Lintel
Lintel
Lintel is a structural horizontal support beam placed across the openings like doors, windows etc. for load bearing purpose. The width of lintel beam is equal to the width of the wall and the end of it is built into the wall. Lintel is also used as a decorative building element over portals with no structural function. Over the centuries it has been employed in architectural styles of most cultures such as the hypostyle halls in ancient Egypt, hoysala architecture and Indian rock cut architecture in Buddhist temples.
The common materials used for lintel are timber, steel and concrete.
Timber Lintel – Quite popularly used in olden times for construction but recently have been replaced by modern technologies. A prominent usage of timber can be still witnessed in hilly regions.
Steel –This material is used when the superimposed loads are heavy and openings are large.
Concrete –Reinforced concrete is widely used in modern times to span the opening for door and windows.
