SUMMARY: This white paper instructs in the practical aspects of bending theory, including:
· The three design elements critical to all bending members: shear, bending, and deflection.

· The critical differences between simply supported and continuous bending members.

· Locations of maximum and minimum stresses, and negative moments. Why they're important.

· Where cutting and notching is okay. Where it's not, and why.

· The most common cause of bending member failure, and what can be done to avoid it.

· The difference between overstressed bending members and those which do not meet deflection criteria.

· Why certain floors are bouncy. Whether or not they're dangerous, and what can be done to avoid / remedy them.

PREREQUISITES: None. This paper is suitable for anyone with minimal knowledge of building.