Slope Formula:
Definition: This calculator determines the angular displacement (slope) at the free end of a cantilever beam subjected to a uniformly distributed load (UDL).
Purpose: It helps structural engineers and designers evaluate beam deflection characteristics for proper design and safety.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the angle of deflection considering the beam's material properties and loading conditions.
Details: Proper slope estimation ensures structural integrity, prevents excessive deflection, and meets design code requirements.
Tips: Enter the load per unit length, beam length, elasticity modulus (default 30 GPa for concrete), moment of inertia (default 0.0016 m⁴), and tolerance percentage (default ±5%).
Q1: What is a typical modulus of elasticity for concrete?
A: Normal-weight concrete typically has E between 25-35 GPa (25,000-35,000 MPa).
Q2: How does beam length affect the slope?
A: Slope increases with the cube of the length, making long beams much more susceptible to deflection.
Q3: What's the purpose of the tolerance value?
A: The tolerance accounts for material variations and construction tolerances in real-world applications.
Q4: How do I determine the moment of inertia?
A: It depends on the cross-section shape. For rectangular beams, I = (b × h³)/12.
Q5: What if my beam isn't concrete?
A: Simply input the appropriate modulus of elasticity for your material (e.g., 200 GPa for steel).