In masonry buildings, a simple wood beam can span up to how many feet?

In masonry buildings, a simple wood beam can span up to how many feet?

• A. 15 Feet
• B. 20 Feet
• C. 25 Feet
• D. 30 Feet

Answer: (C)

Maximizing a simple wood beam’s span depends on bending strength and the load it must carry between supports. In masonry construction, such a beam acts as a lintel or header between walls, carrying loads from above. For typical lumber and normal loads, a straightforward wood beam can safely span about 25 feet before bending and deflection become unacceptable. If you need a longer span, you’d use a built-up or engineered member or add intermediate supports to keep the forces within safe limits. Spans around 15 or 20 feet are possible, but they’re not the practical maximum, and a 30-foot span would exceed what a plain wood beam can safely carry. Therefore, 25 feet is the best answer.

Maximizing a simple wood beam’s span depends on bending strength and the load it must carry between supports. In masonry construction, such a beam acts as a lintel or header between walls, carrying loads from above. For typical lumber and normal loads, a straightforward wood beam can safely span about 25 feet before bending and deflection become unacceptable. If you need a longer span, you’d use a built-up or engineered member or add intermediate supports to keep the forces within safe limits. Spans around 15 or 20 feet are possible, but they’re not the practical maximum, and a 30-foot span would exceed what a plain wood beam can safely carry. Therefore, 25 feet is the best answer.