Post and lintel, also known as a trabeated system, is a structural construction method that has been used for thousands of years in architecture and engineering. It is characterized by the use of vertical posts (also known as columns, pillars, or piers), which support horizontal beams (known as lintels) to create openings or spans across a given space.
In this system, the posts act as vertical supports that carry the weight of the lintels above them, transferring the load to the ground. The lintels, in turn, distribute the weight evenly across the posts. This simple arrangement allows for the creation of various architectural elements, such as doors, windows, and archways, by spanning the gap between two posts with a lintel.
Post and lintel construction is known for its stability and durability, as it relies on the direct transfer of vertical loads to the ground. However, it is limited in terms of the size and span of the openings it can create, as it heavily depends on the strength and dimensions of the materials used. This system has been widely used in the construction of historical structures, such as ancient Greek and Roman temples, Egyptian pyramids, and traditional Japanese buildings.
Today, post and lintel construction is still used in modern architecture, often combined with other structural methods to provide additional support and flexibility.
