A continuous beam is considered a deep beam when the ratio of its effective span to overall depth (1/D) falls below__________________?
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Answer: C. 2.5
Explanation
Deep beams possess large overall depths compared to their relatively short effective spans along the longitudinal axis. Shear deformation plays a much larger role in the structural behavior of deep beams than pure bending. Standard design codes classify continuous beams as deep beams when the span-to-depth ratio falls below 2.5. Effective span represents the distance between centerlines of structural support bearings or clear span plus depth. Overall depth is the total vertical dimension of the beam cross-section from top to bottom fibers. Deep beams transfer loads primarily through diagonal compression strut mechanisms rather than standard beam action.
A span-to-depth ratio of 1.5 represents an extremely stocky element that falls well deep into specialized wall territory. A ratio of 2.0 applies specifically to simply supported beams rather than continuous multi-span deep beam configurations. A threshold of 3.0 defines standard slender beam behavior rather than the specialized mechanics of deep beams.
- Subject
- Engineering
- Category
- Civil Engineering
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
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