Load-Bearing Wall Removal
A beam replaces the removed wall and transfers the loads above onto suitable bearings and supporting structure.
Beam Design & Structural Calculations
Steel Beam Design & RSJ Calculations
Whether you're removing a load-bearing wall, creating an open-plan living space, extending your home or converting a loft, we provide professional steel beam design and RSJ calculations to keep your project safe, compliant and ready for construction.
Every property is different, which means every steel beam must be designed specifically for the building. We assess how your existing property carries weight and calculate the correct beam size to ensure the new opening is safe, practical and compliant with Building Regulations.
Designed for safe load transfer
Beam, bearings and supporting structure considered together.
Precision engineering for your build
Beam Calculations Tailored to the Existing Structure
Whether one load-bearing wall or several structural elements are being altered, the loads must be transferred safely through the new beam, its bearings and the supporting construction below.
We review drawings and available project information, and where appropriate arrange a site visit to confirm dimensions, loading conditions and the existing structural arrangement. This also allows us to understand the client’s objectives and advise on a practical beam solution.
The completed design can include structural calculations, beam sizes, bearing requirements, padstones, spreader plates, columns, baseplates and relevant construction notes.
Site assessment
Existing loading and support conditions reviewed
Common structural applications
When Do You Need a Steel Beam?
Steel beams are commonly introduced where existing walls or supports are removed, where larger spans are required or where new loads must be carried safely through the building.
Open-Plan Alterations
Structural steelwork can create wider openings while preserving the stability and integrity of the building.
Extensions
Beams may support new floors, roofs and openings between the original property and the proposed extension.
Loft Conversions
Steel beams can support strengthened floors, dormers, roof alterations and openings for new staircases.
New Construction
Beam layouts can provide open internal spaces and transfer loads between floors, columns and foundations.
Structural Refurbishment
New beams may be needed where layouts, use or loading change during refurbishment and conversion works.
What we design and calculate
What's Included in Our Beam Design?
Choosing the correct steel beam involves much more than selecting a beam from a catalogue. We also assess how the beam will be supported, how the weight is transferred through the building and whether additional structural elements such as padstones or columns are required. The beam, bearings, connections and supporting structure must all work together to transfer loads safely.
Send your drawings for review
Expert beam calculations
Get Certified Beam Calculations
Professional Beam Calculations for Safe Construction
We determine suitable beam sizes and sections from the span, supported loads, structural arrangement and serviceability requirements. We then assess the bearings and supporting elements to confirm that loads can be transferred safely.
The design is prepared using relevant structural standards and can be issued with drawings and calculations for the builder and Building Control.
Correct Beam SizeBeam dimensions calculated for the project.
Structural Load ChecksDead, imposed and relevant concentrated loads considered.
Beam Support ChecksPadstones, spreaders and support conditions assessed.
Standards complianceDesign completed to prepared in accordance with the relevant UK design standards and Eurocodes.
Engineering reportCalculations, drawings and supporting notes provided.
Building Control supportClear technical information for approval.
Our beam design process
From Initial Enquiry to Construction-Ready Information
A clear four-stage process keeps the design focused and easy to follow.
Project Discussion
Tell us what is being altered and provide the project location.
Drawings & Site Information
We review plans and arrange a visit where site details are required.
Beam Design & Calculations
We don't just calculate the beam itself. We also check the walls, supports and other structural elements that carry the weight safely through the building.
Construction Support
We remain available to answer technical questions from your builder or Building Control to help ensure the approved design is installed correctly.
Why choose PS Structural Ltd?
Professional Beam Design With Practical Construction Awareness
Every project is handled with clear communication, technical care and attention to how the design will be built on site.
Chartered Structural Engineer
Qualified professional advice and design responsibility.
Nearly 30 Years of Experience
Extensive structural engineering knowledge and judgement.
Personal Project Attention
Direct professional involvement from enquiry through design.
Practical Solutions
Designs consider buildability, access and material efficiency.
Building Regulations Support
Clear calculations and drawings for technical review.
UK-Wide Consultancy
Nottingham based with support available for projects nationwide.
Example beam projects
Steel Beam Design in Practice
Examples of structural steelwork used to form openings, support floors and roofs, and transfer loads safely through existing and new construction.
Beam loading, member sizing and bearing requirements considered.
Frequently asked questions
Steel Beam Design & RSJ FAQs
General guidance about beam calculations, structural openings and the information required to begin.
Ask about your project
A structural engineer is normally required where a load-bearing wall is removed or altered. The supported loads, replacement beam, bearings and supporting construction need to be assessed.
RSJ means rolled steel joist and is commonly used as a general term for a structural steel beam. The actual section selected may be a universal beam, universal column or another suitable steel section.
Useful information includes architectural drawings, the project address, photographs, the proposed opening and any available details of the existing structure. A site visit may be required.
Yes. Beam calculations and supporting structural information can be prepared for submission to Building Control.
Yes. The structural design should be completed before steelwork is ordered or installed so the correct size, length, bearings and related support requirements are confirmed.
Where required, the design can include padstones, spreader plates and checks on the supporting masonry or columns.
PS Structural Ltd is based in Nottingham and provides structural engineering consultancy support for suitable projects across the United Kingdom.
Looking for another residential service?
View Residential Services
Explore Our Residential Structural Engineering Services
Visit the Residential hub for an overview of house extensions, loft conversions, new-build design, structural surveys and structural modifications.
Residential and commercial projects
Beam Design for Residential and Commercial Projects
We provide steel beam design and RSJ calculations for a wide range of residential and commercial projects, including house extensions, loft conversions, load-bearing wall removals, office refurbishments, retail units and industrial buildings.
Every project receives the same careful attention to ensure the structural design is practical, compliant and tailored to the specific requirements of the building.
Need professional beam design?
Request Steel Beam Design or RSJ Calculations
Send us your drawings, photographs and project details for an initial review and a no-obligation quotation.