I’m looking to remove a section of load bearing wall in order to open up the kitchen into a previously built lean to extension and I’ve had a report produced by a structural engineer.
The opening is 4m in a cavity wall.
The SE has recommended two 152x152x51 UC with a 200mm bearing at each end.
However the SE has also recommended that a 15mm plate be welded to the entire top surface of the two beams. I understand that the plate welded to the top will reduce the risk of lateral torsional buckling and individual beam rotation by making them act as one as well as distributing the load better. That being said I can’t help but feel that 15mm plate is excessive. It would make the top flange effectively 30mm.
My question is, is this common practise? Speaking with the local BCO he thought it was overkill and not something he’s seen, especially for a small house.
The SE also recommended bolting, but if the beams are welded together I really don’t see the benefit.
The opening is 4m in a cavity wall.
The SE has recommended two 152x152x51 UC with a 200mm bearing at each end.
However the SE has also recommended that a 15mm plate be welded to the entire top surface of the two beams. I understand that the plate welded to the top will reduce the risk of lateral torsional buckling and individual beam rotation by making them act as one as well as distributing the load better. That being said I can’t help but feel that 15mm plate is excessive. It would make the top flange effectively 30mm.
My question is, is this common practise? Speaking with the local BCO he thought it was overkill and not something he’s seen, especially for a small house.
The SE also recommended bolting, but if the beams are welded together I really don’t see the benefit.