bjælken

Bjælken is a Danish word that translates to "beam" or "joist" in English. It most commonly refers to a structural element used in construction. These beams are typically horizontal and are designed to support loads, transferring them to supporting vertical elements like walls or columns. In traditional Danish construction, bjælker were often made from wood, but modern construction also utilizes steel and reinforced concrete for bjælker. The term can also be used more broadly to describe any long, rigid supporting member. In a broader sense, a bjælke serves as a fundamental component in creating stable and load-bearing structures, whether in buildings, bridges, or other constructions. Its primary function is to span a distance and prevent sagging or collapse under applied weight.