Plinth Beam
Plinth beam is a reinforced concrete beam constructed between the wall and its foundation. Plinth beam is provided to prevent the extension or propagation of cracks from the foundation into the wall above when the foundation suffers from settlement. Plinth beams distributes the load of the wall over the foundation evenly. Plinth beams also serve another indirect purpose- they reduce the length of the columns thereby reducing their effective length and slenderness. Plinth beams are mainly used in areas that are prone to earthquake.
What You Need To Know About Plinth Beam
- Plinth beam is a reinforced concrete beam which separates the superstructure and the substructure and acts like a tie beam that keeps columns, walls connected.
- It usually comes at ground level.
- Plinth beam is provided at ground level for transferring wall loads to soil.
- Plinth beam is only constructed at the plinth level.
- It is designed according to the project requirements.
- It provides the level difference between the formations to internal floor level. It also provides base for the block work.
- Plinth beam distributes the load of wall to the foundation hence preventing the wall from having long cracks.
- Plinth beam prevents the building from collapsing due to earthquake.
Tie Beam
A Tie beam is a beam which connects two or more columns/rafters in a roof/roof truss or in any height above floor level. Tie beams are mainly provided in roof truss and at plinth level. These beams do not convey any floor loads and only act as length breaker for columns where the floor height is unusually high.
What You Need To Know About Tie Beam
- Tie beam is a horizontal member used for connecting two structural members to keep them from spreading apart as a beam connecting the feet of two principal rafters in a roof truss.
- It can come at any level of the structure.
- Tie beam is provided between columns to increase the stiffness of structure.
- Tie beam is constructed anywhere above the plinth level and floor level.
- It is designed according to the project requirements.
- Usually when there is a free standing of columns, the beam will be provided to keep the slenderness ratio and buckling of columns.
- Tie beams do not convey any floor loads and only act as length breaker for columns where the floor height is usually high.
- Tie beam reduces the effective length of the column.
Also Read: Difference Between One-way And Two-way Slab
Difference Between Plinth Beam And Tie Beam In Tabular Form
| BASIS OF COMPARISON | PLINTH BEAM | TIE BEAM |
| Description | Plinth beam is a reinforced concrete beam which separates the superstructure and the substructure and acts like a tie beam that keeps columns, walls connected. | Tie beam is a horizontal member used for connecting two structural members to keep them from spreading apart as a beam connecting the feet of two principal rafters in a roof truss. |
| Position | It usually comes at ground level. | It can come at any level of the structure. |
| Main Role | Plinth beam is provided at ground level for transferring wall loads to soil. | Tie beam is provided between columns to increase the stiffness of structure. |
| Construction | Plinth beam is only constructed at the plinth level. | Tie beam is constructed anywhere above the plinth level and floor level. |
| Designing | It is designed according to the project requirements. | It is designed according to the project requirements. |
| Function | It provides the level difference between the formations to internal floor level. It also provides base for the block work. | Usually when there is a free standing of columns, the beam will be provided to keep the slenderness ratio and buckling of columns. |
| Role | Plinth beam distributes the load of wall to the foundation hence preventing the wall from having long cracks. | Tie beams do not convey any floor loads and only act as length breaker for columns where the floor height is usually high. |
| Effectiveness | Plinth beam prevents the building from collapsing due to earthquake. | Tie beam reduces the effective length of the column. |