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Glite Dictionary
box beam

box beam

6.7
A long hollow structure made from boards with a rectangular shape that supports parts of a building
  • noun
  • /bɑks bim/
  • Specialized
translation icon : viga de caja
  • The architect specified a box beam for the long span across the living room.

Examples

  • Carpenters assembled the box beam using plywood sheets and adhesive.

  • A box beam offers excellent strength-to-weight ratio in modern buildings.

  • The contractor installed a box beam to support the ceiling.

  • Many builders prefer using box beams for their durability.

  • The construction team used several box beams to support the roof of the new building.

  • The engineers designed the bridge with durable box beams to ensure stability and strength.

  • When constructing the frame, they chose box beams for their lightweight yet sturdy properties.

Synonyms

beam
vsbox beam
104 2.7

A long strong piece of wood, metal, or concrete that supports part of a building

is hollow with a rectangular cross section and made from boards
box girder
vsbox beam
  • Specialized
7.0

A beam with a hollow box shape used in bridges and large structures

is usually made from boards and used in general building work

How Strong

girder
  • Specialized
14 5.0
I-beam
  • Specialized
2 5.7
box beam
  • Specialized
6.7
beam
104 2.7
joist
5 7.5

Surface Forms

box beam singular
box beams plural

Morphology

box + beam

The compound is compositional: 'box' specifies the hollow, rectangular/box-like shape or construction of the structural 'beam'. A B1 learner who knows 'box' (container/rectangular shape) and 'beam' (supporting member) can readily infer it is a beam formed like or from a box, so the meaning is transparent.

Etymology

The noun box beam comes from the way builders make it: they join boards to form a long beam with a hollow box inside. That hollow 'box' makes the beam strong but lighter than a solid piece, so the name explains why builders use it.