Splitting of wood column
Splitting of wood column
(OP)
I have attached a picture to this post of a wood column that has a significant split on it. The building is at least 15+ years old and this column is exposed to environmental effects (snow, rain, etc.) I understand that splits like this can happen when wood shrinks and is nothing to worry about. However, this split seems to be significant and appears to have originated where the bolt-through at the base use to be (it's missing now...I wonder how.) The size of the split has me concerned. How would I go about repairing the split? I suppose some sort of an adhesive? Your input is appreciated.






RE: Splitting of wood column
RE: Splitting of wood column
RE: Splitting of wood column
Hokie66, I've attached another picture of a close-up of the column base. There is no corrosion visible. I suspect the split was initiated at the bolt-through location but it doesn't look like it was because of any corrosion. It also seems like the bolt-through was removed at some point in a vain attempt to prevent further splitting.
So column replacement is the only remedy?
RE: Splitting of wood column
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
http://mmcengineering.tripod.com
RE: Splitting of wood column
This not meant to be a criticism as they are from experienced engineers ,but leave me with the following questions.
To me a split in wood may not be static and can progress over time.
It is difficult to determine the extent of the split by visual inspection with any degree of certainty.
A wood col that has a significant split in my understanding could be sigificantly weakened as the original stability of the col was based on the whole x-section where now with a split could be based on 2 or 3 smaller x-sections.
RE: Splitting of wood column
Don Bennett
Lone Star Engineering, PC
www.lonestarengineeringpc.com
RE: Splitting of wood column
RE: Splitting of wood column
Two things -
1. It can "possibly" be fixed if the vertical loads are not too high - say 75-80% of normal capacity.
2. Best bet would to replace it if at all possible. As noted that may be the more economical solution.