what is plinth beam, tie beam and lintel beam in the structure

What is a plinth beam?

The plinth beam is a substructure component made upon RCC (Reinforced cement concrete). Is provided at the plinth level of the ground surface, and its topmost part of the superstructure is at ground level and it is the starting point of the superstructure of the building. This beam was built between the wall and its foundation. The wall load is transferred into the plinth beam and into below the soil surface and connecting foundation. A plinth beam is also known as a tie beam, but it is provided at the plinth level that’s why it is called a plinth beam. The plinth beam is connecting all foundations in the structure. 

plinth beam

Minimum requirement of plinth beam 

  • Size = 225mm X 225mm (9″x9″)
  • Reinforcement = 4 to 6 no’s of 12mm dia, fe 500
  • Stirrups = 8mm dia, 6″ to 8″ c/c spacing
  • Cover = 25mm to 30mm
  • Concrete = <M20 grade 
plinth beam

The size of the plinth beam depends on column size, if the column size is high then the plinth beam size also differs.

What is a tie beam?

A tie beam is a beam where constructed above the plinth beam level and it connecting two columns. The tie beam whose function is not to carry the slab load but just to act as a stiffener to the column and thereby reduce the long column effect and column overturning effect. A tie beam is recommended when the height of the column increases from the range of 4 to 5 meters

tie beam

The main difference between a plinth beam and a tie beam is the elevation at which beams are provided. The plinth beam is provided on the plinth level and the tie beam is provided above the plinth level and floor level.

It is also a damp-proof course at the plinth level and as a separator for ventilation and door when placed at the lintel level. The tie beam is also an RCC element

What is a lintel beam?

A lintel beam comes in above the plinth level and sill level. A beam provides across openings like doors, windows and etc in the building to support the load from the structure above the lintel beam, to take loads coming from the above wall and transfer its load into the sidewall. The lintel beam is provided in connecting the two-column or only in the opening area.

lintel beam

The lintel beam is the main component in the load-bearing structure. Types of Lintel beam “ Click Here

The size of the lintel beam is the same as the wall width. If the brick wall width is 5″ then the lintel width should be 5″ (125mm), the 9″ thick brick wall has a lintel beam width is 9″ (225mm) and the block wall’s lintel width should be 4″ to 8″.

The lintel beam is also an RCC (Reinforced cement concrete) element and we provide a lintel slab also into the room. Minor cracks are formed on edge of the lintel beam because of overload and structure displacement. The arch shape lintel beam also provides only an opening area

Wood lintel beams (timber) or wooded lintel are the oldest kinds of lintel commonly used in hilly terrain areas. This lintel is expensive, strong, liable to decay and vulnerable to fire.

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