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Re: Removing Load Bearing Wall Section

From: robd@bmtpos.com
Category: Foundations and Basements
Remote Name: 12.203.190.153
Date: 11 Jan 2006
Time: 10:18 PM

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Question: I have a 20' load bearing wall in the basement. I want to cut an opening of 12' into it. I have a 2 story house. There is a wall on the main level above the wall in the basement. What type of support beam do I need for the 12' opening? Thanks very much.

Builders Websource® Answer: A structural engineer must compute the size of the beam based on several factors, such as the total live and dead loads imparted on the beam from all sources, including the first and second floors, roof loads, wind, snow, and seismic loads, as well as all other relevant loads. How your home is framed and the position of the proposed opening will impact the loading distribution and beam sizing. However, from your description, this beam must support significant weight. You'll likely need a substantial glulam or steel I-beam to safely span a 12' opening while ensuring structural integrity and negligible floor deflection above. Furthermore, this load must transfer properly to the foundation. The supporting wood or steel columns must also carry the required loads, and particular attention to shear design is important to ensure that the supporting wall doesn't "rack" in an earthquake or severe wind. Given that each situation is unique, it's difficult to provide specific engineering guidance over the Internet. However, you can be sure that this requires the professional assistance of a licensed structural engineer to provide computations and drawings to address all loading issues, including details of column and beam connections, as well as foundation considerations.

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