"Andrew Barnes" wrote in message
...
Hi There

As a strict DIYer i would like to calculate the size of beam required to
support a wall, when I make a 2m wide opening in a wall.

I am an engineer, but have been working in science for years, so don't
know
where to start!

Can anyone offer any help or advice?

Thanks

Andrew



There are various examples to be found by a quick Google. Try BS 5950

But a good general building reference book, which has some basic worked
examples is The Building Construction Handbook, by Chudley and Greeno. Its
about £15 and well worth it

First you need to know the load that a beam of a given section can carry,
then work out the load that it will be supporting. Once you have the
formula, steel section tables are available from Corus, and another Google
on ' weights of building materials ' will get you the info to work out the
loading.

I don't know if the Superbeam program already mentioned is available as a
trial. But its the lazy option if you want it !

dg