Structural

Girder

Structural · definition

A large primary beam that carries other beams or joists. The main load-collecting member, often mid-span under a floor down to columns.

Source: HUD — Residential Structural Design Guide, Second Edition

  • Beam

    A primary horizontal member that carries loads from joists or framing across a span to posts or walls. Opening up a floor plan usually me…

  • Joist

    One of the repetitive horizontal members that support a floor or ceiling, spanning between beams or walls. Joist size, spacing, and direc…

  • Span

    The clear distance a member bridges between supports. Span tables (or an engineer) set the size and spacing required for a given load.

  • Glulam

    Glued-laminated timber — a structural beam of bonded dimensional lumber, often used where the beam is exposed for appearance.

  • Frost Line / Frost Depth

    The depth to which ground freezes locally. Footings must bear below it (in central Ohio ~32 in.) so frost heave can't lift the structure.

  • Grade Beam

    A reinforced concrete beam at or below grade that spans between piers or footings to distribute structural loads.

  • Frost Heave

    Upward soil movement when moisture freezes and expands, lifting shallow footings, slabs, and steps. Prevented by footing depth and drainage.

  • Helical Pier

    A screw-in steel pile driven to stable soil to underpin or support a foundation. A common engineered fix for settlement without large exc…

Where this term fits in a remodel

The pillar guides set terms like this one in context — what the work involves, what drives its cost, and where it sits in the sequence of a project. Pricing a specific house takes a defined scope and an on-site assessment.

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