Which type of beams are commonly found in Pre-1933 Unreinforced Masonry structures?

In Pre-1933 Unreinforced Masonry structures, one common feature is the use of fire cut beams. These beams are typically made of wood and were designed to minimize damage from fire and prevent structural failure during a fire event. The fire cut design allows for a certain degree of movement and collapse of the masonry in case of an intense fire, as the wooden beams can settle without causing the overall structure to fail immediately. This design is particularly relevant to older buildings that did not have the benefit of modern construction materials and techniques.

The other types of beams listed are less commonly associated with Pre-1933 Unreinforced Masonry. Wood beams might be present, but they are generally recognized under the category of fire cut beams within these specific structures. Pre-stressed beams are a more contemporary construction technique, not typically found in older masonry buildings built without reinforcement. Steel beams were also not common in the same context due to the era of construction and the typical materials used at that time. Thus, fire cut beams are the defining characteristic of these historical structures.