tie beam

American  

noun

1. a horizontal timber or the like 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.

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tie beam British  

noun

1. a horizontal beam that serves to prevent two other structural members from separating, esp one that connects two corresponding rafters in a roof or roof truss

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Etymology

Origin of tie beam

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

Steel sheets known as gusset plates, which tie beams together, were half as thick as they should have been and gave way under an unusually heavy load.

From New York Times

The transverse arches are strongly pronounced and have wooden tie beams.

From Project Gutenberg

Two sketches are shown at the joining of the tie beam and the principal rafter.

From Project Gutenberg

On the outside were fixed forked supports placed against the tie beams, so that very great force would be required to drive the palisade outward.

From Project Gutenberg

This remark has reference to such types as dispense with the cross, or tie beam, which is the distinguishing feature in bridge building.

From Project Gutenberg