Useful information

Structure and load paths - chimney drawings

Understand how the parts interact. Load paths, bearings, floor connections and temporary conditions require a design based on the actual property.

These are principle drawings, not drawings of your property. Dimensions, support arrangements and execution details require a site assessment and, where needed, a structural design.

SV-05 · Principle detail

Load path and structural interaction

Arrows show the principle of load transfer from retained masonry through assessed supports to the ground. Adjacent floors and walls may also be part of that interaction.

How to read this drawing

Retained chimney masonry
Conceptual load direction
Transition to supporting work
Receiving structure
Load path towards the ground
Connected building elements

What needs assessment?

Arrows are not calculated loads. Capacity, deflection, stability and foundations need assessment for the proposed arrangement.

Discuss this work Why the chimney’s structural connections must be assessed →Download this drawing (SVG) ↓

SV-06 · Principle detail

Bearing and support arrangement

The elevation and enlarged detail identify the interface between a designed support and the receiving structure. The sketch identifies checks without specifying a steel section, bearing length or fixing.

How to read this drawing

Retained masonry
Engineered support arrangement
Left bearing zone
Right bearing zone
Assess the existing material
Design interface and protection

What needs assessment?

The engineer specifies the solution, dimensions and connections. A beam in the drawing does not establish that steel suits every property.

Discuss this work Support beams and ceilings: agree the finished appearance early →Download this drawing (SVG) ↓

SV-07 · Principle detail

Floor opening in plan

The plan distinguishes the flue zone, existing joist direction and survey lines A and B. A floor connected to the chimney requires investigation before closure or structural alterations.

How to read this drawing

Existing joist direction
Flue zone in the floor
Investigate connections
Wall beside the opening
Survey A: opening
Survey B: surroundings

What needs assessment?

A and B are survey references without numerical dimensions. Joist direction, connections and capacity must be established on site.

Discuss this work What information does a structural engineer need? →Download this drawing (SVG) ↓

SV-08 · Principle detail

Temporary conditions in the work plan

This assessment diagram separates the permanent arrangement, work area and elements requiring temporary stability design. It does not specify prop positions or spacing.

How to read this drawing

Retained element
Area of changing interaction
Design temporary conditions
Assess the floor below
Load path during the work
Organise access and supervision

What needs assessment?

Have the work plan, support measures, loads and authorisation agreed by competent parties. This sheet provides no demolition sequence.

Discuss this work Temporary support: what to agree before chimney removal →Download this drawing (SVG) ↓

Read the detailed guides

From a principle to a drawing for your home

Include the address, existing plans, photographs, the parts to remain and your preferred finish with your enquiry. A designer or structural engineer establishes which measurements, investigations and documents are needed.

Discuss your plans All drawings →

Background and sources

Editorial review: 12-10-2026. No engineering approval for a specific property.

IPLO: drawings and calculations for permit applications ↗Omgevingsloket: check the work at your address ↗