Bressumer
Drawing for Understanding, Creating Interpretive Drawings of Historic Buildings, published by Historic England in 2016 defines bressumer as: ‘Load bearing beams in a timber framed building, usually found over open spaces such a fireplaces and supporting the lower part of upper-storey walls in jetty construction.’
The exact definition of a bressummer (or in English often bressumer with one m) beam, it is though most likely to be an elongated lintel beam or girder. It can span an entire section of wall, either within a wall or across a large opening, supporting timber framing wall above or in some cases other materials such and brick or stone.
The term stems from the term sumpter or in French sommier meaning a pack horse or being able to carry a heavy burden.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Construction Management, 2 June
Construction deaths halve in two years.
Green Book changes to drive investment in all parts of UK.
Minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES)
CIAT briefing on response to consultations for privately rented non-domestic properties.
Connect, collaborate, shape the future
Registration now live for UK Construction Week Birmingham.
CIOB announces Saul Humphrey FCIOB as new President for 26/27 term.
A quick, simple, and zero-bills solution to prevent overheating.
The adaptive reuse of large industrial structures.
Promoting the circular economy by extending the life of buildings.
CIAT responds to Climate Change Committee report
An urgent wake-up call for both government and the built environment.
Construction Management, 24 June
FMB pilot aims to build pipeline of site-ready tradespeople.
A quick introduction.
CLC publishes Mental Health Joint Code of Practice.
A quick introduction to its uses and risks.