Beam Nailing/screwing question

Started by RickD, July 11, 2012, 03:07:37 PM

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RickD

Hello all. I am almost ready to begin building my beams and have found no definitive answer or guide to my question.
My beams will be 3 2x10s with 1/2" ply between, for a total thickness of ~5.5". Do I need nails/screws to reach from one side to almost the other or can I use, say 16d nails from each side?

Basically I want to know if it is better for the nails to penetrate all 3 2x10s or can I go from each side like mentioned above. The reason for asking is I am having trouble finding nails longer than 4" but screws labeled as "timber screws" are readily available( although much more expensive than nails).

Thanks.

Squirl

Nail each side is fine and to code.

28. Built-up girders and beams, 2-inch lumber layers 10d (3" × 0.128") Nail each layer as follows: 
32" o.c. at top and bottom and  staggered. Two nails at ends 
and at each splice.

http://publicecodes.citation.com/icod/irc/2009/icod_irc_2009_6_sec002_par005.htm

Because you are using a 1/2" spacer, I would use 16d

I know 1/2" plywood is the most common, but I liked using a 1x spacer.


CjAl

32"oc? ? ?


i have mne nailed about every 6" and multiple rows just the keep the twist out of them

Don_P

This is a weak area in the codebook, and remember the code is about minimums. If the joists sit on top of the girder then the nails are simply there to keep things in alignment. However, if the joists frame into the sides of the girder then the connections are in shear and are transferring the joist load from the outer plies into the inner ones, connect it together well.

RickD

Thanks for the swift answers. I figured nailing from each side was acceptable, since I have read almost every build post on here and have never come across anyone mentioning 5" nails.

I haven't bought my beam lumber yet and may go with the 1x instead of plywood. Anything to not have to rip a bunch of plywood...

Don, my joists will be resting on top of the girder.

As I am sure more questions will come up, I will be starting a building thread soon. Thanks again.


old_guy

Quote from: Don_P on July 11, 2012, 06:20:49 PM
This is a weak area in the codebook, and remember the code is about minimums. If the joists sit on top of the girder then the nails are simply there to keep things in alignment. However, if the joists frame into the sides of the girder then the connections are in shear and are transferring the joist load from the outer plies into the inner ones, connect it together well.

Thank you for pointing this out, Don.  Perfectly clear now that you mention it, but not something which jumps out at you  one  me.

Tifflery

We used plywood, and it wasn't really a pain at all....and we just used a circular saw. lol One bit of advice,
MAKE SURE YOU USE NAILS THAT ARE MADE FOR TREATED WOOD.
If you don't, you'll have a ton of work pulling them all out, or spend more money putting more of the correct nails in...and have stained beams from the rust.
*Lesson Learned.* d*