In wood framing, which element spans a door or window opening and transfers loads to a supporting stud; in masonry construction, the same purpose is served by a lintel.

• A. Arch
• B. Header
• C. Sill
• D. Beam

Answer: (B)

Spanning an opening in a wall requires a horizontal member that carries the weight from above and transfers it to the supports at the sides. In wood framing, that member is a header. It sits directly over doors or windows, transferring loads to the king studs and jack studs, with the opening above supported by this built-up piece. Built-up headers (like two or more boards with filler) are sized to resist bending for the specific span.

In masonry construction, the same function is served by a lintel, a masonry or concrete beam placed above the opening to carry the wall load to the sides.

The other terms don’t fit this specific role: an arch is an alternative spanning method, not the standard horizontal load-transfer member in typical wood framing; a sill sits at the bottom of the opening; a beam is a broader structural member used for long spans but isn’t the conventional header above a door or window in standard framing.