What is plinth beam ?

Plinth beam is a reinforced concrete beam constructed between the wall and its foundation. 

• Plinth beam is provided to prevent the extension or propagation of cracks from the foundation into the wall above when the foundation suffers from settlement. 
• Plinth beams distributes the load of the wall over the foundation evenly.
• Strength of plinth beam concrete shall not be smaller than 20MPa.
• A minimum depth of plinth beam is 20cm whereas its width should match the width of final course of the foundation.
• Recommended to provide minimum two bars with diameter of 12mm at the bottom of the beam. Similarly, two bars with minimum diameter of 10mm shall be provided at the top of the plinth beam. Reinforcement bars should be protected by 25mm concrete cover. As far as stirrups are concerned, stirrup diameter should be at least 6mm and a spacing of 15cm should be sufficient.

• Plinth supports column, structure.
• In framed structure, the plinth beam is the first beam to be built after the foundation.
• It stops the entry of moisture in the building, thus protecting wall from dampness.
• It assists to tie all the columns, reducing effective length of the column, thus avoiding the chance of buckling and keeping the beam and column connected.

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