Allowable checks in wood beams

[ron9876]

I have some exposed No.1 Douglas Fir beams that have too many checks. I know I have seen a limit for the amount of checks but I can't seem to find it. Isn't it part of the grading rules? I would like to refer the contractor to the requirements before I tell them to replace them. Any help is appreciated.

 

[htfptm]

You might want to call the particular grading agency whose name is on the grade stamp. I don't know that all grading agencies conform to the exact same rules for timber and beam grading. They can probably email you the particular rules you are looking for. They also should offer some sort of reinspection service (not likely free) if it turns into a dispute with your contractor as grade rules can be somewhat ambiguous. Ultimately, it is the problem of the manufacturer who graded it rather than the grade agency or contractor, but the contractor has to jump through the hoops to fix it.

You will probably find rules that allow 1/4 the thickness for the sum of all end checks (one check 1/4 the thickness or 2 checks 1/8 the thickness each...etc).

#1 should still be "pretty" so if your eyeballs are questioning it, they are probably grossly off grade.

 

[Ron]

ron9876....you are dealing with the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau. Check their grading rules. It is in there.

 

[msquared48]

You probably got "heart centers" which are far more susceptible to longitudinal splitting.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask

 

[MiketheEngineer]

First - check the NDS (by the American Forest & Paper Association)which can refer you to the appropriate grading agencies.
Douglas Fir, depending on species, may be graded by one of the following: WCLIB, WWPA, NLGA. You can find these on the web.