Structural study for an opening in a load-bearing wall in Cap-d’Ail

As part of the alteration of an existing building in Cap-d’Ail (06), our engineering office OMPT STRUCTURE carried out the detailed design for a new opening in a load-bearing wall at basement level.

The project involved demolishing part of the existing masonry to create a new passage while keeping the structure above stable.

A reinforcement combining a steel beam and reinforced concrete

To make this opening possible, our engineers designed a reinforcement suited to the constraints of the existing structure.

The system consists of an HEA 100 steel beam, which carries the loads above the opening, resting on two reinforced-concrete columns of 20 × 15 cm.

The columns have longitudinal bars and stirrups, with chemical anchors into the existing base wall. Ties to the masonry that remains were also specified.

This solution creates a passage about 83 cm wide while carrying the vertical loads properly.

Working drawings and technical requirements

OMPT STRUCTURE’s brief covered the sizing of the reinforcement and the working drawings needed to build it.

These documents specify the steel beam, the sections and reinforcement of the concrete columns, the anchors and the bearing details of the lintel.

A temporary propping scheme was also set out to secure the structure during the demolition and reinforcement works.

This study illustrates our know-how in load-bearing wall openings, the sizing of steel lintels and the design of reinforced-concrete reinforcements, including where access is tight or the work is below ground.

Structural engineering office in Cap-d’Ail and the Alpes-Maritimes

Planning to create a door in a load-bearing wall, enlarge an existing opening or change the interior layout of your building?

OMPT STRUCTURE supports your projects with feasibility studies, structural calculation reports and working drawings suited to each building.

We work in the Alpes-Maritimes (06) and the Var (83), including Cannes, Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Èze, Cap-d’Ail, Monaco, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and Menton.