Which term refers to a large horizontal beam?

Which term refers to a large horizontal beam?

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

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is that in structural framing, the large horizontal member that carries the most load is called a girder. A girder acts as the primary support, spanning between columns and taking the combined load from smaller members like joists or beams and transferring it down to the supports. That makes it larger and stronger than ordinary beams, which are the individual horizontal members that span between supports and carry floor or roof loads. A filler beam is a less common term used to fill gaps or support between larger members, but isn’t the primary load-carrying element. A joist is a lighter, closely spaced member that directly supports the floor or ceiling deck, not the main carrying element for other beams. So the term for a large horizontal beam is girder.

The main idea here is that in structural framing, the large horizontal member that carries the most load is called a girder. A girder acts as the primary support, spanning between columns and taking the combined load from smaller members like joists or beams and transferring it down to the supports. That makes it larger and stronger than ordinary beams, which are the individual horizontal members that span between supports and carry floor or roof loads. A filler beam is a less common term used to fill gaps or support between larger members, but isn’t the primary load-carrying element. A joist is a lighter, closely spaced member that directly supports the floor or ceiling deck, not the main carrying element for other beams. So the term for a large horizontal beam is girder.