Structural engineering for wall removals, large openings and alterations.
Removing a load-bearing wall or creating a large opening changes the way roof, floor and upper-storey loads are transferred through the building. Elite assesses the existing load path and designs the beams, lintels, posts, connections, bracing and foundation support required for the proposed alteration.
Structural engineering for existing buildings.
Elite assesses the proposed alteration against the existing load path, support conditions, bracing, foundations and construction sequence.
Walls and openings
- Load-bearing wall removal
- New internal or external openings
- Beam, lintel, post and connection design
- Kitchen and open-plan renovations
Additions and outdoor structures
- Extensions and additions
- Balconies, decks, patios, verandahs and carports
- Changes to roof framing
- New doors, windows and large glazed openings
Alterations and strengthening
- Support for upper-storey alterations
- Strengthening of existing framing
- Builder-requested structural details
Assess the existing load path before altering the structure.
Original drawings may be unavailable or may not match the building as constructed. Ceiling, wall and floor finishes can conceal framing and connections, so site inspection or targeted opening-up may be required to confirm critical details.
Load path
Elite assesses framing direction and span, supported roof, floor and wall loads, and point loads created by new beams and posts.
Stability and support
The assessment considers bracing and tie-down requirements, existing footing or slab capacity, and temporary support during construction.
Buildability
The design considers available opening-up evidence, construction access, services and coordination with the proposed architectural layout.
Engineering assessment, design and construction documentation.
1. Review the available information.
Elite reviews the existing and proposed layouts, photographs and available structural or building information.
2. Inspect the structure where required.
Where required, Elite records the framing arrangement, support conditions and available evidence. Targeted opening-up may be required where critical details are concealed.
3. Design the permanent structural solution.
Elite designs the beams, lintels, posts, connections, bracing and foundation support required for the altered load path.
4. Prepare construction documentation.
Structural drawings, details, notes and Form 15 design certification are prepared where applicable to the agreed scope.
5. Provide construction clarifications.
Elite responds to construction questions relating to the documented structural design. Any proposed departure from the structural drawings must be reviewed before the altered work proceeds.
Information required to define the engineering scope.
Where available, provide the following information:
- Existing and proposed floor plans
- Architectural or building-design drawings
- Photographs of the relevant rooms, roof space and external walls
- Truss or framing plans
- Slab or footing information
- Details of upper-storey walls or roof loads
- Builder or certifier requirements
- Project suburb and preferred timeframe
Important construction note: Removal or alteration of a potentially load-bearing element should not begin until the load path, temporary support and permanent structural solution have been confirmed.
Contact Elite about a wall removal or structural alteration.
Send the existing and proposed layouts, photographs and project location. Elite will review the information and advise the appropriate engineering scope.