What does load-bearing mean?

A building element is load-bearing when it supports loads and transfers them to the foundation — self-weight, snow, wind, people or furniture. Load-bearing parts form the structural backbone of a building: without them it would collapse. Telling load-bearing apart from non-load-bearing is therefore essential during any renovation or demolition.

Load-bearing elements

Load-bearing elements include:

• Load-bearing walls — vertical walls that carry floor and roof loads down
• Columns and piers — point supports for beams or floors
• Floors and roofs — distribute horizontal and vertical forces
• Beams and joists — span openings and support roofs or storeys
• Foundations — ultimately absorb all loads and transfer them to the ground

Load-bearing versus non-load-bearing

A non-load-bearing wall carries only its own weight and acts as a partition. It can be removed without structural consequences. Removing a load-bearing wall always requires a replacement structure (steel beam, lintel or portal frame) and approval from a structural engineer.

How to identify a load-bearing wall

1. Thickness — load-bearing walls are usually thicker (≥ 100 mm masonry or ≥ 150 mm with cavity)
2. Material — sand-lime block or concrete suggests load-bearing, plasterboard suggests non-load-bearing
3. Position — walls below joist runs or running across the joist span are usually load-bearing
4. Drawings — the building’s structural drawing gives the definitive answer
5. Engineer — when in doubt, always consult a professional

Application

During renovations, removing a load-bearing element always requires a structural calculation by an engineer and, in most cases, planning permission. Temporary propping is essential to prevent collapse during the work.

Related terms

• Load-bearing capacity
• Load-bearing wall
• Structural design
• Lintel
• Structural engineer
• Foundation

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