Replace "all" load-bearing walls

[eroz]

Hi,

A general question related to a specific question I've posted in the floor plans section:

If we entertain the idea that I want to tear down essentially an entire load-bearing wall both on the ground floor and the upper floor (two-story villa). Is it possible to replace with a beam (which I understand is what is done)? The total floor area is about 100 square meters and the floors are basically square if that matters. The wall "goes through" the chimney.

The cost doesn't matter much, but is it possible? If yes, should one start with the ground floor or the upper floor? I won't do it myself but will hire the service of a structural engineer(?)

Thank you in advance.

 

[mdab]

Total living area 100sqm and essentially square. Then you mean that the beam will be about 10 meters? It will be a really thick beam but of course it can be done. If you can accept a pillar in the middle then you will significantly reduce the size of the beam.

 

[eroz]

It is 100 square meters distributed over both floors, so approximately 7x7 presumably, which should then become a beam of 7 (straight across)?

I don't actually want to "tear down the entire thing" either, but large parts. A column is no problem either on the ground floor or the upper floor, what difference does it make?

Please take a look at the thread for the actual layout, is it possible according to the proposed solution?
http://www.byggahus.se/forum/planlo...ingar-i-planlosningen-pa-bada-vaningarna.html
I think the columns should be able to stand right above the chimney. Or can it be used for load-bearing?

 

[mdab]

7 meters can be solved with a steel beam so a pillar is not necessary. However, it can be both cheaper and easier with a pillar as you can reduce the beam dimension and decrease the forces at the supports. If you place the pillar "in the middle" so that your span is half as large, you can reduce to a beam with 1/8 of the bending stiffness. I can help you with what dimension of beam you should have, but I think you should talk to an experienced carpenter about how to attach it. As mentioned, there will be very large forces at the supports. On the upper floor, it looks like you intend to keep a large part of the load-bearing wall, so I don't see any major problems there.

 

[huggan]

A glulam beam approximately 115x315. Somewhere generally calculated if you have a pillar in the middle.