Lintels-Definition & Types

Lintels-Definition & Types

A Lintel is a horizontal flexural member that spans over the openings of the walls for windows, doors, Ventilators, etc. The end bearings for the lintel should not be lesser than 20 cm. The width of lintel is usually the same as that of wall.

 The load coming from the masonry above the opening is transferred to wall by flexure

Such that frames of doors, windows etc are not over loaded.

Lintels of various materials are used.

They are:

o   Stone

o   Wood

o   Brick 

o   R.C.C.

o   Steel.

•  Stone Lintels: Stone beams are used as lintels where stones are available. Since stone is weak in tension the use is limited to short spans only. Stones are cut to the width of wall and are dressed prior to using as lintels. Their depth is kept about 0.1 times the span

•  Wood Lintel: These lintels may be a single piece or combination of 2 or 3 pieces. Sometimes wooden lintels are strengthened at top and bottom by using steel plates. Such kinds of lintels are called as flitched beams.

•  Brick Lintels: Good quality & well burnt, lintels are laid on ends or edges to act as lintels. It requires temporary form work during the construction. These lintels should be cured for 7–14 days before stripping of form work. Such lintels are useful to span small openings.

•  R.C.C. Lintels: R.C.C lintels give us flexibility to choose any span for an opening. They can be either isolated or continuous over the openings. They must provided with suitable reinforcement i.e. main reinforcements on lower side i.e. tension zone. Nowadays these lintels are used commonly in buildings.

• Steel Lintels: Rolled Steel I-sections or steel angles are used as lintels. Tube separators should be provided to maintain the spacing between the sections. Frequent painting and maintenance is required if the sections are opened to atmospheric action. Generally they are encased in concrete to avoid maintenance problem. These lintels can be used for large spans