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An old 1920-30’s bungalow has its first floor supporting beam running long ways down the center of the basement. The beam is sectioned off into thirds (non-continuous) and supports are divided off at these three sections where each end is supported by a steel lally column, except at the perimeter where it is supported at the conc. fndtn. wall.
The beam’s center span between the two steel columns is only 10.5 ft.. The beam is a built-up quadruple 2 x 8 and, it sags about 1-2 inches at the center. I figure this one is the only one that is sag’g because there is a wall of heavy plaster at this center span location above and that wall picks up some ceiling load from the ceil’g/floor of the attic. I want to know if I can simply place a ftg and column at the center of this span and have the beam straighten-out? Is the beam elastic enough for this to happen after so many years of deflection? Anyone have this experience or seen this work? I could replace the darn thing but then I have to get more engineering services and figure out a way to get the same depth to the new beam (the other beams have ends that share a surface with this beam’s column plates).
Any information would be greatly appreciated and let me thank you in advance.
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HI PRP
If the load is causing the 10 foot beam to sag 1 to 2 inches in the middle you should be able to bring it back significantly in the manner you describe.
Make absolutely sure about the base for your footing being solid. Pour a 12" deep footing. It may seem like overkill but you will be putting a load on, probably before it's finished curing.
Use a screw jack and slowly tighten it up. when one end or the other lifts, stop.
Wait a week or so and tighten again until you remove enough of the sag to make you comfortable with.
You may not be able to remove all the sag but you should get most of it.
Good luck and play safe
Gabe
*PRP - Heck yeh, give it a try. But check any doors etc. in the path above the jack as you go. I don't see why you couldn't use a hydraulic jack and then cut a post in after you get beam where you want it. - jb
*Ditto Gabe......Ed. Williams
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An old 1920-30's bungalow has its first floor supporting beam running long ways down the center of the basement. The beam is sectioned off into thirds (non-continuous) and supports are divided off at these three sections where each end is supported by a steel lally column, except at the perimeter where it is supported at the conc. fndtn. wall.
The beam's center span between the two steel columns is only 10.5 ft.. The beam is a built-up quadruple 2 x 8 and, it sags about 1-2 inches at the center. I figure this one is the only one that is sag'g because there is a wall of heavy plaster at this center span location above and that wall picks up some ceiling load from the ceil'g/floor of the attic. I want to know if I can simply place a ftg and column at the center of this span and have the beam straighten-out? Is the beam elastic enough for this to happen after so many years of deflection? Anyone have this experience or seen this work? I could replace the darn thing but then I have to get more engineering services and figure out a way to get the same depth to the new beam (the other beams have ends that share a surface with this beam's column plates).
Any information would be greatly appreciated and let me thank you in advance.