Main Beam to Column Fasteners

[chuck Miller]

I have come across several "new construction" jobs where there is no fastener from column plate to beam or just 1 nail. I thought that a minimum of 2 bolts were required at the plate, and if it was the end of a beam (like at a stair well) that 4 bolts were needed. Bur I can't find this in the IRC. 602 tables have all kind of other applications and 502.5 is span info. Can some one point me to the proper section? TIA.

 

[jar546]

I have come across several "new construction" jobs where there is no fastener from column plate to beam or just 1 nail. I thought that a minimum of 2 bolts were required at the plate, and if it was the end of a beam (like at a stair well) that 4 bolts were needed. Bur I can't find this in the IRC. 602 tables have all kind of other applications and 502.5 is span info. Can some one point me to the proper section? TIA.

Chuck,
First of all, it's nice to see you here. We need to catch up. Next, can I assume you are talking about a metal post/column where that attaches to the bottom of a built-up beam, such as three 2x10's?

 

[chuck Miller]

I need to be here more to keep learning. Yes, they are steel columns to 3 LVLs x11.75. The base is bedded in concrete floor, but just 1 nail in the top plate.

 

[wwhitney]

2021 IRC R502.9: "Floor framing shall be nailed in accordance with Table R602.3(1). Where posts and beam or girder construction is used to support floor framing, positive connections shall be provided to ensure against uplift and lateral displacement."

Of course, that doesn't specify what a positive connection to ensure against uplift and lateral displacement would be, but I'm pretty sure one nail doesn't qualify.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[chuck Miller]

2021 IRC R502.9: "Floor framing shall be nailed in accordance with Table R602.3(1). Where posts and beam or girder construction is used to support floor framing, positive connections shall be provided to ensure against uplift and lateral displacement."

Of course, that doesn't specify what a positive connection to ensure against uplift and lateral displacement would be, but I'm pretty sure one nail doesn't qualify.

Cheers, Wayne

I wish I could remember where I learned at least 2 fasteners or 4 at the end of the beam on a column. Most likely it was an old timer with years of experience. It just never found it's way into the code.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

In my experience every hole is to have a fastener.

 

[mark handler]

2021 IRC R502.9: "Floor framing shall be nailed in accordance with Table R602.3(1). Where posts and beam or girder construction is used to support floor framing, positive connections shall be provided to ensure against uplift and lateral displacement."

Of course, that doesn't specify what a positive connection to ensure against uplift and lateral displacement would be, but I'm pretty sure one nail doesn't qualify.

Cheers, Wayne

R407.3 Structural Requirements​

The columns shall be restrained to prevent lateral displacement at the bottom end. Wood columns shall be not less in nominal size than 4 inches by 4 inches (102 mm by 102 mm). Steel columns shall be not less than 3-inch-diameter (76 mm) Schedule 40 pipe manufactured in accordance with ASTM A53/A53M Grade B or approved equivalent.
Exception: In Seismic Design Categories A, B and C, columns not more than 48 inches (1219 mm) in height on a pier or footing are exempt from the bottom end lateral displacement requirement within under-floor areas enclosed by a continuous foundation.

 

[SCBO1]

Chuck,
Might want to check the LVL manufactures installation guides and see if there is anything there on the connection and might look through the Simpson hanger catalog to see if there's anything there that will help. Sometimes the Simpson catalog will list some code requirement.

I have witnessed several steel pipe to steel beam connections where they roll the 4-finger flanges over the I-beam and tap-con the post flange to the concrete.

The LVL connections I have witnessed typically have a U-pocket to catch the double or triple LVL with holes for through-bolts or fasteners.

 

[jar546]

R407.3 Structural Requirements​

The columns shall be restrained to prevent lateral displacement at the bottom end. Wood columns shall be not less in nominal size than 4 inches by 4 inches (102 mm by 102 mm). Steel columns shall be not less than 3-inch-diameter (76 mm) Schedule 40 pipe manufactured in accordance with ASTM A53/A53M Grade B or approved equivalent.
Exception: In Seismic Design Categories A, B and C, columns not more than 48 inches (1219 mm) in height on a pier or footing are exempt from the bottom end lateral displacement requirement within under-floor areas enclosed by a continuous foundation.

In PA these would be in a basement with about a 7' tall metal column.

 

[SCBO1]

In Boston, they'd be called lally columns, wasn't sure how far west that term expanded too?

 

[jar546]

I have come across several "new construction" jobs where there is no fastener from column plate to beam or just 1 nail. I thought that a minimum of 2 bolts were required at the plate, and if it was the end of a beam (like at a stair well) that 4 bolts were needed. Bur I can't find this in the IRC. 602 tables have all kind of other applications and 502.5 is span info. Can some one point me to the proper section? TIA.

I researched this further, and the IRC doesn’t prescribe a required bearing area for girders on columns due to the many variables involved—point loads, spacing, dead/live loads, and material types. This has to be determined by an architect or engineer. I wrote an article breaking it down—check it out here: Column to Girder Design Curious to hear your thoughts.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

In Boston, they'd be called lally columns, wasn't sure how far west that term expanded too?

They are referred to as Lally columns in Connecticut, too, but in reality a "Lally" column is a trade name for a specific type of concrete-filled steel column. Most of what we see aren't actually "Lally" columns.

Lally column - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[steveray]

I researched this further, and the IRC doesn’t prescribe a required bearing area for girders on columns due to the many variables involved—point loads, spacing, dead/live loads, and material types. This has to be determined by an architect or engineer. I wrote an article breaking it down—check it out here: Column to Girder Design Curious to hear your thoughts.

IRC doesn't do much for posts/ columns....or stringers....or.......

 

[jar546]

IRC doesn't do much for posts/ columns....or stringers....or.......

Very true.

 

[steveray]

Very true.

There is some loose guidance here for solid sawn which at least assumes the full width (implied) of the beam is supported by 1.5" at a minimum...With engineered lumber the beam sheet will either give you the square inches or the running inches (again implying full width) of required bearing for each application:

R502.6​

The ends of each joist, beam or girder shall have not less than 11/2 inches (38 mm) of bearing on wood or metal, have not less than 3 inches of bearing (76 mm) on masonry or concrete or be supported by approved joist hangers. Alternatively, the ends of joists shall be supported on a 1-inch by 4-inch (25 mm by 102 mm) ribbon strip and shall be nailed to the adjacent stud. The bearing on masonry or concrete shall be direct, or a sill plate of 2-inch-minimum (51 mm) nominal thickness shall be provided under the joist, beam or girder. The sill plate shall provide a minimum nominal bearing area of 48 square inches (30 865 mm2).