Removal of load bearing wall between kitchen and lounge

[Harry2905]

Hi,

I have hired a builder to do refurbished in my 1930’s semi detached house.

I am concerned about the recent rsj installation done after removal of load bearing wall between kitchen and louge
to make it open plan.

One side of rsj ( 203 x 133 x 30 ) UB
is resting on 600 mm wall nib with padstone, whereas other side is resting on 230 mm nib of concrete blocks pier constructed along side of the wall.
SE has asked to create a steel post 152 x 152 x 23 UC bounded in the foundation footings

But he constructed a concrete block pier to avoid labour cost.

Is this acceptable in terms of structral design.

Visibally it does look tiny to support the rsj.

I have attached some pictures of the work

Please advise.

 

[Notch7]

You need to do this:

SE has asked to create

Not this:

But he constructed a concrete block pier to avoid labour cost

So the answer to this:

Is this acceptable in terms of structral design

Is no.

Your structural engineer will guarantee his calculations if his design is followed correctly. If something else is done and it falls down, you arent covered.

 

[Harry2905]

Thanks notch7, I have sent same pictures to my S.E, he said if he builder has used the brick ties between existing wall and block pier, then it is fine.

I checked with builder he said I have used brick ties.

What is your opinion now? Who will be providing the cover? S.E

As he said it is fine.

Catch is I don’t know whether brick ties have used or not, as it is hidden on the back of block pier..Builder could lie..

What are your thoughts, What should I do?

 

[lostinthelight]

Is it possible to get a metal detector on the joints to put your mind at rest?
litl

 

[Notch7]

Thanks notch7, I have sent same pictures to my S.E, he said if he builder has used the brick ties between existing wall and block pier, then it is fine.

I checked with builder he said I have used brick ties.

What is your opinion now? Who will be providing the cover? S.E

As he said it is fine.

Catch is I don’t know whether brick ties have used or not, as it is hidden on the back of block pier..Builder could lie..

What are your thoughts, What should I do?

I would get the SE to confirm in an email.

Brick ties seem a bit unlikely as the block and brick courses dont line up anywhere. However it would be normal for a builder to tie the 2 together so perhaps it has been done somehow.

If the SE accepted a concrete block pier, why did he spec up a 6" UC? -thats quite a lump. I suppose it wouldve kept the size of the nib down though.

 

[^woody^]

Brick ties seem a bit unlikely as the block and brick courses dont line up anywhere. However it would be normal for a builder to tie the 2 together so perhaps it has been done somehow

Fishtails

 

[^woody^]

SE has asked to create a steel post 152 x 152 x 23 UC bounded in the foundation footings

But he constructed a concrete block pier to avoid labour cost.

Is this acceptable in terms of structral design.

First issue - why did your engineer design a post (and presumably you pay for that design) when a masonry pier was acceptable all along?

Second issue, if a masonry pier is acceptable then the engineer needs to specify it - strength, size, restaint etc.
Building control will likely want the design and altered design details for approving.

Third. Tell your builder to keep to the specification and only to deviate with your prior approval. Not do what he likes.

BTW, the builder has done this in blocks to avoid material costs of the steel post not labour costs. Normally he would be actually charging you more in labour to build this so he gains from this alteration, not you.

 

[tomfe]

Personally I think it wall be fine as long as it's been tied into the existing wall.

What's the pillar built on?