1. What is Wood Beam Deflection?

Wood beam deflection refers to the bending or displacement of a beam under load. It's a critical factor in structural design to ensure safety and serviceability of wooden structures.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the beam deflection formula:

Where:

• \( w \) — Uniform load (pounds per inch)
• \( L \) — Length of beam (inches)
• \( E \) — Modulus of elasticity (psi)
• \( I \) — Moment of inertia (inches⁴)

Explanation: The formula calculates the maximum deflection at the center of a simply supported beam with uniformly distributed load.

3. Importance of Deflection Calculation

Details: Calculating deflection is essential for ensuring structural integrity, preventing excessive bending that could lead to failure or serviceability issues in wooden structures.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in the specified units. The uniform load should include all permanent and temporary loads. Typical values for E range from 1,000,000 to 1,800,000 psi for common wood species.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical acceptable deflection limit?
A: For residential floors, L/360 is common (deflection ≤ span/360). For roofs, L/240 is often used.

Q2: How does moisture affect wood beam deflection?
A: Moisture reduces stiffness (E) and increases deflection. Wet wood may deflect more than dry wood under the same load.

Q3: What's the difference between moment of inertia and section modulus?
A: Moment of inertia (I) affects deflection, while section modulus (S) affects bending stress. Both are important in beam design.

Q4: Can this formula be used for other materials?
A: The basic formula works for any material, but you must use the appropriate modulus of elasticity (E) for that material.

Q5: How does beam orientation affect deflection?
A: A beam used on edge (taller than wide) will have much less deflection than the same board used flat, due to higher moment of inertia.