What is the term for a beam that is supported by two sides and rigidly held in place?

A beam that is supported by two sides and is rigidly held in place is referred to as a fixed beam. This configuration allows for both ends to be restrained from rotation and vertical movement, which significantly impacts how the beam behaves under load. The fixed supports create moments at the ends, which prevents rotation and thus leads to different bending and shear characteristics compared to other beam types.

In structural analysis, knowing that a beam is fixed helps engineers calculate the internal forces, moments, and deflections more accurately. A fixed beam is typically used in situations where stability is crucial, and these attributes make it essential in designing safe and effective structures. This is particularly important in applications where loads are applied, as the fixed conditions change how the beam can distribute the forces throughout its length.