Beams & Columns

A replacement or new support needs to be considered as part of the whole load path. Span, material, connection details and the capacity of the supports below all affect the design.

An engineer may be needed when replacing a support, widening an opening, adding equipment or investigating a damaged or deflecting member.

Confirm the engineering scope with the professional you engage and any permit requirements with the local building department.

Topics that may be relevant to the review: framing, joist, load-bearing wall, steel framing, truss and wood framing.

The engineer can review existing conditions, evaluate the proposed changes and prepare the calculations or design details included in the agreed scope.

• Designing a replacement beam for a damaged structural member
• Adding a beam or column for a wider room opening

Start with a short description. These details can help define the scope, but you do not need everything ready to request a quote.

• The project city or county, and the property address if known
• What you want to build, change or repair
• How the space or site is used now and what you plan to change
• Whether you have drawings or photos to share during follow-up
• The status of any permit application and comments received
• Your target dates or other scheduling constraints

• Structural Engineering
• Structural Repair
• Load-Bearing Wall Removal
• Structural Openings / Windows & Doors

Terms that may appear in plans, permit comments or contractor conversations about this work.

• beam
• column
• framing
• joist
• load-bearing wall
• steel framing
• truss
• wood framing