Column and beam are the main parts of the structural frame. Beams transfer the total loads from the slab to the column and columns carry it to the foundation and provide stability to the structure. In this article, all the major difference between beam and column are discussed. Here we go for beam vs column.
Difference Between Beam and Column
Beam and column have several differences. Sources of the main difference between column and beam are definition, types of loads to carry and transmission, response to loads, confinement bars, types, importance, design criteria, etc.
In the following table the main difference between beam and column are given:
| Sources | Beam | Column | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Definition |
Horizontal load-bearing members transfer loads from slabs & walls to the columns beneath them. |
Vertical load-bearing members of the building structure which carry the beam loads and transfer the loads down to the foundation. Read more: What is Column? 19 Types of Columns |
| 2 | Types of loads to carry and transmission |
The beam carries all the dead loads (loads from the slab, walls, etc), and live loads with the lateral loads (earthquake, wind loads). Beams transfer those loads down to the attached column. |
Columns carry all the loads transferred by the beams on top of it. Columns also directly carry the lateral loads (earthquake, wind loads, etc.) Columns transmit those carried loads to the foundation which is located beneath the ground surface. |
| 3 |
Response to loads |
In response to the loads shear force & bending moment is produced on the beam. Compressive & Tensile stress occurs at the top & bottom of the beam respectively. These forces and stresses cause strain & deflection of the beam. Also, reaction forces occur at the beam supports. |
Unlike the beam, only compressive stress occurs at the column. Because the column carries loads through compression. Lateral deflection occurs due to the lateral loads (earthquake, wind, etc.) |
| 4 |
Confinement bars |
Longitudinal bars are required to confine to confinement bars. For beams, confinement bars are called stirrups. Stirrups are necessary to resist shear force and torsion acting on the beam. |
For columns, confinement bars are called ties. Ties are required to hold the longitudinal bars in position during the construction. Ties also prevent the bars from buckling. Read more: Why column ties are used in reinforced concrete columns? Why can a spiral column support more loads than a tied column? |
| 5 | Types |
The main classification of beams is defined according to the types of supports under them. Such as: Simply supported, Continuous, Fixed supported, Cantilever, Overhanging, etc. |
Columns are classified based on materials, shape, reinforcement, loading method, slenderness ratio, and others.
Read more: What is Column? 19 Types of Columns |
| 6 | Importance |
Beams are necessary to transfer the loads to the columns. But a building structure can be made without the beams by providing a flat slab and drop panel column by following proper guidelines. |
Columns are the mandatory elements of the structure. A huge amount of loads (both compressive and lateral) are transferred through columns. Failure in columns will result in the collapse of the whole structure. |
| 7 | Design Criteria |
In the Finite Element Method based analysis DC ratio, longitudinal, Shear, and torsional reinforcement check is required while designing a beam. |
For designing a column in the PMM interaction ratio, rebar percentage, etc. are need to be checked. |
To learn more on the difference between beam and column contact us.
Keywords:
beam and column difference, column beam, column vs beam, column and beam difference, beams vs columns, difference between beams and columns, beams and columns, pillar and beam, what is the difference between a beam and a column, columns and beams, difference between columns and beams, columns vs beams, beam or column