Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: I-Beam Support Without Center Pole

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Structural
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 19 Aug 2001
Time: 11:28 AM

Comments

Assuming I read correctly that your existing center support is merely a 1/4" (one-quarter inch) round pole, there is no way that this could be a structural support for an I-beam.

There's not enough information in your message to determine whether the existing I-beam is suitably engineered to handle the span. But from the sounds of it, removing the center support which was simply a flimsy piece of wood shouldn't make any difference at all. Maybe someone just stuck that wood there for no apparent reason.

A true center support would be positively anchored to the beam and the foundation to transfer the load.

If I misunderstood your question or facts, please let me know immediately. Of course, whenever you're talking about occupant safety, never leave anything to change. If you have any questions whatsoever, you should hire a structural engineer to evaluate the situation. Removing a load-bearing center support would be a dangerous idea!

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