions as a Beam.
Second Situation: If we keep the rod vertical and apply the load horizontally, the primary method of load transfer remains bending, so we still refer to it as a Beam.
Third Situation: Now, let’s position the rod vertically on the ground and place the load on top. Here, the load is transmitted through compression, making the rod act as a Column.
Fourth Situation: Finally, we suspend the rod from the ceiling and attach the load to the other end. In this scenario, the load is primarily transferred through tension, so the rod is called a Tie.

Conclusion

In the construction industry, the roles of beams and columns are different but they are complementary to each other. They both have certain functions that help in the maintenance of stability and integrity in construction. Understanding the difference between these two structural elements is important for people involved in the design, construction, or inspection of the building. By carefully understanding the characteristics and functions of beams and columns, common mistakes can be avoided. Additionally, structural designs can be optimized and buildings can meet the safety standards and design goals properly.