Final answer:
A series of post columns and beams used to support a building are known as frames or post-and-beam. Historically, Romanesque architecture featured alternating piers and columns in its structures, and the evolution of supporting structures in roofs led to the characteristic ribbed arches seen in Gothic architecture. These structural principles are akin to the post-and-lintel systems in ancient architecture and are comparable to the skeletal system in the human body for support.
Step-by-step explanation:
A series of post columns and beams used to hold up a building are often referred to as frames or post-and-beam construction. In historical contexts related to Romanesque architecture, alternating configurations of piers and columns were commonly used within churches and castles. While columns were an integral part of classical architecture, evolving through various decorative styles and materials, piers provided additional support and were prominently featured in Romanesque structures.
In roofing construction, trusses, tie beams, and king posts played vital roles in creating the supporting framework for wooden roofs. Over time, the development of these structural elements, especially in the Gothic period, gave rise to more complex forms such as the pointed, ribbed arch.
Contemporary construction often continues the principle of the post-and-lintel system, building on its classical origins to provide essential support and aesthetic value to a wide variety of buildings. Similar to the way the skeletal system supports a human body, post and beam structures provide the necessary support for the rest of a building's components.