Which type of beam is supported at two points and rigidly held in position at both?

A beam that is supported at two points and rigidly held in position at both ends is known as a fixed beam. In this configuration, the ends of the beam are prevented from rotating, allowing for both bending moments and shear forces to be resisted at the supports. This rigidity at the supports means that the fixed beam can carry loads more effectively and provide greater stability compared to other beam types that might not be fixed.

In contrast to fixed beams, simple beams are simply supported at their ends and free to rotate, leading to different load-carrying capacities. Continuous beams extend over more than two supports but can have various degrees of fixity, depending on their configuration. Composite beams consist of more than one material, often combining their strength and flexibility but are not defined by the same support conditions as fixed beams. Understanding the specific characteristics of fixed beams is crucial for determining how they will behave under load in building construction, making them a fundamental element of structural stability in various applications.