Good evening everyone,
I would like to enlarge this arch from a curved archway to a rectangular opening. However, I’m not sure if a support beam has been installed there. My biggest concern is that the arch might be load-bearing. But is that even possible?
According to the original building plan from 1960, there was no arch but a wall with a cavity. I’m attaching a photo as well. Today, however, the arch is there. I hope someone can give me some advice.
I would like to enlarge this arch from a curved archway to a rectangular opening. However, I’m not sure if a support beam has been installed there. My biggest concern is that the arch might be load-bearing. But is that even possible?
According to the original building plan from 1960, there was no arch but a wall with a cavity. I’m attaching a photo as well. Today, however, the arch is there. I hope someone can give me some advice.
B
BMwuppdich14 Jul 2021 21:06I would say the wall is about 17cm (7 inches) thick. The opening is approximately 2 meters (6.5 feet) wide. How do you conclude that there is no lintel installed?
H
hanghaus200014 Jul 2021 21:29Back then, the arch was built using wood, and the remaining parts were filled in with masonry. This way, the arch becomes self-supporting.
B
BMwuppdich14 Jul 2021 21:34I can understand that. But does this look like typical arches from the 1950s/60s to you? That’s when the house was built! And since it’s a load-bearing wall, is this simply possible?
B
BMwuppdich14 Jul 2021 21:43hanghaus2000 schrieb:
At that time, the arch was constructed from wood, and then the rest was filled in with masonry. This way, the structure supports itself. In your case, would the arch or the bricks be purely decorative or load-bearing? They definitely need to be removed 🙁
H
hanghaus200015 Jul 2021 10:59As mentioned before, the arch can support loads even when this flat. In my opinion, you shouldn’t just remove it. I would definitely consult a structural engineer. Once they have the reinforcement plan, they can determine whether the slab is designed to rest on supports in one direction only or in both directions.
If in doubt, you’ll have to install a beam underneath. It’s not exactly rocket science.
Have you drilled a hole yet?
If in doubt, you’ll have to install a beam underneath. It’s not exactly rocket science.
Have you drilled a hole yet?
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BMwuppdich15 Jul 2021 12:13Unfortunately, I won’t have access to the house until September 1st. However, I naturally wanted to gather information about such matters well in advance.