# What Is a Console (Bracket/Corbel)?
**A console, also known as a bracket or corbel, is a structural or decorative element that projects from a wall to support a load above it. Consoles transfer vertical forces from beams, balconies, cornices, or other elements into the wall structure.**
## Types of consoles
– **Structural consoles** — Load-bearing elements made from reinforced concrete, steel, or stone that support beams, floor slabs, or balconies. These are engineered to handle specific loads and are anchored deeply into the wall.
– **Decorative consoles** — Ornamental brackets found in classical and historical architecture, often carved from stone or molded in plaster. They may support statues, vases, or light cornices.
– **Corbels** — A specific type of console created by progressively stepping out courses of masonry from the wall face, commonly seen in medieval and brick architecture.
## Common applications
– Supporting balcony slabs projecting from facade walls
– Carrying roof eaves and deep cornices
– Providing bearing points for beams in concrete frame structures
– Decorative elements beneath window sills or along rooflines
– Supporting shelves or mezzanine floors in industrial buildings
## Structural design considerations
When designing a structural console, engineers must account for:
– **Shear forces** — The vertical load creates shear stress at the connection to the wall.
– **Bending moment** — The projecting arm creates a moment that must be resisted by reinforcement or material strength.
– **Anchorage** — The console must be embedded or anchored sufficiently to prevent pullout.
– **Material compatibility** — The console material must be compatible with the supporting wall in terms of strength and thermal movement.
## Materials
Consoles are constructed from reinforced concrete, steel, natural stone, timber, cast iron, or composite materials depending on the load requirements and architectural style.
## Related terms
– Corbel
– Cantilever
– Bracket
– Cornice
– Beam support
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