In the event of a breakthrough, the route along which loads are transferred to the foundation changes. The assessment therefore looks beyond the new beam: the supports, remaining walls and construction underneath also count.
Remove load-bearing wall
The structural engineer examines which floors, walls or roofs rest on the wall and which replacement supporting structure is required. The beam, connections and underlying construction are assessed together.
Prepare: Provide the complete wall length, desired opening and situation on the floors.
Door or window opening in a load-bearing wall
A limited opening also interrupts load-bearing masonry. The lintel and the remaining wall piers must be able to bear the load around the opening.
Prepare: Share the distance to corners, other openings and floor supports.
Detailed explanation and request: Door or window opening in a load-bearing wall
Facade breakthrough for sliding doors
With a wide facade opening, both vertical load-bearing capacity and stability can change. A beam or portal must also connect to the facade, floor and foundation.
Prepare: Provide facade views, the desired pumice sizes and existing construction drawings.
Detailed explanation and request: Facade breakthrough for sliding doors
Merging rooms or homes
Multiple breakthroughs can influence each other. An assessment of the whole prevents individual interventions from jointly removing too much load-bearing capacity or stability.
Prepare: Highlight all changes on one drawing, including previous renovations.
Remove or move load-bearing column
Moving a support changes spans and forces in adjacent beams and floors. The new column position can also cause a different foundation load.
Prepare: Indicate column positions, floor fields, existing profiles and the desired free space.
Remove chimney or flue
The part that remains standing must have demonstrable support. The connection to floors, roof and any adjacent masonry is also examined.
Prepare: Show on photos and cross-sections which parts disappear and which remain.
Strengthen existing supporting structure
Reinforcement may be necessary in case of damage, extra load or a different layout. The current situation and the cooperation between old and new determine the possible solution.
Prepare: Collect old calculations, material data and information about cracks or deformation.
Temporary support in the event of a breakthrough
While a wall is being removed, the permanent load path is temporarily interrupted. Temporary propping or another temporary structure must carry the load and transfer it to a suitable supporting structure or ground.
Prepare: Discuss the demolition sequence, working space, supported floors and bearing capacity beneath the props.
Data for the initial assessment
- Existing and desired floor plan
- Floors and roof above the procedure
- Photos and available archive drawings
- Desired width and height of the opening
From request to defined assignment
- Capture situation. Describe the location, existing condition and intended change.
- Review data. Discuss which documents are useful and what additional research is needed.
- Agree on scope. Record which checks, drawings and implementation phases are being developed.
- Fine-tune design. Please include changes in dimensions, material or use in the documents.
What determines the price?
The scope of the calculations, available data, required details and coordination determine the assignment. There is no single prize for this category that covers all situations. View the known starting prices and quote requests.
Frequently asked questions
Is just calculating the new bar sufficient?
Not automatically. Supports, connections, stability and the structure under the beam can also be part of the assessment.
Can a photo prove that a wall is not load-bearing?
A photo alone often does not provide sufficient information about floor spans and hidden connections. Combine photos with drawings and, if necessary, a recording.
Is temporary support part of the assignment?
Record that explicitly. The design of the final situation does not automatically include all implementation phases.
Read more
Look up construction concepts · Compare materials · Prepare drawings