i beam strength - DIY Chatroom

larry pederson · 04-13-2009, 12:20 AM

i need to know is it stronger to weld to i beam side by side or weld channel iron to each side of one i beam as i need to move a house

wildcat · 04-13-2009, 01:40 AM

Completely depends on the size of the sections you are considering, what specific type of steel they are made of, and what the weld detail is.

But, my gut says a wide flange shape (i-beam) with a channel on each side would be stronger. Due to the fact that all elements (flange or web) would be considered "stiffened" according to the AISC, reducing the chances of local buckling.

larry pederson · 04-13-2009, 11:37 PM

i thank you for your educated gut feeling. the beams are going to be 75 ft. ill be lifting on the beams about 65 ft. apart . i would like to use
32# 12 inch i beam and of course 3by 12 inch channel iron. i dont know if it should be welded solid all the way or space the weld.got any idea on this.any opinion on these ideas are greatly apprecited.

Daniel Holzman · 04-13-2009, 11:43 PM

Truly you are a brave man, the average person getting ready to move a house would consult with a structural engineer regarding the required size, spacing, and stiffening of the beams, and would want a specific procedure for moving the house. Please let us know how your move goes.

wildcat · 04-14-2009, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Holzman

Truly you are a brave man, the average person getting ready to move a house would consult with a structural engineer regarding the required size, spacing, and stiffening of the beams, and would want a specific procedure for moving the house. Please let us know how your move goes.

This is a tremendous idea. If something were to go wrong and someone gets a minor injury you will be in deep, deep crap if you didn't consult with a structural engineer.

The house could potentially be uninsurable if something goes wrong with it and an engineer has not be consulted.

fast1 · 04-14-2009, 03:19 AM

what would the insurance company need before they approve a claim?

wildcat · 04-14-2009, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fast1

what would the insurance company need before they approve a claim?

Well, if a professional contractor (house mover) is doing the work, then that contractor is bonded and insured to do such tasks.

If you're doing something like this on your own, I would assume you would need to check your homeowners policy to see if it would even cover this. It would make sense that an insurance company require a professional to handle such a task. Insurance policies vary widely, so you would need to check with your agent or policy issuer on the specifics. I'm just assuming this is a potential problem based on the fact that some insurance companies require proof of building permits for work done to homes, or they won't insure.