Category: Structure & materials
Prepared by Eng. Ahmed Fathy, Projects Manager ·
Definition
A cantilever is a structural element fixed at one end and free at the other, such as a projecting balcony or an entrance canopy.
Why it matters on a project
Its main reinforcement is at the top, not the bottom as in ordinary slabs; misplacing it leads to sagging or failure.
Common mistake
Striking the formwork under the cantilever too early, before the concrete gains strength.
Frequently asked questions
How far can a cantilever project?
The structural design sets it by thickness and load; it is never extended on site without calculation.
Why does a cantilever crack at the top?
Tension is at the top, so any shortage or sagging of the top bars shows as cracks at the support.
Related terms
- Solid slabA concrete slab of uniform thickness without voids, common for small and medium spans.
- Reinforcement (rebar)Steel bars placed inside concrete per bar-bending schedules to strengthen structural elements.
- Steel structureA structural frame of steel sections connected by welding or bolts, protected from corrosion by coating.
- Reinforced concreteConcrete containing steel reinforcement to resist the tensile forces concrete alone cannot carry.
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