Extending an RSJ ?

Question

Hi AllThe following is nothing more than a theoretical idea at this stage.I'll not be doing any of the work myself, I simply want to gain alittle knowledge before discussing with a builder :-Could an installed ~5ft RSJ be extended by joining it to another  4 ftsection ? Is welding two RSJs acceptable ? Are there other approvedmethods of joining that don't compromise rigidity ?The objective is to remove a supporting pillar to create an open-planroom by extending the beam to reach an external wall for support.I'm assuming that this approach would be cheaper and less disruptivethan ripping out the existing beam and replacing it with a 9 footer.Paradoxically, the upper wall that the RSJ currently supports will beremoved during the project, leaving (relatively) little weight on theextended beam. However, an extended beam would greatly assist therearrangement of the floor joists above, which is necessary to removean unrelated load-bearing internal wall. Cheers,GD

fred · Accepted Answer

In article ,                 writesThe load bearing capacity of a single 9' beam can be certified by themanufacturer but the quality of the welded composite cannot. Thedisruption caused by the replacement of the 5' by the 9' is really not thatgreat and the peace of mind gained by that solution really makes it a nobrainer, replace in the whole. Steel is (relatively) cheap.

Roger · Answer

The message from fred contains these words:

And the discarded beam will probably have some residual value.

As the wall above is being removed the replacement should be relatively painless. Normally such an increase in span would require a deeper section beam but as the loading will be less you might get away with the same depth beam, but do check.

dg · Answer

I doubt if a weld to the join would be suffcient, and it would probablyrequire two plates to be bolted or welded into the web.dg

The Natural Philosopher · Answer

Seconded heartily.If the wall above is going, ask an architect or structural engineer whether you need steel at all.

Rick · Answer

You can extend them, you bolt plates into the web. However theresultant RSJ and its use, and the way you extended it needs to havebeen caculated as approrpriate but an engineer.Rick

Extending an RSJ ?

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