Bethspan steel joists
Bethspan steel joists
(OP)
Does anyone have any information regarding Bethspan steel joists? I field measured these joists as having a 3" deep seat, and I have to evaluate them for new loads from mechanical units. The building was built in 1966. I am trying to find out if these joists are manufactured to SJI standards and what the yield strength of the steel is. Finding a load table would be great






RE: Bethspan steel joists
Let me know
RE: Bethspan steel joists
I would be interested in this info also. I have a similar problem.
Thank you very much,
reckin2000@netscape.net
RE: Bethspan steel joists
The 1969 SJI Spec and Load Tables lists J and H series and LJ and LH series (which you do not have).
The LA or LJ and LH series always had a 5" high seat.
The Steel Handbook from 1961 to 1963, 5th Ed. has L series joists within the tables.
Almost all of this era joists were made with A7 steel with a bending stress allowed of 20,000 psi. Shear was allowed to be 13,000 psi. Using this is conservative since A36 steel was just comming into use.
The seats were made with the top chord angles with a variety of miscellaneous 'T's to make a flat seat. The middle piece in the end sandwich could be tilted for a sloped joist.
All the above aside: Measure the depth of the joist and the span and get an idea of the top back-to-back angles and bottom member. Get the spacing and type of deck (steel, concrete, deck and concrete, or Tectum). Then call the Steel Joist Institute. They have the best idea of the maximum moment and shear the item can carry. You will know shortly from the experts what you have to compare with the new total uniform and concentrated loads.