Deck Design - Notching of Wood Piles
Deck Design - Notching of Wood Piles
(OP)
I am reviewing an architect's plans for a duel-level wood deck. Half the deck is at one elevation and then there is a step down to a lower elevation sitting area.
The deck is supported by 10" diameter wood piles and the proposed design has the lower level supporting beams (DBL 2x8) notched into the piling.
The pile continues upward and the upper level's support beam is then notched into it. (see attached diagram)
The pile has plenty of axial capacity for the given loading, but I am concerned about lateral stability since there is a region where a full 6" of material has been removed from a 10" column.
What do you think? Maybe there is an alternative way we can do this connection?
The deck is supported by 10" diameter wood piles and the proposed design has the lower level supporting beams (DBL 2x8) notched into the piling.
The pile continues upward and the upper level's support beam is then notched into it. (see attached diagram)
The pile has plenty of axial capacity for the given loading, but I am concerned about lateral stability since there is a region where a full 6" of material has been removed from a 10" column.
What do you think? Maybe there is an alternative way we can do this connection?

RE: Deck Design - Notching of Wood Piles
RE: Deck Design - Notching of Wood Piles
Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)
RE: Deck Design - Notching of Wood Piles
I was going to say notch into the 10" dia. pile 2.5" on each side. This provides a little more bearing area for the two outer 2x10 beam members, and still leaves about a 5"x9" solid post member btwn. the two beams. I would cover the top surface of the pile and the two beams with peal-n-stick flashing to keep water out of the entire joint and out of the beam splices over the length of the beams. Take a look at the AF&PA Design Guide #6, Design for Code Acceptance, “Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide,” for some good general deck design and construction info.
RE: Deck Design - Notching of Wood Piles
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Deck Design - Notching of Wood Piles
Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)
RE: Deck Design - Notching of Wood Piles
RE: Deck Design - Notching of Wood Piles
Dik
RE: Deck Design - Notching of Wood Piles
The plan going forward is:
• Change the beams to DBL 2x12 due to some loading changes
• Drop the beam on the right so that there is no 'overlap region'
• Reduce the notch size
• Bolt both beams
Thank you again for helping the lowly EIT.