A lintel is one form of beam used to support the above-mentioned wall where openings such as doors, windows etc. are required to provide a foundation for the house. The lintel’s main function is to take loads from the top of the wall and move that load to the side walls.
It has to be built appropriately to meet the functions of a lintel plate. During the construction of the lintel plate, all types of dead loads and live loads which may be put on lintel during its lifespan must be regarded.
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The general loads that should be listed for the construction of lintel beams follows:
- Lintel self-weight. Self-weight is something of a dead load.
- Loading the wall above the beam at the lintel. Also, it’s a dead load.
- Loads carried over the lintel from the floor or from the roof supported by the wall. The load from the roof should be found both live and dead.
Certain extra loads on lintels may sometimes be placed depending on the architectural design. In order in locate these extra loads on the lintel, one needs to investigate the architectural drawings and remember it during building.