re-inforcing wood frame

skinut2234

here is a good one!
We built a ramp as a prop for a high school musical- actors one at a time walk up and perform. When it was framed- there were (2) 2x3's along the long side of the ramp (it's 12' long)- So I think an 8 footer was used and a 4 footer- This of course causes a weak point (see pic)- One option is to rip it out and put one larger piece like a 2x4 instead- the other thought was to fasten some sort of really strong metal (almost like a bed frame metal) to where the 2 pieces come together to strengthen it- Does anyone have any other ideas on what would work that would strengthen the joint pictured? I think smaller flat metal brackets will work short term but was thinking of some type of longer metal to go across the joint to add the needed strength
thanks!

http://s686.photobucket.com/albums/v...psf7e3078d.jpg

kwikfishron

Stick a post under it.

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skinut2234

Thanks kwik- We did try that- but then of course- the show changed and now it needs to be moved a few times during the show- we had sort of a "hinged" leg in that area but it proved to be more or a hinderance...... that is what made me think of using a piece of strong metal

kwikfishron

Any lumber yard or box store will carry a variety Simpson straps that would help. Longer is better, I'd go with a 24" ST using joist hanger nails. http://www.strongtie.com/products/co...s-hst-lsta.asp

This is really just a scab kinda fix, next time use longer lumber.

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Millertyme

Could you sister a joist on the inside over the joint?

kwikfishron

That’s the obvious fix but I figured keep it light and how long will the school play last anyway.

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oodssoo

IMO, you should build it at the least with 2x4s in lieu of the 2x3s.

Either that or or make a L or U shaped ramp, thereby building a long lasting structure altogether.

mae-ling

If not a full 2x4 the full lenth. Then
an 8' strip of 3/8 plywood cut to the 2.5" and screwed to the inside over the joint.
and test it with at lesat double (should be 4 times the largest weight you expect to be on it. for strength)