Which term is used for a horizontal member that carries load across a space and is not the largest beam?

• A. Filler beam
• B. Joist
• C. Girder
• D. Beam

Answer: (D)

In framing terminology, the horizontal member that carries loads across a space but isn’t the largest beam is a joist. Joists span between supports to hold up floors or ceilings, distributing loads to beams or girders beneath. They’re smaller and more closely spaced than the main supporting beams, which are girders. A filler beam is used to fill gaps or add support between girders in certain layouts, not as the standard spanning member across a space. A girder is the primary large beam that carries the load from joists to columns, and the term beam is too general unless you’re specifying a particular role. So the specific term for that smaller spanning member is joist.