247SimpleTests
ASVAB · Structural Support

When a load is placed in the middle of a beam supported at both ends, where is the beam under the greatest stress?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

In the middle, where the load is applied

  1. A At the very top corners
  2. B In the middle, where the load is applied
  3. C At the supports only
  4. D Nowhere; the load spreads out evenly

Why this is the answer

When a beam is supported at both ends and a load is placed in the middle, the greatest bending stress occurs at the center, directly under the load, where the beam tends to sag the most. The bottom of the beam at the middle is in tension (stretched) while the top is in compression (squeezed). This is why beams are often deepest or reinforced in the middle of a span. The supports carry the reaction forces, but the maximum bending stress for a center load is at midspan. Understanding where a loaded beam is most stressed is part of the structural-support topic.
Source: ASVAB MC, Beam Loading

Practice more questions

This question is from our ASVAB Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Structural Support and other topics.

Take the Mechanical Comprehension practice test →

About this topic: Structural Support

Structural support questions ask which beam, brace or support carries the most load, where a structure will fail, and how triangles, arches and cantilevers distribute weight. Think about where the force goes. This is one of 8 Mechanical Comprehension questions on structural support, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our ASVAB exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

Structural Support

A beam is supported at both ends and a 200-lb weight is placed exactly in the middle. How much weight does each support hold?

 Structural Support

Which shape is generally considered the strongest for structural support?

 Structural Support

Which type of force is a column under a heavy load primarily experiencing?

 Structural Support

Which is the strongest type of bridge structure for spanning long distances?

Recommended study materials

Study guide

ASVAB Total Prep (Kaplan)

Kaplan's complete ASVAB guide with 1,000+ practice questions, 6 full-length tests, and AFQT focus.

Check Price → Study guide

Barron's ASVAB with Online Tests 12th Ed.

Comprehensive ASVAB review for all nine subtests with full-length practice exams and online tools.

Check Price → Study guide

ASVAB for Dummies 4th Ed. (Wiley)

Accessible, thorough ASVAB prep covering all subtests with tips for boosting your AFQT score.

Check Price →

As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate, and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links above are affiliate links. Full disclosure →