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The amount of beam deflection depends on the size of the beam, the materials used, and the weight and position of any object placed on it. A concrete floor poured on a steel beam structure may have little deflection, because the weight of the floor is distributed, or spread out evenly over the entire beam surface. Vertical wall beams must be designed to support the weight, called the load, of the steel and the concrete floor to prevent any deflection in the walls.

A beam can deflect more if a large weight is placed at a point furthest away from where the beam is supported or attached to the building. This type of load is very important for beam deflection calculations, and can require additional beams or supporting walls below the maximum deflection point. Beams only supported on one end are also carefully analyzed for beam deflection.

Any structure supported on one end is called a cantilever, and is commonly used for balconies, walkways, and overhanging roof designs. The cantilever must be carefully designed to support the maximum expected loads from objects or people as well as a generous safety factor. Cables extending to the floor above or support posts under the cantilevered section can be added to support additional loads, but can affect the aesthetics or visual appeal of the overhanging design.