Activity 3.2.6 Beam Design Introduction Beam design is based on four important considerations: bending moment, shear, deflection, and cost. Once the design loads have been determined and the beam has been analyzed to determine the resulting internal shear forces and bending moments imposed, a structural engineer can select a cost-effective beam design that will provide sufficient shear and bending strength and adequate stiffness to limit deflection to acceptable limits. Beam design methods are dictated by building codes and standards and require the inclusion of a factor of safety. Therefore, the beam design selected must possess more strength than required to resist the imposed loads. In this activity you will design floor framing (beams and girders) for a hotel.