Preferred beam width in relation to column width for ease of construction
Preferred beam width in relation to column width for ease of construction
(OP)
I believe I remember reading somewhere that contractors prefer beams that are a different width than the column they are framing into for ease of construction. However, I can't remember the reason behind this. So first off, is this true? Should the beam be smaller than, the same size as, or larger than the column it is framing into? And does it depend on the amount of beams framing into the column? Thanks for any info.






RE: Preferred beam width in relation to column width for ease of construction
RE: Preferred beam width in relation to column width for ease of construction
For steel: Not sure there is a general rule. I have framed into smaller columns but the connection matters (think moment frame)
RE: Preferred beam width in relation to column width for ease of construction
RE: Preferred beam width in relation to column width for ease of construction
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RE: Preferred beam width in relation to column width for ease of construction
RE: Preferred beam width in relation to column width for ease of construction
RE: Preferred beam width in relation to column width for ease of construction
You also need to be careful using wider beams. If they get too wide, you may have torsion issues with the portion of the beam that runs past the column as that edge of the beam is unsupported.
RE: Preferred beam width in relation to column width for ease of construction
I always make columns stronger (lower capacity), beams weaker (high capacity, so they are commonly smaller). In case of reaching stresses beyond ultimate limit state, beams fail, columns stay. The structure that way may keep its integrity, however, if columns fail. I don't want to think about it. Sometimes I think that we have simmilar jobs with human lives as doctors do...
Live long and prosper!
RE: Preferred beam width in relation to column width for ease of construction
BA