What is the difference between a ground beam & a plinth beam?

Plinth Beam

• Plinth beam is a beam in a framed structure provided at ground level.
• It also known as a tie beam because it binds the column.
• So it reduces the length of column and slenderness ratio.
• It may not carry any slab load and designed to carry its own self weight and masonry load above the plinth beam.
• The plinth beam needs to be strong, but need not to be made up of reinforced cement concrete (RCC) all the time.
• It provides additional stability in regard to settlements of the building and earthquake damages.

Why Plinth beams are used?

• To avoid differential settlement.
• To maintain the plinth plane proper.
• To connect all the columns if depth of foundation is high.
• To avoid difficulties in construction of walls.

Ground Beam

• A ground beam is constructed at foundation level.
• It support the wall or joist, if the soil sub grade have poor bearing capacity.
• It is mainly Reinforced Cement Concrete Beam.

Why Ground Beam is Provided?

• To prevent settlement of wall.
• It indirectly increase the bearing capacity.