What do we call a load that is applied at a single point on a beam?

The term that describes a load applied at a single point on a beam is known as a point load. This type of loading can significantly affect how the beam behaves under stress, as the force is exerted directly at one location, causing specific stress concentrations and deflections around that point. Point loads are important in structural analysis and design, as they help engineers determine how a beam will react when subjected to such loading conditions.

A point load contrasts with other load types, like distributed loads, which spread over an area, or uniform loads, which apply evenly across the entire length of a beam. Concentrated load may be used interchangeably with point load in some contexts; however, in typical engineering terminology, point load is the more commonly accepted term for this specific condition. Thus, understanding the definition and implications of a point load is crucial for analyzing and designing structures effectively.