Structural Opening – Knocking Two Rooms Into One and Fitting a Steel RSJ

Posted on 06/29/2009 by Jeff Lineberger, P. E.

Structural Opening – Knocking Two Rooms Into One and Fitting a Steel RSJ
By Kirk Smith

STRUCTURAL OPENINGS
 Structural Opening – Knocking Two Rooms Into One and Fitting a Steel RSJ –When we consider a structural knock through or opening in a wall, the procedure is not so different to perhaps creating an opening in a wall for a new window or door. But, this does not mean that the materials will be of the same specification as each individual job will possess its own structural requirement.
Is The Wall A Load Bearing Wall?
The first thing to be determined is whether or not the structure you plan on altering is load bearing or not. It will be necessary to carry out some elementary checks to know for sure whether it is load bearing or not.
Just Exactly What Is A Load Bearing Wall And How Do We Deal With It?
If a wall has any other structure above it or load as the case may be then we can consider this wall to be load bearing and as such will need to accommodate any necessary support when removing any part of it. It is quite common in many houses for dividing walls to carry the load of the first floor joists. They will therefore need some sort of support before any alteration can be made.
Supporting the load is commonly achieved by the use of steel acrow props which are inserted into the wall alongside timber needles to offer support whilst removing part of the structure
How To Tell If A Wall Is Non Load Bearing
If the joists run at right angles to the wall then it is almost certainly carrying a load from first floor level and provisions will need to be put in place to support the load. If the joists run parallel to the wall then it is unlikely the wall is carrying any timber joists etc, but may however, still be carrying another load. You can clarify this by making some inspection holes at ceiling level and also going upstairs to see if you can see what runs on top of the wall.
For most room opening jobs or knock through’s though, you will be making your opening at a height of around 2.5 metres leaving a about 0.5 metres from the ceiling so in any case, there will still be a load to support
The Process Of The Knock Through
OK, so we will assume that you now know the load bearing status of the wall so you can now start to prepare the job ahead. You will need to check some basic things first. Are there any heating appliances on the wall that need taken off? Are any electrical sockets in the way? If they are, you will need to get your plumber and electrical contractor to ensure any wiring or plumbing changes are carried out prior to the work being commencing.
Structural Calculations Are Vital
Prior to any structural modification you must have the load calculated by either a capable builder or preferably a structural engineer. Each job is different and may warrant a different set of rules to accommodate different loads of a structure. Typically on a domestic single leaf knock through with perhaps a 2 metre opening in a load bearing wall, a steel RSJ would be put in place to take the load above. The dimensions of this RSJ will vary and in all cases must adhere to current building control, who in all cases will want to inspect any such structural alteration. If you are in doubt at any stage of the job, you should contact your building officer for help and guidance. Remember, they are there to help you.
The Initial Stages Of The Structural Alteration
Mark the area out on the wall to reflect the opening you are planning. Additionally, mark out the where the supporting RSJ or lintel will go. The RSJ should lay on a concrete pad stone and have a minimum 6 inch bearing on each side of the wall opening.
With a lump hammer and bolster, chop out the plaster from the wall to show the brickwork beneath. Repeat this procedure on both sides. Now make holes in the wall, for every metre, above where you will be positioning the steel RSJ. It is in these holes that you will place your needles which are held up by acrow props. These props will take the weight of the structure until you get the steel RSJ in place.
Clean your work area and prepare any necessary platform to make your work easier for when it comes to lifting in the steel RSJ. Fitting the RSJ will need a minimum of two strong men. You will also need to ensure the RSJ has fixing points to fix your plasterboard to afterwards when making good the plasterwork and alteration.
The RSJ should be on pad stones with 6 inch minimum bearings either side and bedded on a firm mix or sand and cement at a ratio of 3:1. Once the steel is in bedded you must check for level and plumb and when satisfied build up the brickwork from on top to make a tight fit between existing brickwork and steel RSJ. Use slate to pack in and close any gap.
You should leave any supports in place until the next day or when the mortar set hard. After this point it will be safe to take them out. Afterwards, fill in the holes you made for the timber needles with leftover bricks and point up and pack in tight with slates.
The process of carrying out any structural modification should only be undertaken by a fully competent and experienced builder. All structural works should have loads professionally calculated before any part of a structure is removed. If In any doubt, contact your local building inspector for help and support.
Kirk Smith’s company 4K Construction are professional builders from Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom. Please visit
4K Constructions Builders Talk for professional help and advice on construction, DIY, and all aspects of building.
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Structural Engineers and Your Home

Posted on 06/29/2009 by Jeff Lineberger, P. E.

Structural Engineering is the Basis For Residential Dwelling Construction
By J A Parker

Structural engineering is a complex process that is vital to the construction of any residential dwelling. The knowledge base of the structural engineer aids in the calculation the values and measurements of the construction materials, their placement within the structure, and the types of materials selected for the project.

Calculating Values
Calculating the necessary measurements and properties of construction materials for a residential dwelling is a complex and time-consuming process.

For example, when calculating the necessary size of I beams in residential buildings, you must consider multiple factors:

* maximum bending moment of the beam

* maximum deflection of the beam at the center of the span

* width, length, and depth of the beam

* moment of inertia

* constant psi rating for the material the beam is comprised of

You must also consider the exterior dimensions of the home, the span if the beams and floor joists the dead and live loads for the structure, and the design style of the roof. If any interior walls will support the weight of the roof, this will affect the necessary I beam size throughout the residential dwelling.

Required calculations for determining the size of a residential steel beam include the allowable bending stress for structural steel, the moment of inertia, and the section modulus of the required beam.

A structural engineer generally performs these calculations. Certain computer software designed specifically for the calculation of

* beam design

* floor beam span

* rafter design

* header size and span

* floor joist load

* cantilever floor joist load

* residential I beam spans

are useful for quickly calculating these values.

Determining Building Materials

Steel and solid sawn wood are the traditional construction materials used in creating structures. Modern technology has resulted in the emergence of new composite materials and combinations of natural materials that improve the construction process, cost, weight, strength, and stability of a structure.

Solid sawn wood, structural composites, tube steel, solid steel, glulams (glued- laminated timbers), manufactured beams, and I joists are all used in differing combinations during the construction process.

Since each of these materials behaves differently under the stress of a load, calculating the required measurements and values for construction becomes even more complex. The physics behind the effects of weight, wind, water, temperature, and snow directly affect the construction process.

Residential dwelling construction requires a broad knowledge base, prior construction experience, and an understanding of the physics related to the construction materials and the forces that affect them.

Josh Parker is a staff writer for Strucalc – Stuctural Analysis Software Company. StruCalc is one of the most intuitive structural analysis and design programs available. With structural analysis software, you can Quickly size beams, columns, and footings with StruCalc 7.0 Software. Strucalc offers quality, professional software, built with strict engineering methods and specifications to every business in need of an easy to use, affordable software package.

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The Importance of a Pre-Purchase Building Inspection

Posted on 06/29/2009 by Jeff Lineberger, P. E.

The Importance of a Pre-Purchase Building Inspection
By Jamie Mitchell

No one should ever consider buying a property without having a building inspection done. More often than not, new home owners discover hidden flaws in the building that were cleverly camouflaged for the sale of the property, it can be very expensive and time consuming for the new owners should these flaws be serious.

No matter what sort of home you are looking at buying, whether old or new, do not purchase the home without having it inspected, or it could end up a costly mistake. A building inspector is specially trained to detect hidden problems that can cause you serious trouble in the future. These include structural problems as well as faulty plumbing and electrical. Termites for example can cause disastrous problems, it is not uncommon to find termites have eaten away an entire inside of a wall of floor, but leaving little trace to the untrained eye.

When you buy a house you need to be sure there are no hidden defects that could cause you unnecessary expense and hardship down the track. A building inspection will identify such problems if any, and you will be able to make a better decision on whether you should purchase the home or not. A lot of people think that studying the house plans will do, but the building inspector will tell you that there is much more you need to know.

It can be very exiting when you find a home that is just what you have always wanted. But no matter how excited you are, don’t rush into finalizing anything until you have had a building inspection completed. that way you’ll know whether the home you are want to buy is worth the investment you are about to make.

Effective Building and consultancy is fast becoming the number one choice for Pre-Purchase, Pest and Building Inspections in Sydney.

To find out more visited us at http://www.effectiveconsultancy.com.au

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