POSTANDLINTEL

POST-AND-LINTEL: translation

The earliest, simplest method for spanning a space is the post-and-lintel system of upright posts to support a horizontal beam, called a lintel. The width of the lintel is limited not only by its tensile strength, but also by the length of the materials possible for use as a lintel. Often, a series of posts must be used to increase the overall width of an enclosed space, creating a room encumbered bycolumnsor wall divisions. Although most structures employ a post-and-lintel system, one of the more famous examples of the use of a post-and-lintel isStonehenge, constructed in the Salisbury Plain of Wiltshire, England, around 2750 BC. Here, five pairs of vertical megaliths calledtrilithonsare formed in the shape of a horseshoe, and each pair was capped by a lintel. This group was surrounded by an outer circle of megaliths capped by a continuous lintel of massive horizontalstones. OtherPrehistoricstructures include individual freestanding post-and-lintel stone formations found across Europe, calleddolmens.

Stone post-and-lintel structures are found throughout theAncient Near EastandAncient Egypt, whilewoodwas also used through-out Europe in post-and-lintel construction. By the 18th century, the replacement of stone and wood lintels bycast-ironand thensteelframes has allowed for a gradual increase in unobstructed room widths that rival the size ofdomedinteriors, yet with flat roofs and broad interiors supported by metal framing.