mounting a beam to a footing w/o post

murphyfields

I am designing a low deck,so there is not much room for posts. I plan on using pairs of 2x6's for beams, and2x6's for the joists. I was thinking of using something like a Simpson EPB44 mounted in the footing, but have several worries...

Don't think the EPB44 has adequate corrosion resistance.

The EPB44 is 3.5" wide...my paired 2x6's are only 3" wide. What to do with the extra 1/2"?

Have not poured my concrete yet, so have plenty of options, but would like to hear suggestions that have minimal corrosion issues, only require a few inches above the footings, and properly support the beams.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Suggestions?

Gary in WA

Using two pieces for a beam is asking for water damage. At least cover them with sticky window tape on top first.
Do you live in a frost heave area? http://books.google.com/books?id=1gg...num=3#PPA31,M1

EPB44 is also available with additional corrosion resistance: http://www.strongtie.com/products/connectors/EPB.asp
Just cut a shim out of the treated 2x6, use a bolt instead of nails on that side.
Be safe, G

murphyfields

Yes, I live in Colorado, so definitely in a frost area. Planning on footings 3 feet deep with a pea gravel base.

When you say use a bolt on that side, I would assume it would go through both sides. What am I missing here?

(OK, after a night of sleep, I guess you meant a lag bolt into one side, not a machine bolt all the way through, right? Gotta get more sleep!)

What do you mean by sticky window tape? I was thinking of gluing/screwing the pair of 2 by 6's together to avoid the water problem.

Thank you for the suggestions

Gary in WA

Becuse of adding 1/2" p.t. shim next to the beam to fit the post base, it would split all up if you used nails on that side- hence the lag screw, pre-drilling. Or a through-bolt.

Glue and nail the built-up beam together with sticky window tape over the op, before the joists. http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...433&lpage=none

Here are some sites on decks for any hints: http://www.awc.org/Publications/DCA/DCA6/DCA6.pdf

http://books.google.com/books?id=53L...oists+building

Be safe, G