×
INTELLIGENT WORK FORUMS
FOR ENGINEERING PROFESSIONALS

Contact US

Log In

Come Join Us!

Are you an
Engineering professional?
Join Eng-Tips Forums!
  • Talk With Other Members
  • Be Notified Of Responses
    To Your Posts
  • Keyword Search
  • One-Click Access To Your
    Favorite Forums
  • Automated Signatures
    On Your Posts
  • Best Of All, It's Free!

*Eng-Tips's functionality depends on members receiving e-mail. By joining you are opting in to receive e-mail.

Posting Guidelines

Promoting, selling, recruiting, coursework and thesis posting is forbidden.

Students Click Here

Supporting a brick chimney using ceiling joists

Supporting a brick chimney using ceiling joists

Supporting a brick chimney using ceiling joists

(OP)
In Williamsburg Virginia,close-to Historic Colonial Area, I have been asked to retain the decorative exterior features of a brick chimney. In doing so, I plan to support this 18" by 30" by 12' high brick chimney in attic space using 1/2" X 3" X 4" lintels (bolted together)and made to  surround the perimeter of brick facing. This frame and chimney section would then be supported with 2-sets of triple pressure-treated 2X12" joists, bolted together with 1/2" bolts staggered every 30" over a 11-8' span to create beams to carry this load with (6) 2X4" vertical studs (per side) Frame 1-story residential dwelling has classic a-frame 10/12 slope roof. The chimney will be removed underneath the new beam shoring to permit the installation of stack washer/dryer in previous chimney location. Will this work or should I consider shoring a shorter chimney  via rafters/frame cradle system to point loading areas? What is the estimated weight of this chimney section? We are in a 90 mph wind zone.

RE: Supporting a brick chimney using ceiling joists

I recommend you hire a professional structural engineer in your area.  We cannot give you an answer to "will it work" questions.  That is not only a violation of ethics and professional conduct but is not the purpose of this website.

RE: Supporting a brick chimney using ceiling joists

agree with UcfSE.  there is a statement in the code regarding the use of wood to support brick.  basically, don't.  A professinal engineer needs to review the conditions and determine if what you want to do is affected by the code provisions.

RE: Supporting a brick chimney using ceiling joists

The problem with wood supporting masonry has to do (in part) with the tendency of wood materials to dry and shrink and thereby causing "settlement" of a part of the masonry. The IRC allows wood to support masonry provided that all of the masonry that is supported on wood is isolated from the masonry that is supported on other masonry or steel.
It sounds like the chimney is only being "saved" for the portion above the ceiling. It may be that only flashing isues are affected by this choice of materials. I'm curious about why PT materials are used. Perhaps because of some contact with masonry concerns.  
Regarding the question of "will this work" it is important to understnad what is meant by the expression. There is the consideration that I have identified and the consideration of the structural capacity of the support components. In the latter case, I agree, it is best to have this reviewed by a professional. Vertical loads are one consideration. Lateral stability of the (remaining) chimney and the overall effect of this modification on the building are other considerations. I would expect that a qualified engineer should examine the conditions as a way to identify any and all concerns.

UcfSE and archeng59, I trust that this reply is not out of place.

RE: Supporting a brick chimney using ceiling joists

From quick overview, having triple 12" joist seemed to be an over kill but I'm not clear on the situation. Also, you said, "1/2" X 3" X 4" lintels" and I can only assume you plan on using L 3 X 4 X 1/2. Lintels are used to support the structure above the openings such as doors and windows. You application for the angles sounds like more of the bracing than anything else.

Therefore, I agreed with others by recommending you retain a service from a licensed Profession Engineer to properly secure the structure.

Red Flag This Post

Please let us know here why this post is inappropriate. Reasons such as off-topic, duplicates, flames, illegal, vulgar, or students posting their homework.

Red Flag Submitted

Thank you for helping keep Eng-Tips Forums free from inappropriate posts.
The Eng-Tips staff will check this out and take appropriate action.

Reply To This Thread

Posting in the Eng-Tips forums is a member-only feature.

Click Here to join Eng-Tips and talk with other members! Already a Member? Login


Resources

Low-Volume Rapid Injection Molding With 3D Printed Molds
Learn methods and guidelines for using stereolithography (SLA) 3D printed molds in the injection molding process to lower costs and lead time. Discover how this hybrid manufacturing process enables on-demand mold fabrication to quickly produce small batches of thermoplastic parts. Download Now
Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM)
Examine how the principles of DfAM upend many of the long-standing rules around manufacturability - allowing engineers and designers to place a part’s function at the center of their design considerations. Download Now
Taking Control of Engineering Documents
This ebook covers tips for creating and managing workflows, security best practices and protection of intellectual property, Cloud vs. on-premise software solutions, CAD file management, compliance, and more. Download Now

Close Box

Join Eng-Tips® Today!

Join your peers on the Internet's largest technical engineering professional community.
It's easy to join and it's free.

Here's Why Members Love Eng-Tips Forums:

Register now while it's still free!

Already a member? Close this window and log in.

Join Us             Close