Yes, it can be removed, but then the beam it supports has to be thicker, so that's probably why it's there. Someone who works with glulam can always calculate if it's possible. But if you're going to replace the beam, it will be a lot of work.
Sent PM and
Are you going to remove the pillar?
Hi, yes the builder has checked on site and says that it is possible to replace it with two posts on each side next to the wall instead. This way we avoid having a post in the middle of the room. The beam is 8x27 cm and 4 meters long. Does it seem okay?
One cannot check if a beam holds; it must be calculated. A column at each end does not increase the beam's load-bearing capacity but merely shortens the span slightly.
As already mentioned, it needs to be calculated, but placing two pillars at the edge doesn't really decrease the span significantly, so probably not. That's why the current one is where it is and essentially splits the beam into two much shorter pieces that can handle the load.K KW78 said:
If you have a builder going by feel without facts, I would wait until it is calculated.
Builders, carpenters do not have an education in structural engineering, so if you want to be sure, you need to hire a structural engineer who can calculate the load and what is required to support the load. The load depends, for example, on the roof structure, roofing material, snow zone, house width, and what is above.
Agree that one should definitely consult a structural engineer to be completely sure, but an interesting question, do you know if it stands directly on the decking or does it go down? Can you see how it looks underneath just where the pillar stands?