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A beam is a structural element that works primarily by bending (flexure). It typically serves as a support element for transferring vertical, most often gravitational, forces to walls or pillars which in turn transfer the force downwards. In contemporary construction beams are typically constructed of steel, wood, or reinforced concrete. Many types of beams exist, and a common way to distinguish between types is by the profile , the shape of a cross section of the beam. One of the most common types of steel beam is the I-beam or wide-flange beam, commonly used for support in steel-frame buildings and bridges.Internally, beams undergo both compression and tensile stresses as a result of transferring loads to columns. The top if the beam is under compression. The bottom of the beam is under tension. The middle of the beam is relatively stress free. It for this reason that I-beams are common: it maximizes material at the top and bottom of the beam to bear the additional stresses.
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