Planning glossary
Bearing wall
A wall intended to transfer structural loads from elements above to supports below. Intent on a sketch is not structural verification.
Example
An upper wall aligned over a lower wall may suggest a load path, but member and connection design still requires qualified review.
Related concepts
Load path
The continuous transfer of forces through members and connections to the supporting ground.
Read definitionHeader
A structural element spanning an opening and transferring load to supports at its sides.
Read definitionSpan
The unsupported distance between defined supports for a structural element.
Read definitionUse the term in context
Definition boundaryThis planning definition is not a substitute for the definition in an adopted code, standard, contract, manufacturer instruction, or professional document. Confirm the controlling meaning for the project.