A friend is thinking of opening up their living space and wants to remove a nib (section of brickwork) that is currently supporting the ends of 2 x 9 x 4 timbers which in turn is holding up a solid 9 inch wall above. There are also floor joists that run to this wall that the 9 x 4's are supporting. (the span is 3 metres). The nib also takes the weight of another section of brickwork from above and the span for that is 1.5 metres.
The living space has already been opened up and is supported by a steel 7 x 4 RSJ, from one end of the room on a 300mm bearing and the beam runs up to where the nib is and is supported on it. This 7 x 4 beam also supports a single leaf of brickwork above which is believed to continue up to the loft.
He wants to completely remove the nib and run 2 steel rsj's from one end of the room to the other,and then fit another two rsj's which will replace the timber 9 x 4's supporting the 9 inch solid wall which will then rest on the the other 2 pieces of steel fitted as a bearing.
Can this nib be removed by adding the steel like this to support any loads?
One builder has said that it should be able to be done but then another has said that it would be better to leave the nib in place as it is supporting quite a load, thereby meaning the room can't be opened any further.
Any thoughts appreciated. A picture attached View media item 14364 View media item 14364 View media item 14364 View media item 14364 View media item 14365
The living space has already been opened up and is supported by a steel 7 x 4 RSJ, from one end of the room on a 300mm bearing and the beam runs up to where the nib is and is supported on it. This 7 x 4 beam also supports a single leaf of brickwork above which is believed to continue up to the loft.
He wants to completely remove the nib and run 2 steel rsj's from one end of the room to the other,and then fit another two rsj's which will replace the timber 9 x 4's supporting the 9 inch solid wall which will then rest on the the other 2 pieces of steel fitted as a bearing.
Can this nib be removed by adding the steel like this to support any loads?
One builder has said that it should be able to be done but then another has said that it would be better to leave the nib in place as it is supporting quite a load, thereby meaning the room can't be opened any further.
Any thoughts appreciated. A picture attached View media item 14364 View media item 14364 View media item 14364 View media item 14364 View media item 14365
