3,303 views ·
12 replies
3k views
12 replies
How to get hold of a structural engineer when building by yourself?
Hello everyone!
Where can one find a structural engineer who can calculate the load-bearing capacity for my extension that I will build myself? Or should I just consult a carpenter? I will make the trusses myself and need calculations for a load-bearing beam under the floor of the upper floor.
Where can one find a structural engineer who can calculate the load-bearing capacity for my extension that I will build myself? Or should I just consult a carpenter? I will make the trusses myself and need calculations for a load-bearing beam under the floor of the upper floor.
Best answer
Call a company that provides such services?
Some major ones are Tyréns, Wsp, and Sweco. It shouldn't take many hours of work to calculate a few roof trusses. How advanced is the extension?
There are many skilled people here on the forum who can also help calculate some simple roof trusses/beams....
Some major ones are Tyréns, Wsp, and Sweco. It shouldn't take many hours of work to calculate a few roof trusses. How advanced is the extension?
There are many skilled people here on the forum who can also help calculate some simple roof trusses/beams....
The beam should be an IPE or HEA otherwise it was a good link. It would have required an LT 140x270 if it were to hold. And it would have resulted in a ceiling height of 183 cm under it, so it's a bit low. The span of the beam is 3.5 meters and the distributed load should be 200kg/sqm in residential buildings I have read, and that would be about 4 tons.
You can find tips about roof trusses on the wood guide if it's a common model.
Regarding the beam, it is fairly easy to calculate this; you don't need to be a doctor in strength of materials. Normally, you design against deflection. 200kr/m2 is a common rule of thumb, then you can add a bit for the self-weight in the joist floor. Upload a drawing or dimensioned image of the construction, and I can calculate it.
Regarding the beam, it is fairly easy to calculate this; you don't need to be a doctor in strength of materials. Normally, you design against deflection. 200kr/m2 is a common rule of thumb, then you can add a bit for the self-weight in the joist floor. Upload a drawing or dimensioned image of the construction, and I can calculate it.
We assume the load is 4 tons, evenly distributed, span 3.5m and a simply supported beam. Acceptable deflection is 8.7mm (3500/400). With an HEA160, you get a deflection of 6.2mm. With an IPE180, you get a deflection of 7.9mm. However, I suspect that you have made a mistake with the load, as only half the floor load affects the beam (if it is in the middle), the other half affects the outer walls.
Last edited:
Click here to reply
