Which of the following describes a beam that spans an opening in a masonry wall?

A beam that spans an opening in a masonry wall is best described as a lintel. Lintels are structural elements specifically designed to support the weight of the wall or structure above an opening, such as a door or window. They are typically placed horizontally over the opening and can be made from various materials, including concrete, steel, or wood. The role of a lintel is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the wall by distributing the load around the opening, therefore serving both a functional and aesthetic purpose in construction.

The other terms refer to different structural components that do not serve the same function as a lintel. For instance, a beam bracket is used to support a beam or joist and is not specifically designed to span an opening. A footing is a structural component that supports a column or wall and is placed beneath it to distribute loads to the ground. A column is a vertical structural element that supports beams or loads above it but does not span openings. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why the lintel is the correct choice in this context.