Beam vs. Girder: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 29, 2024
A beam is a horizontal structural element that supports loads, typically smaller than a girder, which is a large main supporting beam in construction.
Key Differences
Beams are structural elements used to support loads, primarily resisting bending forces. Girders are also load-bearing elements, but they are generally larger and serve as the main horizontal supports in a structure.
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Jan 29, 2024
In construction, beams are used across openings like doors and windows and in floors and ceilings. Girders are the main support beams, often holding multiple beams, and are crucial in bridge construction and large buildings.
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Jan 29, 2024
The material composition of beams can vary, including wood, steel, or reinforced concrete, depending on the requirement. Girders are typically made of stronger materials like steel or prestressed concrete, given their primary support role.
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Jan 29, 2024
Beams often span shorter distances and are part of the secondary framework in a building. Girders, being the primary support, span larger distances and bear greater loads.
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From an engineering perspective, beams are designed to support weight, mainly bending forces. Girders not only support weight but also transfer loads from other structural elements to the columns and foundation.
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Jan 29, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Function
Supports loads, mainly bending resistance
Main horizontal support, holds multiple beams
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Use in Construction
Across openings, in floors and ceilings
Main support in bridges, large buildings
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Material Composition
Wood, steel, reinforced concrete
Usually steel or prestressed concrete
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Load Bearing
Supports weight, mainly bending forces
Bears and transfers greater loads
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Beam and Girder Definitions
Beam
Beams are used in construction to support floors and roofs.
Steel beams were installed to support the new floor.
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Girder
A girder is a large primary beam used in construction.
The main girder of the bridge was constructed from high-strength steel.
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Beam
They primarily resist bending forces from the weight above.
The reinforced concrete beam was designed to withstand heavy loads.
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Girder
Girders support smaller beams and distribute loads to columns.
The steel girder carried the load from the upper floors to the foundation.
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Beam
In architecture, beams are key elements in framing structures.
The architect specified the dimensions of each beam in the building’s design.
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Girder
They are essential in bridge construction for spanning long distances.
Massive concrete girders were used to span the river.
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Beam
A squared-off log or a large, oblong piece of timber, metal, or stone used especially as a horizontal support in construction.
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Girder
In large structures, girders are the main horizontal supports.
The new skyscraper’s design included several large girders for structural stability.
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Beam
A transverse structural member of a ship's frame, used to support a deck and to brace the sides against stress.
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Girder
A beam, as of steel, wood, or reinforced concrete, used as a main horizontal support in a building or bridge.
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Girder
A beam of steel, wood, or reinforced concrete, used as a main horizontal support in a building or structure.
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Beam
An oscillating lever connected to an engine piston rod and used to transmit power to the crankshaft.
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Girder
A main beam; a stright, horizontal beam to span an opening or carry weight, such as ends of floor beams, etc.; hence, a framed or built-up member discharging the same office, technically called a compound girder. See Illusts. of Frame, and Doubleframed floor, under Double.
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Girder
Girders are often made of stronger materials due to their supporting role.
The engineer recommended using prestressed concrete girders for additional strength.
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Beam
The main horizontal bar on a plow to which the share, coulter, and handles are attached.
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Beam
A concentrated stream of particles or a similar propagation of waves
A beam of protons.
A beam of light.
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Beam
To express by means of a radiant smile
He beamed his approval of the new idea.
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Beam
Any large piece of timber or iron long in proportion to its thickness, and prepared for use.
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Beam
One of the principal horizontal structural members, usually of steel, timber, or concrete, of a building; one of the transverse members of a ship's frame on which the decks are laid — supported at the sides by knees in wooden ships and by stringers in steel ones.
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Beam
(nautical) The maximum width of a vessel (note that a vessel with a beam of 15 foot can also be said to be 15 foot abeam).
This ship has more beam than that one.
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Beam
(nautical) The direction across a vessel, perpendicular to fore-and-aft.
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Beam
The crossbar of a mechanical balance, from the ends of which the scales are suspended.
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Beam
(textiles) A cylinder of wood, making part of a loom, on which weavers wind the warp before weaving and the cylinder on which the cloth is rolled, as it is woven.
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Beam
The central bar of a plow, to which the handles and colter are secured, and to the end of which are attached the oxen or horses that draw it.
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Beam
In steam engines, a heavy iron lever having an oscillating motion on a central axis, one end of which is connected with the piston rod from which it receives motion, and the other with the crank of the wheel shaft.
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Beam
A ray or collection of approximately parallel rays emitted from the sun or other luminous body.
A beam of light
A beam of energy
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Beam
(music) A horizontal bar which connects the stems of two or more notes to group them and to indicate metric value.
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Beam
(railway) An elevated rectangular dirt pile used to cheaply build an elevated portion of a railway.
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Beam
(ambitransitive) To emit beams of light; to shine; to radiate.
To beam forth light
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Beam
To transmit matter or information via a high-tech wireless mechanism.
Beam me up, Scotty; there's no intelligent life down here.
The injured crewmembers were immediately beamed to sickbay.
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Beam
To connect (musical notes) with a beam, or thick line, in music notation.
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Beam
Any large piece of timber or iron long in proportion to its thickness, and prepared for use.
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Beam
One of the principal horizontal timbers of a building or ship.
The beams of a vessel are strong pieces of timber stretching across from side to side to support the decks.
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Beam
The width of a vessel; as, one vessel is said to have more beam than another.
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Beam
The bar of a balance, from the ends of which the scales are suspended.
The doubtful beam long nods from side to side.
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Beam
The principal stem or horn of a stag or other deer, which bears the antlers, or branches.
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Beam
A cylinder of wood, making part of a loom, on which weavers wind the warp before weaving; also, the cylinder on which the cloth is rolled, as it is woven; one being called the fore beam, the other the back beam.
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Beam
The main part of a plow, to which the handles and colter are secured, and to the end of which are attached the oxen or horses that draw it.
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Beam
A heavy iron lever having an oscillating motion on a central axis, one end of which is connected with the piston rod from which it receives motion, and the other with the crank of the wheel shaft; - called also working beam or walking beam.
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Beam
A ray or collection of parallel rays emitted from the sun or other luminous body; as, a beam of light, or of heat.
How far that little candle throws his beams!
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Beam
One of the long feathers in the wing of a hawk; - called also beam feather.
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Beam
To send forth; to emit; - followed ordinarily by forth; as, to beam forth light.
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Beam
A signal transmitted along a narrow path; guides pilots in darkness or bad weather
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Beam
Long thick piece of wood or metal or concrete, etc., used in construction
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Beam
Emit light; be bright, as of the sun or a light;
The sun shone bright that day
The fire beamed on their faces
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Beam
Broadcast over the airwaves, as in radio or television;
We cannot air this X-rated song
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Beam
Especially of the complexion: show a strong bright color, such as red or pink;
Her face glowed when she came out of the sauna
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Beam
Experience a feeling of well-being or happiness, as from good health or an intense emotion;
She was beaming with joy
Her face radiated with happiness
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Beam
A beam is a horizontal structural element that supports loads.
The wooden beams across the ceiling added a rustic charm to the room.
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Beam
Beams span across openings like doors and windows.
A sturdy beam was placed over the large window for support.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What materials are commonly used for beams?
Beams are often made of wood, steel, or reinforced concrete.
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Jan 29, 2024
Are girders always larger than beams?
Generally, girders are larger and bear more load than beams.
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Can beams be used for aesthetic purposes?
Yes, beams can also serve aesthetic purposes, especially in rustic or industrial designs.
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What is the main function of a girder?
A girder's main function is to serve as the primary horizontal support in a structure.
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What types of loads do girders support?
Girders support various loads, including the weight of the building and dynamic loads like traffic on a bridge.
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Can beams be visible in interior design?
Yes, exposed beams are often used as a design feature in interiors.
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What is the typical span of a beam in a building?
Beam spans vary but are typically shorter, spanning rooms or openings.
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Do beams have to be horizontal?
Beams are primarily horizontal, but sloped or curved beams are used in certain architectural designs.
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What are the differences in load-bearing capacities between beams and girders?
Girders typically have a higher load-bearing capacity compared to beams.
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Can beams be part of the ceiling structure?
Yes, beams are often part of the ceiling structure in homes and buildings.
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Jan 29, 2024
How are girders connected to other structural elements?
Girders are connected to columns, foundations, and other beams using various methods like welding or bolting.
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Are girders used in residential construction?
Girders can be used in residential construction, especially in large or multi-story houses.
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How do girders contribute to a building's stability?
Girders provide stability by distributing loads across the structure and to the foundation.
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Jan 29, 2024
Can girders span over water bodies like rivers?
Yes, girders are essential in bridge construction to span over rivers and other bodies of water.
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Jan 29, 2024
How are beams integrated into a building’s architecture?
Beams are integrated based on architectural designs to support floors, roofs, and walls.
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Is it common to use steel for both beams and girders?
Yes, steel is a common material for both beams and girders, especially in modern construction.
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Jan 29, 2024
Are beams only used in new constructions?
No, beams are used in both new constructions and renovations or restorations.
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Jan 29, 2024
Can beams be replaced or reinforced in older buildings?
Yes, beams in older buildings can be replaced or reinforced to enhance structural integrity.
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Are girders visible in the finished structure?
Girders may be visible in industrial or modern designs, but are often concealed in finished structures.
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What determines the size of a girder in a construction project?
The size of a girder is determined by the load it needs to support and the span it needs to cover.
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Jan 29, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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Hifza Nasir
