Technical guide · method and practical tips

Simply supported IPE beam: load, bending stress and deflection

IPE 200, catalogue basis, major axis; L = 4 m, E = 210 GPa, external UDL = 2 kN/m.

Reviewed

q = 2.22 kN/mL = 4 m · IPE 200
One pinned support and one roller; the uniform load includes self-weight once. The sketch is schematic.

Numerical application

Result

IPE 200: catalogue section and calculated response
QuantityMajor axisMinor axis
I [cm⁴]1943142.3
W [cm³]194.328.47
σmax [MPa]22.8156
δmax [mm]1.8124.8

Both columns use the same total load, span, material assumption and catalogue edition. Rounded values are for display.

Add self-weight exactly once

q = qexternal + μg

Calculate moment, stress and deflection

Mmax = qL²/8 ; σmax = Mmax/W ; δmax = 5qL⁴/(384EI)

Compare orientations and interpret the limits

The links load the specified catalogue profile, axis and inputs. The stress calculator also uses an illustrative allowable stress of 160 MPa: replace that assumption for your own problem. Neither that comparison nor a deflection alone establishes safety or code compliance.

Lateral-torsional buckling, section classification, shear resistance, local effects, connections, load combinations and project-specific serviceability limits are not checked. Lateral restraint and actual support conditions need separate verification.

For checking and further study

Direct references

Each link points to the exact course, standard or publication page used, rather than a generic homepage.

  1. Sections and Merchant Bars 2026-1ArcelorMittalIPE 200 row: mass, major/minor second moments and elastic section moduli.
  2. Solution Method for Beam DeflectionsMIT OpenCourseWareEuler–Bernoulli beam equation, boundary conditions and uniformly loaded beams.