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Question
Hi Bruce,
We are hoping to remove an internal load bearing wall between our dining room and kitchen. I was wondering if there is a way to calculate the size of steel beam required. It is a two story house, wall is 4 inch block and we are looking to remove a 13 foot section of it so overall length of beam would be 14 feet.
Thanks for your help.
Regards,
Paul
Hi Paul, Sizing a beam for your requirements depends on what is bearing on the existing wall. If it is just floor load from the second floor and ceiling load from the first floor then your weight bearing requiremenst can be as little as 40 lbs a square foot. If the load of the roof structure above is also transferred to the wall then you are looking at more like 65-70 lbs per square foot. Following is a good chart for determining weight and beam calculations and also beam sizes..it contains the mathematical formulae. http://www.richmond.ky.us/codes/References/Refs/Chart%20for%20steel%20beams.pdf
I am not an engineer and I recommend that any structural alterations be reviewed by an engineer prior to the work commencing. I hope this information helps, feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thanks a million, great help with calculations. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Bruce E. Johnson
Expertise
I can answer any construction related question in regards to carpentry, concrete, drywall, masonry, structural elements of any type of building, residential or commercial. Interior or exterior.
Experience
Custom Commercial and residential buildings. Churches, theaters, schools and auditoriums. Most recently I am working with the Catholic Church on several design build committees. I have a website related to scheduling and project supervision. Although my expertise is more related to multimillion dollar commercial, educational and theatrical projects my generous credentials in residential and remodelling construction make me a viable source of information regarding all forms of building questions.
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