Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 18, 2000 08:40am | #6

   *
   In my area, manufactured wood I-beams at 9 1/2" depth and 11 1/2" depth are less expensive than their solid wood counterparts (and from everything I read, a better, stronger, straighter product). It seems the logical choice for traditional floor joist spans. I'm interested in new and perhaps unconventional uses, or adaptations, given their unique properties. Any ideas?

   -Randy

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 17, 2000 05:00am | #1

   *I'll throw a couple of ideas out there off the top of my head:1) Given strong enough connections at the contact points (lap joint with solid wood filler, liquid nails and bolts) could you form a giant triangle for use as a do-it-yourself room-in-attic truss?2) given the lip created by the lower flange, could a person come up with a clever lift-and-drop-in-place false ceiling system that wouln't look too hokey?-Randy

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   Guest_ | Apr 17, 2000 05:04am | #2

   *...and as long as we're talking wood I-beams, I have another question; Are they appropriate for use as floor joists in crawl space applications over dirt covered with traditional vapor barrior/gravel precautions or are they more sensitive to mold, rot and glue break down due to moist air? What would a bare minimum clearance be between the bottom flange and the gravel/vapor barrior?-Randy

1. 
   Kim_Shanahan | Apr 18, 2000 05:58am | #3

   *We recently used 9 1/2" I-beams to create lightweight collar ties for a 22' clear span. We wrapped four with 1 1/2" flanges together to create a box beam 11"x11" that finished out to 12"x12" after sheetrock. Our engineer thought it was a great idea and stamped our design. The beams had zero deflection in all directions and unlike a solid beam, did not have to be sized carry the weight of itself over the span. Though they are designed to carry heavy loads and resist deflection, they also seem to resist being pulled apart along their length as a proper collar tie must do.

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 18, 2000 06:17am | #4

   *Pretty sure I read about using them for studs in an exterior wall for a "super insulated house".Chuck

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   Guest_ | Apr 18, 2000 06:20am | #5

   *Randy, you'll want to check your local code. Around here, the required clearance is 18" for joists and 12" for girders. Otherwise, treated material must be used.Steve

3. 
   Guest_ | Apr 18, 2000 08:40am | #7

   *So Randy, how many of these I-beams did you steal? If you're close to SoCal I could use about 70 16" x 24'........can you deliver? Joe H