The correct answer is D. All of the above.
Lintels are preferred to arches because they require less headroom, do not require strong abutments, and are easier to construct.
Arches require more headroom because they are curved. The curve of the arch creates a thrust, which is a force that pushes outward at the base of the arch. This thrust must be resisted by strong abutments, which are walls or other structures that are built to support the arch. Lintels, on the other hand, are flat and do not create a thrust. Therefore, they do not require strong abutments and can be used in openings with less headroom.
Arches are also more difficult to construct than lintels. This is because arches must be built in a specific way in order to support the weight of the structure above them. Lintels, on the other hand, can be simply placed across an opening and supported by the walls on either side.
For these reasons, lintels are often preferred to arches in construction.