Which type of beam is specifically designed to resist bending from loads, such as people walking across a floor?

A floor joist is specifically designed to resist bending from loads, such as individuals walking across a floor. Floor joists are horizontal structural members that span the open spaces between walls or beams, supporting the load of the flooring system above. They are typically made of wood or engineered materials and are crucial for providing a stable and strong framework for a floor.

The design and spacing of floor joists ensure that they can adequately distribute the loads they encounter, which include not just the weight of the floor itself but also the dynamic loads imposed by people and furniture. Their ability to resist bending is critical in maintaining structural integrity and ensuring safety within a building.

In contrast, while lintels are important for supporting loads above openings such as doors and windows, and rafters are used in roof structures to support the roof covering, neither is specifically used for the flooring system. Girders, sometimes called beams, support the joists but do not directly support the floor itself; rather, they take on larger structural loads and are positioned beneath the floor joists.