BS 5977-1:1981

Foreword
Cooperating organizations
Method
1 Scope
2 References
3 Definitions
4 Basic principles
5 Limiting conditions
6 Loads
7 Assessment of load for lintel supporting wall without
   openings within the interaction zone
8 Assessment of load for lintel supporting wall with
   one or more openings within the interaction zone
9 Assessment of load for lintel directly supporting
   roof or point loads
Appendix
A Use of assessed loads for design or selection of
   lintels
Tables
1 Conversion factors for determining equivalent UDLs
   from assessed UDLs
2 Conversion factors for determining equivalent UDLs
   from point loads close to the lintel
Figures
1 Load triangle and interaction zone
2 Dispersion of loads
3 Effect of openings above the lintel
4 Example showing the loads on lintel with floor,
   partition and opening over the lintel
5 Example showing the loads on lintels supporting walls

Method for assessment of load carried by lintels in masonry of up to 4.5 metres in span for single storey buildings and of up to 3.6 metres in span for two or three storey buildings in normal domestic use.

This Part of BS 5977 describes a method for assessing the load carried by lintels in masonry: where lintels span up to 4.5 m in single storey buildings and up to 3.6 m in two or three storey buildings in normal domestic use; and where no openings are wholly or partly within the load triangle (see 3.2). Appendix A gives guidance on the use of assessed loads for design or selection of lintels, but does not cover assessment of the overall stability of the structure or the design of adjacent masonry. NOTE It has been assumed in the drafting of this Part that the assessment of load on a lintel is entrusted to chartered structural or civil engineers or other appropriately qualified persons, for whose guidance it has been prepared. The responsibility for providing adequate support for lintels and for compatibility between lintels and other parts of the supporting structure rests with the designer responsible for the overall stability of the building. For guidance, see BS 5628-1.