Table of Contents
Lintel
A Lintel is a type of beam which is placed across the opening of doors, windows, and equipment opening in the wall. The Lintel is a load-bearing structure and it is provided across the width of the window.
In the window, the beam provided at the bottom level is known as the Sill. Sill works as a non-load bearing structure.
In modern construction, mostly precast lintels are used. Precast lintel saves time and they are available in customized sizes.
Specification to construct Lintel
- Should be 100 mm or more than 100 mm.
- Should be equal to beam height or more.
- The length of bearing should in between 1/10th to 1/12th of the span of the beam.
Types Of Lintel
- Reinforced Cement Concrete Lintel
- Reinforced Brick Lintel
- Brick Lintel
- Concrete Block lintel
- Stone Lintel
- Steel Lintel
- Timber Lintel
1. Reinforced Cement Concrete Lintel
Reinforced Cement Concrete Lintel is the most commonly used lintel in building construction. Nowadays precast RCC lintels are available in the market. Precast concrete lintel makes the process fast and there is no need to make formwork and then cast on the site. Even there is no need for curing in the case of the precast lintel.
2. Reinforced Brick Lintel
Reinforced Brick Lintel is used when the load is heavy and the width of the door and window is more than 1 meter. Depth should be 10 cm or multiple pf 10 cm.
3. Brick Lintel
In the case of opening, less than 1 meter, and the load are not heavy then Brick lintel is provided. Only well burnt first-class brick is used for the brick lintel.
4. Concrete Block lintel
In some countries, brick is not available so concrete blocks can be used in place of the brick lintel. Block lintel is also not suitable to bear the heavy load.
5. Stone Lintel
Stone lintel is not suitable for heavy loading and crack can occur under tensile loading. If the load is not heavy and stone is easily accessible then stone lintel can use.
6. Steel Lintel
Steel lintels are provided when loads are heavy. A Channel section or rolled steel section is used for steel lintel. Single sections or multiple sections are provided as per requirement.
7. Timber Lintel
Timber Lintel was used in older times. In modern construction, they are not suitable. Timber lintel is less durable and vulnerable to fire.