Question

A steel column used for compression forces is best shaped as a square or circle and is typically oriented vertically with load imposed on top. A steel beam will be shaped as an ______ when viewed from its end and is typically oriented horizontally with the imposed load on the top or bottom of the I stem

a) H
b) T
c) U
d) I

Answer 1

A steel beam is shaped as an 'I' when view from its end, commonly known as an I-beam, and it's used in construction to support bending strains and minimize sagging.

Step-by-step explanation:

A steel beam will be shaped as an I when viewed from its end and is typically oriented horizontally with the imposed load on the top or bottom of the beam. These beams are known as I-beams or H-beams due to their cross-sectional shape resembling the capital letter 'I'. In construction, I-beams are favored for their excellent strength-to-weight ratio, and they are designed to support bending strains from loads. For example, Figure 12.21 in your material shows Steel I-beams used in construction to minimize bending strains. These beams experience tensile stress on the bottom surface, while the top surface undergoes compressive stress, as can be seen with a long shelf loaded with heavy books that sags between supports.