Structural calculationPrice on requestWhat is assessed?
A lintel can be part of an interior wall, exterior facade or cavity wall. The load that must be carried depends on the masonry and any overlying floors or roofs.
The support and the existing wall are part of the assessment. Coordinate window frames, cavity details and water drainage with the architectural design.
What data is needed?
The following information can be used to prepare the assessment. The structural engineer determines whether additional research is necessary.
- Opening and dimensions
- Wall and facade construction
- Overhead construction
- Available supports
What do you receive?
Record the exact delivery in the quotation. Depending on your project and assignment, this involves:
- Calculation of the shelter
- Lay-up data
- Coordination of relevant connections
Discuss who will take care of the architectural development, supplier details and any temporary support. In this way, the components involved are coordinated.
Materials and drawings
The choice of materials and connections follow from the design. Read more about Masonry and sand-lime brick and the difference between a architectural drawing and a construction drawing.
How does the process proceed?
You describe your project and share the available data. The assignment, any additional information and planning are then coordinated. Check it out complete step-by-step plan for all phases.
What does your assignment cover?
Opening width alone is insufficient to choose a lintel. Loads above and available bearing length also matter. For a cavity wall, clearly identify which element supports the inner leaf and which supports the outer leaf.
Can I already order material?
Order structural parts based on the coordinated and current design data. A preliminary estimate is not a complete basis for this.
Is a site visit necessary?
That depends on the project and the available information. Sometimes drawings and photos are sufficient for the inventory; sometimes an admission or additional examination is necessary.
What happens if my plan changes?
Report changes before they are implemented. The structural engineer assesses whether calculations and drawings need to be adjusted.
From data to a detailed plan
Checklist for your application
| Given | What you prepare |
|---|---|
| Opening and dimensions | Gather the most recent available data and identify what is missing. |
| Wall and facade construction | Gather the most recent available data and identify what is missing. |
| Overhead construction | Gather the most recent available data and identify what is missing. |
| Available supports | Gather the most recent available data and identify what is missing. |
- Describe your complete construction plan.
A window or door opening requires appropriate support for the load above.
- Discuss missing data.
The structural engineer determines which site survey or additional information is required for the agreed assessment.
- Record order and delivery.
Agree on the calculated parts, drawings, price and planning.
- Coordinate the design with the construction work.
Use the current documents and have relevant changes reviewed before they are implemented.
Frequently asked questions about lintel
Is a lintel the same as a steel beam?
A lintel is a part that absorbs loads above an opening and can be made of different materials. A steel beam can fulfill that function. Which material and detail are suitable depends on the load, support and available space.
Can an existing lintel remain with a wider opening?
That needs to be reassessed. The free span, supports and overlying loads can change. Share the existing information and the new dimensions before the opening is adjusted.
Related structural topics
Your project location
Provide the building address and share available drawings and photographs. Discuss whether a site survey is needed and which travel or investigation costs form part of the commission.