on line beam calcs - anyone used them?

[A100man]

Specifically - want to knowck through kitchen/diner - complies with this scenario.

https://www.beamcalculation.co.uk/calculations/beam-supporting-internal-wall-ceiling-first-floor

Have been chasing local SE for weeks but either not interested or too busy or got lergie. In fact there's other more tricky calcs needed from him for loft but I figured I could crack on with this smaller job in meantime.

Thoughts?
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Now: A100, GT250A, XJ598, FZ750

Then: Fizz, RS200, KL250, XJ550, Laverda Alpina, XJ600, FZS600

[ThunderGuts]

Assuming this is a supporting wall, I would suggest you wait for your SE, or find another one. Without wanting to sound patronising, but there's quite a bit going on with this sort of thing. The calculations on supporting the wall above with a beam are relatively simple (once you know the dead and live loads from above, which will depend on the construction of the building), but it's the "in situ" factors which can complicate matters, so things like what you're tying that beam into, what state the masonry is in, what it's going into, i.e. what are the foundations like as it's going to concentrate the load somewhat (although if you've got a floor void, the solid wall underneath with dissipate the load somewhat before it reaches the foundations).

Apart from the practical side of things, I would expect a hard time if you ever have structural movement and try to claim on insurance / sell the property etc. as you won't have any professional indemnity to cover it.

I'd find another SE if you're finding your current one useless.
____________________
TG.

[Diggs]

I agree.

Part of the reason why your SE charges more than this website does is because his fee covers his PI. If there is a problem, your SE will assess whether to take a 'tickle' (i.e. pay you some money to make the problem go away) or refer the matter to his insurer. You won't get any of this with an anonymous website.

Something else to think about is what happens when you come to sell. You will have to declare that you have carried out the work, and the purchase's solicitor will insist that you produce paperwork to show that it was carried out in accordance with Building Regs. If you can't produce this you may have to accept a lower asking price. I don't know whether Building Control will accept a calc from this website, whereas it will from your SE.

A traditional alternative is to ask your builder to do the work using over-spec steel, then pretend it was like that when you bought it if anybody asks. Not recommended however.
____________________
Now - Speed Triple, old ratty GS550, GSXR750M
Gone (in order of ownership) - Raleigh Runabout, AP50, KH125, GP125, KH250, CBX550, Z400, CB750FII, 250LC, GS550, ZXR750H1, Guzzi Targa, GSX750F, KH250 x2, Bimota SB6R and counting...

[ThunderGuts]

[A100man]

Well, I agree its not preferred but I don't think they are anonymous.

Build Calcs Ltd is a UK registered company run by Kevin Taylor and Nick Walker.

9 Hollies Farm Drive,
Horsley Woodhouse,
Derbyshire,
DE7 6JW.

One of the notes states..

If queries on the design related to the work undertaken by Build Calcs Ltd are raised by the Building Control Officer, we will deal with these as quickly and efficiently as possible. There will not normally be any additional charge for this work. If additional information is requested by the Building Control Officer which in our opinion is either unnecessary or couldn’t have been foreseen at the time the order was placed, then we reserve the right to make an additional charge for this work. Build Calcs Ltd is under no obligation to provide information requested by the Building Control Officer which in our opinion is either unnecessary or couldn’t have been foreseen at the time the order was placed.

Agreed it is a risk that you as the data entry guy have to get things spot on. House is 50s solid brick construction fwiw.

For 50 quid it's not a high risk if BCO says no..
____________________
Now: A100, GT250A, XJ598, FZ750

Then: Fizz, RS200, KL250, XJ550, Laverda Alpina, XJ600, FZS600

[ThunderGuts]

I get that, but all they're doing is providing a calculation based upon the parameters you provide to them. As I mention in my original post, the issue is all the other aspects that will be particular to your property that are more complex and is where the more general expertise of a SE comes in. Their T&Cs specifically states their liability is limited to the calculations they provide.

[Diggs]

Reading that extract from the T&Cs, it looks like the company has place so many caveats on the product that it is effectively worthless...
____________________
Now - Speed Triple, old ratty GS550, GSXR750M
Gone (in order of ownership) - Raleigh Runabout, AP50, KH125, GP125, KH250, CBX550, Z400, CB750FII, 250LC, GS550, ZXR750H1, Guzzi Targa, GSX750F, KH250 x2, Bimota SB6R and counting...

[A100man]

I written to the local SE - again..
____________________
Now: A100, GT250A, XJ598, FZ750

Then: Fizz, RS200, KL250, XJ550, Laverda Alpina, XJ600, FZS600

[ThunderGuts]

Good move.
____________________
TG.

[Raffles]

[A100man]

[ThunderGuts]

If you're struggling to find other SEs, you could try speaking to a local estate agent; SEs are often needed as part of house purchases so they'll probably have a few they know of locally that are "tame".

Oh, and look for one that is chartered (CEng) and MIStructE (member of the institution of structural engineers), or even FIStructE (fellow). Demonstrates some level of competency.
____________________
TG.

[Diggs]

Or ring the Building Inspector and ask if he can give you a name of somebody local and reliable. He can't recommend anybody but he can suggest where you can look...
____________________
Now - Speed Triple, old ratty GS550, GSXR750M
Gone (in order of ownership) - Raleigh Runabout, AP50, KH125, GP125, KH250, CBX550, Z400, CB750FII, 250LC, GS550, ZXR750H1, Guzzi Targa, GSX750F, KH250 x2, Bimota SB6R and counting...

[Raffles]

I realise that this is slightly off-topic but my beam arrived today and I just had to share:-

https://i.postimg.cc/d3rM7g24/IMG-1024-1.jpg

I'm sooooooo excited
____________________
A good loser will always be a loser.

[A100man]

Cool so that's a 3396 mm span . How deep is it (8" ?) and what's it supporting?
What are the holes for ? sorry for all the Qs..
____________________
Now: A100, GT250A, XJ598, FZ750

Then: Fizz, RS200, KL250, XJ550, Laverda Alpina, XJ600, FZS600

[Raffles]

[ThunderGuts]

It's a nice looking beam, but there's a bit of pointing needed on that wall.
____________________
TG.

[Raffles]

[A100man]

[Ribenapigeon]

Try Autodesk Force Effect its an Android app by Auto desk. It's interesting if nothing else.