Architecture Term of the Day (A-Frame)

I decided that each week I am going to share an architectural term with you guys. I'm sure I can learn a thing or two in my research of different terms as well.....enjoy!

An A-frame is a basic structure designed to bear a load in a lightweight economical manner. The simplest form of an A-frame is two similarly sized beams, arranged in a 45-degree or greater angle, attached at the top. These materials are often wooden or steel beams attached at the top by rope, welding, gluing, or riveting.

Because they have only two "legs", A-frames are usually set up in rows so that they can have good stability. A saw horse is a good example of this structure. More complex structures will have a crossmember connecting the two materials in the middle to prevent the legs from bowing outwards under load, giving the structure the appearance of the capital letter A.

Text and Image courtesy of:
http://en.wikipedia.org/
&
http://www.kelvin.com/