Back to Glossary
Structural

Bent

In Plain English

A rigid frame made of columns and a beam that forms one cross-section of a building's structural skeleton.

Definition

A transverse rigid frame that forms the primary structural unit of a building, typically consisting of columns and a beam or rafter connected at rigid joints. Bents are repeated at regular intervals along the length of a structure and resist both vertical and lateral loads. They are common in industrial buildings, bridges, and long-span structures.

Example

The steel building uses a series of clear-span bents spaced 25 feet apart to create an unobstructed interior.

Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

Need more than definitions?

Get AI-powered bid alerts, automated form filling, and proposal drafting.

Start Free Trial

© 2026 ConstructionBids.ai — A LaderaLabs Product