A short, interrupted transverse beam that supports a deck but does not span the entire width of the ship. It is used wherever a large opening, such as a cargo hatch or stairwell, prevents a continuous beam from crossing. The inner end of a fork beam ties into a fore-and-aft structural member called a carling to maintain deck rigidity around the opening.
Heard on the job
We need to replace the rotten fork beam on the port side of the main cargo hatch.
Also heard as
- half beam