Final answer:
A wall notch needed for basement beams or girders is referred to as a beam pocket, which is essential for supporting horizontal beams and maintaining the structural integrity of a building.
Step-by-step explanation:
The wall notch needed for basement beams or girders is often referred to as a beam pocket or girder pocket. This structural element is an indentation or cut-out in a concrete or masonry wall that allows for the placement and support of horizontal beams or girders which span the basement area. This construction technique ensures that the vertical loads carried by the beams or girders are properly transferred to the foundation walls.
In historical construction, like the French folk houses using the pier-and-beam construction, the strength of the wall system was critical to support not only the vertical loads but also resist lateral forces, which could otherwise push the walls apart and lead to collapse. Beam pockets are integral for maintaining the overall structural integrity of a building.