Concrete lintel at finished ground level

[_Tiny_]

I need a lintel over a drain, 2 courses below DPC, which is visible. The architect specified a 140mm high strength concrete lintel.

I don't want to be able to see it. I can't bury it. Can I use a steel lintel? Corrosion is a bit of a concern to me below the DPC, at the bottom of the cavity. I looked at stainless lintels, not sure if stainless is necessary and they seem rare and expensive.

What are the sensible options?

 

[noseall]

How wide is the opening?

 

[_Tiny_]

360mm

 

[23vc]

I used 65mm jobbies and I’m pretty confident that’s ok. Given the span!
Still visible if your 3rd course down is exposed mind. No idea about “underground catnic” type options...

 

[_Tiny_]

It seems a bit overkill, but its next to a 3m opening so is bearing the load from the lintel above that which has the roof sitting on it. a 65 will still be visible and probably not quite strong enough. Most of the load is on the inner leaf though, so maybe.

 

[noseall]

360mm

Lol. Not even two bricks FFS.

 

[^woody^]

How about a nice little segmental arch?