What is the difference between a lintel and a arch?

A lintel is a horizontal beam or slab placed over an opening in a wall to support the weight of the structure above it. It is typically made of steel, concrete, or wood.

An arch, on the other hand, is a curved structure that spans an opening in a wall or roof. It is made up of a series of wedge-shaped blocks, called voussoirs, that are arranged to create a curved shape. The weight of the structure above the arch is distributed along the arch, allowing it to support the weight without any additional supports.

In simple terms, a lintel is a straight horizontal support while an arch is a curved horizontal support.

Publication date: