Structural Functions of Concrete Beams

In building construction, reinforced concrete beams span open spaces or transfer column loads into underlying soil:

• Grade Beams: Heavy reinforced concrete beams placed at or below ground level to bridge poor soils and transfer building loads across drilled piers or pilings.
• Masonry Lintels: Horizontal structural members spanning window and door rough openings in CMU block walls to carry vertical wall dead loads above.
• Bond Beams: Continuous horizontal reinforced courses placed at intermediate floor levels or roof plate lines to tie masonry walls together.