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.
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BMwuppdich2 Aug 2021 09:03Good morning everyone, attached are the plans. Can anyone make sense of them? I have been trying to find a structural engineer for a while now. Unfortunately, it seems they are all too busy with larger projects at the moment.
I would like to refer again to the statement made by Hanghaus2000. He mentioned that the arch might have a load-bearing function and was probably built around a wooden arch. That makes sense to me so far. However, a mason recently told me that the facing bricks never have a load-bearing effect. Would you agree with that?
I would like to refer again to the statement made by Hanghaus2000. He mentioned that the arch might have a load-bearing function and was probably built around a wooden arch. That makes sense to me so far. However, a mason recently told me that the facing bricks never have a load-bearing effect. Would you agree with that?
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fach1werk2 Aug 2021 17:42Yes. Mainly because they have right angles.
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BMwuppdich2 Aug 2021 17:46fach1werk schrieb:
Yes. Mainly because they have right angles.What exactly do you mean? 🙂 So, are you suggesting that the bricks do not have any load-bearing function?F
fach1werk2 Aug 2021 17:56If all bricks have right angles, they cannot carry the load; the mortar would have to bear it, which is quite unlikely 🙂. If the arch were meant to be load-bearing, the two radii of the arch would also need to be different—they don’t match the width of the opening, one is too small, the other too large. I would also look for a lintel. In case of doubt, I would slide an appropriate template in during the last few centimeters of the upright masonry to prevent anything from falling while carefully removing material. Elliptical arches used to be popular because not everyone could even draw them; much more elegant than semicircular arches.
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hanghaus20003 Aug 2021 09:29The question is whether the ceiling is load-bearing despite the additional load from a wall above.
I would install a row of temporary supports on both sides, cut the arch, and then install a steel beam as a lintel.
Afterwards, remove the temporary supports.
I would install a row of temporary supports on both sides, cut the arch, and then install a steel beam as a lintel.
Afterwards, remove the temporary supports.
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sascha-t4-le8 Aug 2021 08:49The reinforcement plans are not helpful because they are for the basement. Ground floor plans would be needed.
Regarding your question: yes, the arch can be load-bearing. An arch carries its load in such a way that it creates a significant horizontal force on the walls. The two wall sections to the left and right of the opening might be able to carry this load.
Actually, this is all speculation. Remove the plaster completely from the lintel and take some pictures, then we can discuss further.
Regarding your question: yes, the arch can be load-bearing. An arch carries its load in such a way that it creates a significant horizontal force on the walls. The two wall sections to the left and right of the opening might be able to carry this load.
Actually, this is all speculation. Remove the plaster completely from the lintel and take some pictures, then we can discuss further.
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