Waler and bearer

[Junior1234]

Hi Eng-tips family,

Can someone please explain to me the difference between a waler and a bearer.

Kind Regards,
An aspiring structural engineering

 

[hokie66]

Structural terminology varies a bit, place to place. But I will give you my version.

A waler is a horizontal member in an excavation shoring system. Spans between piles or between braces.

A bearer is similar to a girder. Most commonly used in timber construction, the term 'bearer' describes a member which spans between vertical supports, and in turn supports floor or roof joists.