crossbeam
Structural spanning timber
A crossbeam is a horizontal beam that spans between two supports, providing structural stability.
In buildings, crossbeams connect walls or columns; in ships, they run from side to side.
The word emphasizes the crossing orientation—perpendicular to the main structural elements: The old barn's crossbeams were hand-hewn timber.
Horizontal structural beam
- girderMain structural support beam
- trussLoad-bearing beam arrangement
- lintelBeam over an opening
- rafterSloped roof support
purlin · strut · batten · tie · header · transom · stringer · sleeper
Distance between endpoints
- trussLoad-bearing beam arrangement
- viaductArched span crossing valleys
- trestleBraced structural support frame
- cantileverBeam supported one end
deck · girder · stringer · abutment · pylon · suspension · cable-stayed · overpass
Secure storage chamber
- archCurved spanning structure
- domeRounded vault forming roof
- columnVertical structural element
- keystoneArch's central locking stone
buttress · corbel · entablature · frieze · pediment · king post · ceiling joist · roof truss
Device providing structural stability
- strutProud, showy gait
- shoreLand bordering water
- propSupport or stage item
- reinforcementAdding support or encouragement
buttress · underpinning · shoring · stabilizer · spreader · spacer · stiffener · scaffolding
joist
Horizontal structural beam
rafter · purlin · strut · batten · tie · header · transom · stringer · sleeper · noggin
span
Distance between endpoints
- trussLoad-bearing beam arrangement
- viaductArched span crossing valleys
- trestleBraced structural support frame
cantilever · deck · girder · stringer · abutment · pylon · suspension · cable-stayed · overpass · footbridge
vault
Secure storage chamber
keystone · buttress · corbel · entablature · frieze · pediment · king post · ceiling joist · roof truss · cathedral ceiling
brace
Device providing structural stability
reinforcement · buttress · underpinning · shoring · stabilizer · spreader · spacer · stiffener · scaffolding · framework
- balance scalesbalance scale, pan, steelyard, fulcrum, pointer
- beamsgirder, joist, girders, joists, timber beams
- boat partshull, keel, mast, rudder, helm
- structural supportsbeams, posts, columns, scaffold, girders
- wood partsboard, plank, post, rail, stud
- post-and-lintellintel, post, post-and-lintel, architrave, entablature
crossbeamfoundation
Underlying support structure
footing · base plate · sill · anchor