 |
Messages and Online Forum Q&A
| If you find the answer to this question useful, kindly CLICK
TO PAY here. |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Floor ReinforcementFrom: tack@yahoo.com
Category: Structural
Remote Name: 4.11.126.18
Date: 22 Feb 2004
Time: 11:13 AM
CommentsI have a question about reinforcing an existing kitchen floor that spans our garage, directly below.
Our two-story masonry home is built over a walk-out basement/garage. The kitchen is directly over the garage portion of the basement and, of course, has a garage door that opens only a couple inches from the ceiling. The kitchen floor is covered with heavy mud-set Satillo tile and is subject to springiness and vibration. Our contractor has indicated that the joists are causing the problem. I concur from what we have observed when opening the downstairs ceiling.
The potential solution is complex because of two issues: 1) floor spans garage, so center posts are impractical and 2)garage-door clearance at ceiling restricts depth of any spanning beam.
The floor in question, spanning the garage, is 18.5' x 13.5', the joists (T-lams) running in the 13.5' direction and on 16" centers. The joist ends are supported on each end by the masonry wall on one side and 4 bolted and laminated 16" microlams on the other.
There seem to be only two possibilities for adding strength and rigidity to the floor support system: 1) sistering the joists or 2) bisecting the joists with a new beam, effectively halving their spanning distances.
The questions with these two approaches are:
1) will sistering the joists in fact add enough strength and rigidity to elimiante deflection and vibration?
2) if a new beam is employed, because of the garage-door clearance, would need to be no more than 12" (maybe, 14", but doubtful) in depth. Further complicating use of a beam is that where it would need to be supported on its ends requires spanning 25', rather than 18.5'.
So, the questions are:
1) Is sistering effective in this case?
2) Can a beam be employed (25' x 12" depth) that will effectively span this distance with correct load and rigidity characteristics? A steel I-beam? Other?
Any assistance and insights appreciated.
If possible, please reply to tack@yahoo.com, as well as any reply posting to web site.
Thanks.
|
|
