Structural calculations for a wall opening
Before a load-bearing wall is altered, the new route for the building’s loads needs to be assessed. A structural engineer develops the solution for your home and the opening you want.
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More space. A considered plan.Load-bearing wall
Load-bearing wall
removal?
From structural calculations
to professional execution.
An open kitchen. A brighter living room. A better connection. Start with your home, your wishes and a clear plan for the structure.
In view: a steel beam between two columns, before finishing.Explore the photographs ↗
Calculations & drawingsStructural work & steelClear scope & handover
From idea to openingSpace for
Space for
your plans.
A complete view of the preparation, structure and finish. Explore the service that fits your next step.
Partially removing a load-bearing wall
A carefully positioned opening can connect rooms while keeping useful wall space. The remaining wall sections and the new support must form one assessed structural solution.
Read more ↗Load-bearing wall removal and steel beam installation
Creating more space starts with a design for the existing building. Wall removal, temporary support and steel installation are coordinated as one structural operation.
Read more ↗Permits for removing a load-bearing wall in the Netherlands
Changing a load-bearing structure can require permission for the technical building activity. Check the requirements for your specific address and plan before scheduling the work.
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Design example of a finished stair, balustrade and floor edge. The clear opening and finishes are coordinated with your staircase design.
A new connection between floorsSpace for
Space for
a new staircase.
An opening in concrete or timber, more space for a replacement stair or permanent attic access. Explore the design, preparation and finishing.
Stairwell openings ↗
From the adjoining room, you can see the beam above the opening and the masonry at either side. Temporary props remain in the work area; finishing belongs to a later stage.
The work behind the spaceA good opening
A good opening
starts before demolition.
The existing structure determines what your plan needs. Clear drawings and agreed responsibilities connect the design to the work on site.
- Understand the building. Compare the records with the existing situation.
- Coordinate the structure. Design the permanent solution and temporary support.
- Agree the finish. Define the work, checks and handover in writing.
From drawing to constructionThe structure.
The structure.
Up close.
See beams, columns and temporary support during the work.
A wall opening up close
The wide wall opening and steel beam are visible together. The props and timber members form part of the temporary support during the renovation.
The beam and column together
This side view shows where the horizontal beam meets the vertical column. The surrounding room and the unfinished floor and wall surfaces reveal how the new structure fits into the existing space.
A steel frame in the opening
The steel frame outlines the new opening. The ceiling, walls and floor are still unfinished, leaving the position of the structure clearly visible.
A clear sequenceOne project.
One project.
Twelve considered steps.
Know who prepares the design, coordinates permissions and carries out the work.
- Phase 1
Prepare the design
Share your wishes, gather records and assess the existing building.
- Phase 2
Coordinate the work
Arrange permissions, agree the scope and prepare the temporary support.
- Phase 3
Build and hand over
Install the structure, complete the checks and agree the final finish.
Structural drawing studioUnderstand
Understand
what carries the load.
Explore beams, frames, columns, bearings and foundations through detailed schematic illustrations.
Enlarge drawing ↗Open-plan living: before and after
Two architectural plans show wall hatching, windows, doors and a proposed opening.
Enlarge drawing ↗The opening and steel beam
An elevation shows the wall, floor build-up, bearing zones and symbolic dimensions. A separate section identifies the flanges and web.
Enlarge drawing ↗The structure in three dimensions
An open cutaway shows the relationship between the kitchen, living space, retained walls and steel beam.
Enlarge drawing ↗Steel sections up close
Compare IPE, HEA, HEB, UPN, rectangular hollow and circular hollow sections. The engineer specifies the series and dimensions.
Enlarge drawing ↗From opening to structural principle
Compare a beam on walls, a beam on columns and a combined arrangement. Supports and the structure below belong to the design.
Enlarge drawing ↗Portals and closed steel frames
A portal, a closed frame with a lower member and a double frame show different arrangements of members and supports.
Enlarge drawing ↗From steel section to column base
H-sections, rectangular and circular hollow sections are shown with separate cross-sections and schematic base plates.
Enlarge drawing ↗How a beam is supported
Explore a wall bearing, a column head and a beam-to-beam connection. Each requires project-specific design and dimensions.
Enlarge drawing ↗What is below the column?
Sections compare a ground-bearing pad, a pile-supported pad and an existing foundation that requires assessment.
Enlarge drawing ↗The parts of a steel connection
An exploded column base and a beam-to-column detail identify plates, anchorage, grout and connection zones.
Choose a topic and enlarge a drawing to explore the details. Schematic illustrations, not construction documents.
Clarity about costsA quotation
A quotation
with a clear scope.
Design, steel, access, temporary support and finishing determine the price for your home.
Preparation
Calculations, drawings, permissions and any investigation.
Read more ↗Structural work
Steel, installation, temporary support and waste handling.
Read more ↗Your finished room
Wall, ceiling and floor repairs, coordinated with other trades.
Read more ↗Prepare with confidenceClear answers.
Explore the knowledge base ↗Clear answers.
Useful next steps.
How do you identify a load-bearing wall?
Wall thickness, sound and position can offer clues, but cannot establish a wall’s structural role. Have the available records and the actual building assessed before deciding on removal.
Read more ↗Can you remove a load-bearing wall yourself?
A load-bearing wall alteration needs a project-specific structural design, the applicable permissions and a controlled execution plan. An online checklist cannot establish a safe demolition sequence.
Read more ↗Which permissions do you need for wall removal?
Check the technical building activity and any address-specific rules through the Dutch Omgevingsloket. VvE consent and permission for protected buildings may also be relevant.
Read more ↗Can you assess a wall from photographs alone?
Photos help with the first discussion, but they do not establish the complete load path or the condition of hidden construction. The engineer decides what information and inspections are needed.
Do two openings need to be considered together?
Yes, tell the engineer about all planned structural changes. Their effects may interact, even when different contractors carry out the work.
Is partial removal always cheaper?
Not necessarily. Design, access, temporary support and finishing still influence the cost. An itemised quotation shows which parts actually change.
Can I keep space for double doors?
Yes, include the door system and its installation requirements in the brief. The structural opening, finished clear opening and door dimensions must be coordinated.
Which steel beam do I need?
The engineer selects the section and dimensions from the building, loads, span, supports and design requirements. A photograph or opening width alone is not enough.
Ideas for your renovationPlan the space.
Read all articles ↗Plan the space.
Consider the details.
From a room idea to a useful first enquiry
Start with what should change in everyday use: more connection with the kitchen, a wider view or a separate room that can still be closed. A sketch with furniture and walking routes communicates more than an opening width alone.
Read more ↗How to compare wall removal quotations
Check whether every quotation covers the same opening, structural design and finish. Separate calculations, drawings, steel, temporary support, installation, protection and waste removal. A lower total can reflect work that another quotation has included.
Read more ↗Planning the opening, kitchen and finishing together
List the end result: structural opening, lighting, services, kitchen, floor and decoration. Identify the decisions that affect more than one trade, including columns, headroom and finished floor levels.
Read more ↗Draagmuur-ConcurrentA clear contact
A clear contact
for your plans.
The company behind this website is Multiconcurrent B.V. in Velsen-Noord. Discuss your wishes and agree the scope and responsibilities for your project.
Meet the company ↗Multiconcurrent B.V.
Starrebosstraat 91951 CE Velsen-Noord
Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK): 84612657
Company and privacy enquiries: info@multiconcurrent.nl
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