A cantilever is a protruding beam, truss or other similar type structure that is supported only on one end.^[1] The load is supported by the other end of the structure or along the length of the structure.^[2] The concept of a cantilever is therefore very similar to the idea of a diving board.^[3]

The term can also refer to a beam or truss that extends beyond a fulcrum and is supported by a balancing member or downward force behind the fulcrum.^[4]

Cantilever applications are used in modern architecture.^[5] Though not always structurally efficient, a cantilever permits more freedom with the overall design of a given structure.^[6]

Cantilevers were used in bridge design in the first half of the 20th century as a way to resolve the problem of bridges being built with an increasing span distance.^[7] A pair of cantilevers positioned back to back is connected with a shorter beam bridge located in between them.^[8] Therefore, a cantilever bridge can simply be seen as a modified form of a beam bridge with support being placed midway on the bridge span instead of at the ends.^[9]

[edit] References

1. ↑ Carpentry DIY Data. 2008-09-30.
2. ↑ Cat Technology. Answers.com. 2008-09-30.
3. ↑ Cantilever Bridges. Richman Galleries. 2008-09-30.
4. ↑ Cat Technology. Answers.com. 2008-09-30.
5. ↑ Cantilever. Design Build-Network. 2008-09-30.
6. ↑ Cantilever Applications. Newton. 2008-09-30.
7. ↑ Cantilever Bridges. Richman Galleries. 2008-09-30.
8. ↑ Cantilever Bridges. Design-Technology. 2008-09-30.
9. ↑ Cantilever Bridges. Richman Galleries. 2008-09-30.