Which term describes a horizontal member that supports a load?

Which term describes a horizontal member that supports a load?

• A. Joist
• B. Beam
• C. Girder
• D. Filler beam

Answer: (B)

A beam is a horizontal structural member that carries loads along its length by bending between supports, such as columns or walls. It transfers the weight to the supports and is designed to resist bending and shear. In typical framing, joists are smaller members that span between beams and carry floor or roof loads to the beams; girders are larger, primary members that support other beams; filler beam is not the standard term for the main load-bearing element in most systems. Therefore, the term that describes a horizontal member that supports a load is beam.

A beam is a horizontal structural member that carries loads along its length by bending between supports, such as columns or walls. It transfers the weight to the supports and is designed to resist bending and shear. In typical framing, joists are smaller members that span between beams and carry floor or roof loads to the beams; girders are larger, primary members that support other beams; filler beam is not the standard term for the main load-bearing element in most systems. Therefore, the term that describes a horizontal member that supports a load is beam.