INTRODUCTION TO LINTELS
Meaning and Definition of Lintel
A lintel is a horizontal structural member provided above
openings such as doors, windows, and ventilators in a wall, to
support the load of masonry and wall construction above the
opening and transfer that load safely to the side walls (jambs).
“A lintel acts like a small beam over an opening.”
Why Lintels Are Required (Need of Lintels)
When an opening is created in a wall:
• The wall continuity is broken
• The load of bricks, blocks, or concrete above still exists
• Without support, cracks or collapse may occur
Lintels are required to:
• Carry the load above openings
• Prevent cracking of masonry
• Maintain structural safety
• Allow openings without weakening the wall
3. Location of Lintels in a Building
Lintels are provided:
• Above doors
• Above windows
• Above ventilators
• Sometimes above wall niches or recesses
4. Structural Action of a Lintel (How It Works)
Lintel works mainly in bending
The load from masonry above is:
• Transferred vertically downward
• Distributed sideways to the jambs
In RCC lintels:
• Concrete resists compression
• Steel reinforcement resists tension
This makes RCC lintels strong and durable.
5. Lintel vs Arch (Conceptual Introduction)
Aspect Lintel Arch
Shape Horizontal Curved
Load behavior Bending action Compressive action
Construction Simple Skilled workmanship
Use Modern buildings Traditional structures
6. Basic Components of a Lintel
A typical lintel consists of:
• Span – clear width of opening
• Bearing – length resting on wall (minimum 150 mm on each side)
• Depth – thickness depending on span & load
Reinforcement (RCC lintel) – steel bars for strength
7. Materials Commonly Used for Lintels (Intro
Level)
At introductory stage, students should know:
• Timber lintels – old houses, short spans
• Stone lintels – heavy construction, temples
• Brick lintels – small openings
• Steel lintels – industrial buildings
• RCC lintels – most common today
8. Advantages of Using Lintels
•Simple and quick construction
•Economical (especially RCC)
•Compatible with modern buildings
•Allows larger openings than brick arches
•Easy to integrate with sunshades and slabs
9. Limitations of Lintels
•Not suitable for very large spans
•Brick and stone lintels have limited strength
•Timber lintels can decay if exposed to moisture
1. Classification of Lintels (Teaching Logic)
• Lintels are classified mainly on the basis of material used.
A. Timber Lintel
Description
• Made of wood (teak, sal, etc.)
• Used in old or traditional buildings
• Suitable only for small spans
Advantages
• Easy to construct
• Light in weight
Disadvantages
• Prone to decay, termites, fire
• Not suitable for modern construction
B. Stone Lintel
Description
• Made from single stone slab
• Used where stone is locally available
Advantages
• Strong in compression
• Durable
Disadvantages
• Heavy
• Limited span
• Difficult handling
Use
• Temples, heritage buildings, stone masonry walls
C. Brick Lintel
Description
• Constructed using bricks laid on edge
• Sometimes reinforced with steel bars
Advantages
• Economical
• Easy availability
Disadvantages
• Low strength
• Suitable only for small openings
D. Steel Lintel
Description
• Made using angle sections, I-sections, or channels
• Often embedded in concrete or masonry
Advantages
• High strength
• Can carry heavy loads
• Long spans possible
Disadvantages
• Corrosion risk
• Fire protection needed
• Expensive
Use
• Industrial buildings, warehouses
E. RCC Lintel (Most Important)
Description
• Made of reinforced cement concrete
• Combination of concrete + steel reinforcement
Advantages
• High strength and durability
• Fire resistant
• Economical
• Suitable for almost all spans
• Can be cast with sunshade (chajja)
Why RCC lintels are preferred
• Concrete resists compression
• Steel resists tension
• Excellent structural performance