ᐅ Creating an Opening in a Load-Bearing Wall Without a Structural Engineer?

Hello everyone,

I would like to add a second doorway in a load-bearing wall that is about 4.5m (15 feet) long. The new opening would be approximately 2m (6.5 feet) away from the existing one. Does the second opening need a structural calculation, or would an opening 70-80cm (28-31 inches) wide and 2m (6.5 feet) high be possible without any issues if I install a steel beam above it?

Thank you very much for your help and best regards!

Hello,

The opening is not a problem if the steel beam, along with the type and size of the bearing pad, has been structurally engineered.
Without structural calculation, do not attempt it.

Lory2210 schrieb:
Does the second opening need a structural calculation, or would an opening about 70-80cm (28-31 inches) wide and 2m (6 ft 7 in) high be possible without issues if I install a steel beam above it?

No, just do it. Take any steel beam that looks big enough and put it in there, what could possibly go wrong...

Now seriously:
If you’re asking a question like this, you should leave it to a structural engineer because it has to be done properly. Otherwise, even the best structural calculation won’t help you.

Any experienced mason should be able to assess this without a structural engineer; if there are concerns, simply use a thicker beam.

True. He can also take care of the demolition work if things go wrong.