Reinforcing Existing Wood Beams
Reinforcing Existing Wood Beams
(OP)
I'm currently working on an existing building where we need to reinforce the existing timber beams to accommodate the new loading condition. Our plan was to sandwich the existing beams with steel and bolt together.
However, due to historic preservation requirements they will only allow us to add steel to one side of the existing beams. Is there anything in the code that states the steel must be added symmetrically to allow for composite action? Can the steel be placed on one side of the existing beams?
Thanks.
However, due to historic preservation requirements they will only allow us to add steel to one side of the existing beams. Is there anything in the code that states the steel must be added symmetrically to allow for composite action? Can the steel be placed on one side of the existing beams?
Thanks.






RE: Reinforcing Existing Wood Beams
RE: Reinforcing Existing Wood Beams
RE: Reinforcing Existing Wood Beams
Not likely any code other than Laws of Physics which will want the beam to rotate so that must be addressed.
RE: Reinforcing Existing Wood Beams
RE: Reinforcing Existing Wood Beams
RE: Reinforcing Existing Wood Beams
One sided reinforcing is often fine in my opinion. You just need to rectify the torsion with blocking/bridging etc or give due account to the resulting torsional stresses.
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: Reinforcing Existing Wood Beams