In construction, a beam is a horizontal structural member that carries loads across a span and transfers weight to vertical supports like columns or walls. Beams are fundamental elements in buildings and bridges, supporting floors, roofs, and other structural components. They can be made of wood, steel, concrete, or engineered materials, with size and material depending on the loads they must carry and the span they must cover. Building codes specify requirements for beam sizing and placement to ensure structural safety. When you see exposed beams in older buildings or modern industrial-style spaces, you are seeing these essential load-bearing elements.