Structural Reinforcements in Rehabilitation: When is shoring necessary?
The desire for 'open spaces' often clashes with structural reality. Learn the risks of knocking down partitions without technical supervision.
Replacement of a load-bearing wall with a metal frame to join spaces.
The Danger of 'Open Concept'
The current trend of joining kitchen and living room implies knocking down partitions. The problem arises when no distinction is made between a simple dividing partition and a load-bearing wall. Removing a structural support without adequate reinforcement can cause cracks in the floor of the upper neighbor or, in the worst case, a partial collapse.
Common Pathologies in Old Buildings
When rehabilitating old buildings in Barcelona (Eixample, Ciutat Vella), we often find surprises:
- Wood beams with woodworm: They have lost section and resistance.
- Ceramic joists with aluminosis: They have lost load-bearing capacity.
- Deformed walls: Walls that have buckled over the years.
The Technical Solution: Shoring and Reinforcements
Any intervention in the structure requires:
- Load Calculation: An engineer must calculate how much weight the removed wall supported.
- Reinforcement Project: Design the beam (usually HEB or IPE steel profiles) that will replace the wall.
- Shoring (Propping): Temporarily support the structure while the work is executed. This is the most critical phase.
Conclusion
Never knock down a wall 'to see what happens'. A prior structural study is much cheaper than repairing the damage caused by reckless demolition.
