Lintelés

Lintelés is a term used in architecture to refer to the installation, specification, or design of lintels—horizontal structural members spanning openings in walls. A lintel supports the loads from above and transfers them to the sides of the opening. The concept is widely used in construction documentation and practice, including Hungarian-language contexts, though the basic idea is universal.

Materials and forms include stone, brick, timber, reinforced concrete, steel, or composite systems. Stone and brick lintels rely largely on compression and are common in traditional masonry, while reinforced concrete and steel lintels handle bending stresses and enable longer spans. Precast concrete lintels are common in modern construction for speed and consistency.

Design and sizing depend on opening width, wall thickness, wall material, and expected loads from above, including live loads and wind. Sufficient bearing length on each jamb is essential, and codes specify minimums that vary by jurisdiction. In masonry walls, lintels must rest on solid bed joints and are often integrated with the wall to prevent settlement. Fire resistance and thermal movement are additional considerations in material selection and detailing.

Installation and maintenance involve ensuring the lintel is level and properly seated on both sides, using appropriate bedding, and providing waterproofing above the lintel and any necessary movement joints. Regular inspection for cracks, settlement, or corrosion is advised, with repairs or replacement as needed.

History and usage: lintels have been used since antiquity, from carved stone blocks in ancient architecture to wooden beams in timber-framed houses. In contemporary construction, steel or reinforced concrete lintels are common, enabling wider openings and greater structural capacity.