in an apartment building i need to remove a load bearing wall?

Question

this is just a feasibility project it wont actually happen. just need some ideas on how to do this or if it could be done theorectically. could the entire wall be replaced with some columns or since the building is over 12 storeys high could this wall even be removed considering it is in the same place every floor?

Answer 1

It could be done with engineered lumber/steel beam and columns
I have seen it done on several large buildings, but to replace the whole thing is very expensive. You will need an architect and an engineer.

Answer 2

It depends on what kind of wall. Is it a solid wall of bricks or blocks, or is it a hollow curtain wall with embedded concrete columns or a steel skeleton? Obviously, if there are columns in there already, then you job is easier since all that you have to do is remove the curtain wall in order to expose the load bearing columns (assuming that you could do this without damaging the columns). Building codes might forbid this, unless the contractor got a lot of permits (especially if the building was occupied while you made the alteration that could bring down the building if you screwed it up).

In theory, I suppose you could replace most walls with a series of columns, but it might take more money & effort than it is worth.