Indoor arch construction

[Ingemann]

Is there anyone who has removed arches in an older stone building (apartment building)? Have you taken pictures that I can see? I want to know what the construction looks like underneath - before I go at it with the crowbar.

 

[justusandersson]

Don't do it!
If it's a struck arch, meaning an opening that is round at the top, the load-bearing capacity completely disappears if you start tearing it down. The bottom stones act as wedges. If it's a straight arch, there is a brick beam at the bottom that you will also damage if you start tearing with the crowbar.

 

[Ingemann]

Don't do that!
Oh, do you really think it could be original? The house was built in 1950. There are also regular doorways in the hallway, so I rather think that these two archways are something adapted to the fashion of the 1980s.
But thank you for reminding me that you need to make sure what type of arch it is - before proceeding with the work!

 

[justusandersson]

Load-bearing brick walls are usually full brick thick, about 25 cm. But even half-brick walls have a brick beam at the bottom over the opening. An apartment building from the 1950s typically has load-bearing walls made of brick and reinforced concrete floors. Drawings are needed for me to be able to say something more specific.