Continuous wood built-up beam
Continuous wood built-up beam
(OP)
I am checking a 2-span 3-ply built-up wood beam in a newly constructed cottage. It is advantageous to take account of the continuity because one span is significantly less heavily loaded than the other span. It is over-spanned if checked as non-continuous. Can it be checked as continuous, if the ply members are jointed at the Code specified locations?
I did not design the beam; the issue arises because the contractor built it with fewer supporting piers than on the drawing, but he also increased the beam depth.
I did not design the beam; the issue arises because the contractor built it with fewer supporting piers than on the drawing, but he also increased the beam depth.






RE: Continuous wood built-up beam
If it a 3 ply beam and 2 of the plies are continuous, I would redistribute the moment based on this ratio.
Sounds like the contractor is going cowboy. If it needs a repair, repair it. Don't do him any favors.
RE: Continuous wood built-up beam
RE: Continuous wood built-up beam
Is it usual to design wood beams as continuous or does this come under the heading of "doing the contractor a favour"?
RE: Continuous wood built-up beam
No favours when plans are ignored without good cause. Also, if you play hero, the Contractor learns that Engineers may safely be ignored as well as YOU incurr all the liability.
RE: Continuous wood built-up beam
Aside from Part 9, if it is already built you can analyze the beam in its existing condition to see if the splice locations are acceptable.
As for designing continuous wood beams...for me it depends on the contractor and how the size of the beam is affecting the rest of the design. I'm working on a large renovation job right now with continuous beams and I have no problem with it because I know the contractor does quality work and it will be built properly. I do some work with other contractors where if I show a continuous beam I make sure it works as a simple span because I know it won't be built properly. I usually only rely on the beam being continuous if I really need to in order to keep the beam depth reasonable.
I agree with others about not doing any favours. I don't look at it as doing a favour anyway...he deviated from the plan, if he wants to pay (or someone else pays) to check the existing condition then so be it. If it works, it works, if it doesn't...well then he'll have to fix it. I don't see this as you doing any favours, you're just analyzing the beam and reporting the results.
RE: Continuous wood built-up beam
It is often easier to add plies either side.
RE: Continuous wood built-up beam