Steel Reinforcement of UPVC conservatory

[mx5bitz]

I have a lean to conservatory with a problem. It was constructed with 4m sides facing east and west, exposed to the prevailing wind. Unfortunately no close coupler was employed between the window/door sections and cheese, so there is no integrity in high winds resulting in damage. A secondary concern is addressing the frame slump of a 2 metre wide inward opening set of french doors.
I am looking to reinforce the sides to prevent further damage and have employed a company to carry out the work. They recommended a solid horizontal steel bar - 45mm wide x 25mm deep, fixed at 300mm centres where the close coupler should be, chased into the house blockwork and with a central vertical support of the same material.
I employed a structural engineer to appraise their solution. It was recommended that the section be changed to 50mm x 30mm and fixing centres be reduced to 150mm.
I am a little concerned at the weight of this section and just looking for reassurance that solid steel is the preferred method of minimising deflection in this situation.

Thank you

 

[mx5bitz]

My apologies if this question(my first post) is in the wrong section of the forum - please move it if this is the case.

 

[JAE]

I employed a structural engineer to appraise their solution.

I would recommend depending on your structural engineer to assess the conditions, loads, stability, stiffness, etc.
We can't do that online as well as they can.

Check out Eng-Tips Forum's Policies here:
faq731-376

 

[mx5bitz]

Thank you for the reply.

The problem is difficulty in accessing this very issue because of the material used and the unpredictability of the wind that is the major issue. Gusting produces some very strange forces.
The close coupler that should have been employed is about 1.5 inches in depth and 'H' section with a box profile in the centre.
I am really just asking if you thought the use of solid steel of this section made entire sense given the general circumstances.

 

[hokie66]

Maybe others here can help, but I have very little idea what you are talking about. If you have a structural engineer, use him.