Types of Loadings

Transverse loading - Forces applied perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a member. Transverse loading causes the member to bend and deflect from its original position, with internal tensile and compressive strains accompanying change in curvature. It also induces shear forces that cause shear deformation of the material and increase the transverse deflection of the member.
Axial loading - The applied forces are collinear with the longitudinal axes of the member. The forces cause the member to either stretch or shorten.
Torsional loading - Twisting action caused by a pair of externally applied equal and oppositely directed couples acting on parallel planes or by a single external couple applied to a member that has one end fixed against rotation.


Loads applied to the beam may consist of a concentrated load (load applied at a point), uniform load, uniformly varying load, or an applied couple or moment. These loads are shown in the following figures.