Corbel

Category: infrastructure

A structural projection formed by stepping successive courses of masonry out beyond the vertical wall plane.

Corbeling is an architectural framing technique used to build ledges, support stone lintels, or form ornamental cornices. Building codes enforce a strict stepping limit: the projection of a single brick cannot exceed one-third of its thickness to prevent tipping.

Common Examples

• The master mason crafted a classic multi-course brick corbel to support the heavy limestone fireplace header mantel assembly.
• Exceeding the maximum structural projection rules during a corbel build will trigger an immediate structural wall balance collapse.