How to calculate Liang Zizhong
In construction engineering, the calculation of the self-weight of beams is an important part of structural design. The self-weight of the beam directly affects the load-bearing capacity and stability of the structure, so it is crucial to accurately calculate the self-weight of the beam. This article will introduce the calculation method of beam self-weight in detail and provide structured data for reference.
1. The basic concept of Liang Zizhong

The self-weight of a beam refers to the weight of the beam itself due to its material density and geometric dimensions without any external load. Usually expressed as the weight per unit length (such as per meter), the unit is kN/m or kg/m.
2. Calculation formula of beam self-weight
The calculation formula of beam self-weight is as follows:
| parameters | Description | unit |
|---|---|---|
| W | Liang's self-respect | kN/m or kg/m |
| γ | Material density | kN/m³ or kg/m³ |
| A | beam cross-sectional area | m² |
Calculation formula:W = γ × A
3. Density of common materials
Different materials have different densities. The following is the density table of common building materials:
| Material | Density (γ) | unit |
|---|---|---|
| reinforced concrete | 25 | kN/m³ |
| Steel | 78.5 | kN/m³ |
| wood | 6-8 | kN/m³ |
| Aluminum | 27 | kN/m³ |
4. Calculation of beam cross-sectional area
The cross-sectional area (A) of a beam depends on the geometry of the beam. The following is the formula for calculating the area of common beam sections:
| Cross-sectional shape | area formula | Parameter description |
|---|---|---|
| rectangular section | A = b × h | b: width, h: height |
| circular cross section | A = π × r² | r: radius |
| T-shaped section | A = b₁ × h₁ + b₂ × h₂ | b₁, h₁: upper flange dimensions; b₂, h₂: web dimensions |
5. Calculation examples
Taking a reinforced concrete rectangular beam as an example, calculate its self-weight:
| parameters | value |
|---|---|
| Material Density (γ) | 25kN/m³ |
| Beam width (b) | 0.3 m |
| Beam height (h) | 0.5m |
Calculation steps:
1. Calculate the cross-sectional area: A = b × h = 0.3 × 0.5 = 0.15 m²
2. Calculate self-weight: W = γ × A = 25 × 0.15 = 3.75 kN/m
6. Precautions
1. In actual projects, the self-weight of the beam may also include additional weights such as formwork and steel bars, which need to be adjusted according to specific circumstances.
2. For prestressed beams or composite beams, the influence of prestressed tendons or composite materials needs to be considered.
3. The units should be unified when calculating to avoid errors caused by inconsistent units.
7. Summary
The calculation of beam self-weight is the basic work of structural design, and mastering the correct calculation method is crucial to ensuring structural safety. Through the formulas and examples provided in this article, readers can quickly master the calculation method of beam self-weight and apply it in actual projects.
check the details
check the details