Steel beam installation Shirley, Croydon CR0 – case study

Methodology

We visit site and make an initial survey, and where possible an intrusive one.  As part of our steel beam design service we prepare the structural calculations to specify the correct steel beam sizes to install for the client.

The next phase is removal of the load bearing rear wall and installation of temporary structural supports using heavy duty acrow props.
Installation of a 1No steel beams installed. Spec of 178 x 102 x 30. This support beam was chosen as the wall above the ground floor was a a single skin constructed of solid break and the span of the beam was less than 3m.

Now, you would think that taking out a single sink load bearing brick wall would be easier than a double sking brick wall, but you’d be wrong!!!  When installing steel beams under double skin walls, using 2No structural beams, you can slip one beam in at a time, which allows for the walls above to be temporarily supported during the installation process. However, witch single skin walls, this is not available.

We have to make incisions above the steel beam placement, in order to support the walls from above. This can cause considerably more cost to the installation, as we have to factor in breaking through ceilings and making good afterwards with bonding and plaster skim in both rooms to facilitate the higher level supports.

Structural props remain in place to support the steel beam. These supports are loaded onto the old foundation of the previously removed wall, providing good stability for the props during the holding processs.  These to allow the curing process of the pad stones to settle with minimum shrinkage and movement across the span of the beam.

Internally, the steel beams are then lined with fire retardant board and the internal reveals are plaster skimmed.

For this job, we were required to carry out some electrical work and migrate a light switch due to the new opening of the wall.  Skirting boards are reinstated and the ceilings to the front and rear lounge area made good.

Result

Removal of the internal load bearing walls and installation of the steel beam facilitated the installation of a new kithen and modifications to the internal rooms on the ground floor. The client was pleased with the finish and speed of delivery.

Happy customers make happy contractors.

Contact us for more information on removing internal walls and steel beam installation.

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