Ring Beam: Definition, Types and How to Calculate It
The ring beam is the rectangular or cube-shaped structural element of the building which has been located at the top of the building wall. The ring beams have the ability to bind the structure among the walls as well as even out the heavy load of the building structure above the beam. As an example, the ring beam helps to even out the load of the roof frame. The ring beam is also known as the mainframe in the construction unit as it helps to provide support for the walls and the upper structure of the building.
In addition, the ring beam also plays an important role in transmitting the pressure to the other structures below including foundations and columns. A proper arrangement of the ring beam can also affect the room temperature as well as the air circulation within the room. In the case of the ring beam is too low, the air within the building will heat up. The ring beams work along with the beams which help to support the structural load of the building, in which beams are involved in assisting the load distribution of the building and the ring beams focus on the distribution of the entire building’s load.
Different types of ring beams used in the construction unit
There are different types of ring beams have been used in the construction site which are as follows:
Continuous Ring Beam
These types of ring beams are more complex rather than the other types of ring beams. A single rectangular cube has been used in the continuous ring beam which surrounds the entire building structure in the form of a reinforced concrete ring. This helps to maintain the stability and robustness of the entire structure of the building. The installation procedure of the continuous ring beam needs strategic support. These strategic supports can be columns or poles which helps to resist the bending moments as well as helps to reduce the impact of the beam’s height. In the complex shape and sized buildings including industrial buildings, shopping centres and multi-storey buildings, the continuous ring beams can be used. These types of ring beams can be also used for distinctive architectural elements including domes and other types of roof shapes.
Simple Ring Beam
These types of ring beams have a circular shape which surrounds the bottom or top of the building structure. These types of ring beams help to distribute the load from the building structure and roof above it. These types of ring beams also help to prevent damage and cracks to the building structure because of the concentrated loads.
Eaves Ring Beam
These types of ring beams have been composed of multi-storey blocks. The connection between the beams helps to provide the strength of these types of beams. The installation of the ties and bolts helps to ensure that these types of ring beams fit together which helps to prevent the excessive accumulation of the loads as well as reduces the risks of damage and cracks in the building.