trabé

Trabé is a term that can refer to several different things, primarily in the context of architecture and carpentry. Most commonly, it describes a horizontal beam or structural member used to support a load or span an opening. In traditional construction, trabés were often made of wood and formed a fundamental part of timber framing. They could be used to create floors, ceilings, or as lintels over doorways and windows. The size and type of trabé would depend on the structural requirements of the building.

The term can also be found in discussions of historical architecture, particularly in relation to ancient Greek and Roman buildings. In this context, a trabé often refers to the entablature, the uppermost part of a classical order, which rests on the columns. This entablature typically consists of the architrave, frieze, and cornice, and its design is a key characteristic of different architectural styles.

Beyond structural applications, "trabé" can sometimes be used more loosely to describe any long, sturdy piece of material used for support or spanning. This might include metal beams in modern construction, though the term is more historically associated with wooden elements. The specific meaning is usually clarified by the context in which it is used.