There are different types of lintel beams used on the basis of strength and serviceability requirements such as:
- Reinforced concrete lintels
- Steel lintels
- Reinforced brick lintels
- Stone lintels
- Timber lintels
- Prestressed lintels
Purpose of Lintel Beam
One purpose of providing lintel beam is also to make the building sustainable in case of seismic effects. As the weight of the brickwork above the opening is transferred directly to the lintel beams and as the opening area is a comparatively weaker area where cracks and ultimate failure may occur in the absence of lintel beam. Lintel beams can also be decorative, load-bearing or a combined ornamental structural beam.