Beams

Beams are the horizontal or inclined bearing elements of the structural system that connect columns and support slabs

When beams support slabs, they function together with the slab thus forming a “T” section beam. Depending on the relative levels of the slabs compared to the levels of the beams T beams are called common beams, inverted beams or “Z” beams.

Generally, beams are supported by columns (beam to column connection)

However, in some cases one or both beam ends are supported by another beam (beam to beam connection) and in other cases only one end is supported by a column or beam while the other end has no support at all. The beam supported only in one end is called a cantilever.