1. Simply supported: that is they are supported at both ends but are free to rotate.
2. Fixed: supported at both ends and fixed to resist rotation.
3. Overhanging: overhanging their supports at one or both ends.
4. Continuous: extending over more than two supports.
5. Cantilevered: supported only at one end

They may be statistically determinate, that is, their reactions can be solved utilizing equilibrium conditions, or they can be statistically indeterminate. Historically, beams were formed from timber, but they may also be manufactured from steel, or concrete, or they may be composite constructions. A wide variety of cross-section shapes are commonly available, including; square, rectangle, circular, I-shaped, T-shaped, C-shaped, tubular, etc. Beams may be straight, curved or tapered.  

Universal beam: this is a beam with an ‘I’ or ‘H’ -shaped cross-section, available in a variety of standard sizes. It is a very efficient form for carrying bending and shear loads in the plane of the web
Trussed beam: trussed beams are strengthened by the addition of cables or rods to form a truss
Hip beam: common in roofs, where they form the angled, inclined hip of the roof, supporting other load-bearing beams which branch away from them on either side and slope down to the eaves
Composite beam: these are formed from 2 or more dissimilar materials, such as concrete-steel beams. Down-stand beams, flitch beams and shallow floors are examples of composite beams.

Columns are a crucial part of most buildings. Load bearing columns, unfortunately, tend to be large. Though large columns can be fashioned and designed artistically, thus giving an aesthetically pleasing appearance, they often take up vital space and obstruct free movement as well as vital viewability. Pre-stressing columns imparts additional load bearing capacity to them, thus allowing them to be made slimmer in size and permitting larger spacing between them but even then, their size can create problems.

To have columns with even more load bearing strength, so that their diameter could be further reduced, a new technique has been conceived. This technique results in the production of what is known as spun concrete. The process of making columns of spun concrete is roughly as follows: A steel mould in the shape of the column is made, in 2 halves. The reinforcement cage for the column is also made in 2 parts, one part is placed in each half of the mould, anchored to fixing devices, which are a part of the mould, and pre-tensioned. High strength concrete, up to M-100, is then poured into the mould halves. The halves are then bolted together and placed in a centrifuge.

The mould, with the concrete in it, is then spun for approximately 10 minutes, at 600 rpm. After that, the concrete is left to set, for between 12 to 16 hours, depending on various factors, such as strength required, column size, ambient conditions, etc. The mould is then removed and the column cured, then transported to the construction site. This process produces a very dense, high diameter of only 70cm, capable of taking loads up to 15%, have enabled production of 28 metre high columns, having a diameter of only 70cm, capable of taking loads up to 360 tons, by the use of spun concrete.