We have 46 different calculation types on this website (www.beamcalculation.co.uk). Below is a guide which tells you which calculation type is applicable to your project.
Types 1 and 2 - Steel beams supporting floor joists
Types 1 and 2 are for steel beams supporting floor joists. This is a common scenario in new build houses, where the walls above the first floor are quite often non load bearing timber stud partitions.
Often when you are removing internal load bearing walls at ground floor level, a steel beam is required to support the first floor joists above.
Type 1 is where a steel beam supports floors joists on both sides and type 2 is where the steel beam supports floor joists on one side only. For both calculation types you can make an allowance for non load bearing stud partitions on top of the floor joists.
Types 3 to 18 - Openings in cavity walls
Types 3 to 18 are for openings in cavity walls, cavity walls consist of 2 skins of masonry separated by a gap (cavity). Cavity walls are common in houses built from the 1920's onwards. Typically when making an opening in a cavity wall two steel beams are used, with separate steel beams supporting the inner and outer leaves. Quite often new openings are created in a wall, when a new extension to the house is added. For types 3 to 18 there is a variety of different types, if you're not sure which type is relevant to your project it might be worth speaking to your builder or architect or a knowledgeable friend. Also we can help, so please feel free to contact us.
Types 19 to 24 - Steel beams supporting internal load bearing walls
Types 19 to 24 are for steel beams supporting internal load bearing walls, typically these are relevant to older properties where the walls above the first floor are often load bearing. Please make sure that you select the correct calculation type for your project.
Type 25 - Steel ridge beam
Type 25 is a steel ridge beam, if you're having an open vaulted sloping ceiling with a ridge or peak in the middle, you will need a ridge beam to stop the roof from sagging. Traditionally horizontal ceiling joists were used to stop the roof from spreading outwards, however, with an open sloping ceiling this is not possible and a ridge beam must be used to ensure that the roof is safe.
Types 26 to 41 - Pre 1920's solid 225mm external walls, without a cavity
Types 26 to 41, up until the 1920's it was common for external walls to be solid 225mm brick walls, without a cavity. Types 26 to 41 apply to this type of construction. Again if you're not sure which calculation type to use, please seek help.
Type 42 - Steel beam supports a timber flat roof only
Type 42 is where a steel beam supports a timber flat roof only.
Types 43 to 46 - Modern 1960's Onwards, Steel beams support a cavity wall and a trussed roof
Types 43 to 46 are for when steel beams support a cavity wall and a trussed roof. Trussed rafter roofs are typically seen in houses constructed from the 1960's onwards. Roof trusses are prefabricated in a factory and are commonly referred to as 'W' trusses, due to their appearance.
We are also looking to add new calculation types, so if you have another calculation type you would like adding to this website, please let us know.