Timber Beams

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Advanced Examples

Examples demonstrating advanced features not covered in preset documentation.

Looking for preset examples? See Joists, Beams, and Special for basic usage of each preset.

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Cantilevered Beam

Use case: Beam with a 5-foot backspan cantilever.

Preset: genericBeam

Code
 
{
  "preset": "genericBeam",
  "attributes": {
    "L_X": 20,
    "member": "6x12 D.Fir-L No. 1",
    "supports": [["Pinned", 5, 5.5], ["Pinned", 20, 5.5]],
    "loadsDist": [["Uniform Load", 0, 20, 6, 6, {"D": [15], "L": [30]}]]
  }
}

Key concept: The first support starts at 5 ft instead of 0, creating a cantilever on the left end.

Try in API Reference

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Combined Distributed and Point Loads

Use case: Beam with uniform dead load, partial live load, and a concentrated load.

Preset: genericBeam

Code
 
{
  "preset": "genericBeam",
  "attributes": {
    "L_X": 16,
    "member": "6x12 D.Fir-L No. 1",
    "supports": [["Pinned", 0, 5.5], ["Pinned", 16, 5.5]],
    "loadsDist": [
      ["Uniform Dead", 0, 16, 6, 6, {"D": [10]}],
      ["Partial Live", 4, 12, 6, 6, {"L": [20]}]
    ],
    "loadsConc": [["Point Load", 8, {"D": [150, 0], "L": [300, 0]}]]
  }
}

Key concept: Multiple distributed loads can overlap, and point loads can be added on top.

Try in API Reference

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Custom Deflection Limits

Use case: 3-ply beam with stricter L/480 short-term deflection for sensitive finishes.

Preset: genericBeam

Code
 
{
  "preset": "genericBeam",
  "attributes": {
    "L_X": 12,
    "member": "2x12 D.Fir-L No. 1",
    "n_com": 3,
    "Delta_Span_ST": 480,
    "Delta_Span_LT": 360,
    "Delta_hard": 0.5,
    "supports": [["Pinned", 0, 5.5], ["Pinned", 12, 5.5]],
    "loadsConc": [["Point Load", 6, {"D": [300, 0], "L": [600, 0]}]]
  }
}

Key concept: Override default deflection limits with Delta_Span_ST (short-term), Delta_Span_LT (long-term), and Delta_hard (absolute limit in inches).

Try in API Reference

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High Temperature Environment

Use case: Beam near heating equipment where temperatures reach 100-125°F.

Preset: genericBeam

Code
 
{
  "preset": "genericBeam",
  "attributes": {
    "L_X": 8,
    "member": "4x10 D.Fir-L No. 1",
    "T": "100°F < T ≤ 125°F",
    "supports": [["Pinned", 0, 5.5], ["Pinned", 8, 5.5]],
    "loadsConc": [["Point Load", 4, {"D": [100, 0], "L": [200, 0]}]]
  }
}

Key concept: The T attribute applies temperature reduction factors per NDS. Options: "T ≤ 100°F" (default), "100°F < T ≤ 125°F", "125°F < T ≤ 150°F".

Try in API Reference

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Next Steps

• Presets Reference - Preset configurations and basic examples
• Attributes Reference - Complete attribute documentation
• API Reference - Interactive endpoint testing