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View Full Version : Removing a basement post and reinforcing steel I-beam with glulam beams


JustDoug
Dec 13, 2010, 03:33 PM
I'd like to remove a post partially supporting a 6x10 steel I-beam in the narrowest (14' 8") part of my basement to allow the placement of a large tablesaw. This post is 12' from terminating at the foundation and 12' from the next 3" steel post. There is no bearing wall above this post, just a master bedroom in a single story house. The attic above the bedroom has no storage and is built with typical 2x4 gusset plate truss construction.

To stiffen the beam and prevent floor movement/squeeking I propose to sister two 24' 2x10 glulam beams to the I-beam using 5/8" thru-bolts and 3" steel plates every 4'. I'll slightly bevel the top and bottom of each glulam beam so I can pull them in tighly to the web of the steel I-beam.

Do you find this idea do-able, and more importantly safe, or am I missing something? I'm not planning a permit for just setting up my woodshop, but eventually if the economy turns around I'd like to finish off my lower level and an inspector would be part of that process. Even if a finished lower level is never in the cards for us, at some point the house will be sold. Again, an inspector... So when I remove the post I was planning on chipping down through the concrete and inch or two before cutting off the post. I'd weld a sleeve in the post for positive realignment and just hang onto it. Before moving I'd weld the post back in place and patch the concrete. Of course a shallow concrete patch would be all I need as long as my shop is set up.

manhattan42
Dec 13, 2010, 07:19 PM
Structural alterations like these typically require building permits, and those building permits usually require and architect or engineer's design.

That means you need to consult with your building inspector now, since he will need to approve the pans and issue the permit before you can even start the work.

So call your code inspector and get the right information from him.