Project Type: Evaluation, Design
The Vital Structure:
Residential Bearing Wall Removal & Structural Augmentation
Issue
Vital Structures was hired to analyze the existing structure for the proposed removal of two (2) interior load bearing walls, and design new structural framing. The two-story house was reportedly constructed in 1995 and the homeowner proposed opening up the floor plan of the first-floor by removal two (2) walls in the kitchen and dining room.
Diagnosis
Our evaluation of the existing structural framing noted that the removal of the two (2) walls that spanned essentially from the front of the house to the rear of the house required the installation of steel moment frames, rather than engineering lumber framing, to adequately resist lateral forces. Additional first-floor framing and foundations were also required to support new moment frame columns.
Solution
Our design included two (2) new steel moment frames to replace the removed bearing walls, consisting of wide flange steel beams supported by HSS tubes. New solid wood blocking between first-floor joists and at the main first-floor beam, located beneath the new steel posts, as well as the additional of three (3) lally columns and three (3) concrete footings were also required. Plywood shear walls were added to provide resistance to lateral loads.
Result
The structural framing augmentation will allow the homeowner to safely enjoy the expanded kitchen of the house, as well as the open floor plan.