removing/moving supports in loft

[craig1000]

hi there
please find pictures (sorry there are four of the same oops) of the loft space in my victorian mid terrace property.
I was wondering if someone could tell me what the long plank that stretches across the loft is there for. I summise that it has some structural purpose - possibly preventing the roof from spreading.

Would someone be able to tell me if it is possible to remove the plank which is about 3ft up from the ceiling joists and provide alternative support to the roof elswhere?

the plank (sorry i do not know what its technical term is!) cuts the loft space in two and i wonder whether it can be removed so that the whole loft area can be used.

There is a similiar "plank" at the party wall which is fine.

Im considering a loft conversion and would like to know if anybody has come across this before and any solutions to remove or move it safely would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Craig

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• craig1000
• 6 Jan 2010
• 1

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• craig1000
• 6 Jan 2010
• 1

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• craig1000
• 6 Jan 2010
• 1

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• craig1000
• 6 Jan 2010
• 1

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• craig1000
• 6 Jan 2010
• 1

 

[rou]

The are a few option to get rid of the horizontal tie beam.
You might be able to replace it with a small steel flat section at floor level which will not be on your way(it looks like this is possible from the photos).
Or you can add some straps to ties the A frames to the floor joists.
Or you can add a steel beam on each side spanning between 2 other tie beams or walls.
You will not be able to satisfy the building control officer unless you can produce a set of calculations therefore you are better of consulting a structural engineer who should be able to advice on the most appropriate way.