Bethspan steel joists 1

[bjb]

Does anyone have any information regarding Bethspan steel joists? I field measured these joists as having a 3" deep seat, and I have to evaluate them for new loads from mechanical units. The building was built in 1966. I am trying to find out if these joists are manufactured to SJI standards and what the yield strength of the steel is. Finding a load table would be great

 

[Lutfi]

I have a PDF joist manuals that deals with Bethlehem steel joists. The name of it is: 1959 S-eries joists. I would be more than happy to send it to you via e-mail or I can scan certain pages of it. Let me know what you want me to do. As you can see, mine is not 1966 but very close.

Let me know

 

[reckin]

I would be interested in this info also. I have a similar problem.

Thank you very much,

reckin2000@netscape.net

 

[SweetNlow]

An old catalogue I have is for S, J, H, L, and LA joists.

The 1969 SJI Spec and Load Tables lists J and H series and LJ and LH series (which you do not have).

The LA or LJ and LH series always had a 5" high seat.

The Steel Handbook from 1961 to 1963, 5th Ed. has L series joists within the tables.

Almost all of this era joists were made with A7 steel with a bending stress allowed of 20,000 psi. Shear was allowed to be 13,000 psi. Using this is conservative since A36 steel was just comming into use.
The seats were made with the top chord angles with a variety of miscellaneous 'T's to make a flat seat. The middle piece in the end sandwich could be tilted for a sloped joist.

All the above aside: Measure the depth of the joist and the span and get an idea of the top back-to-back angles and bottom member. Get the spacing and type of deck (steel, concrete, deck and concrete, or Tectum). Then call the Steel Joist Institute. They have the best idea of the maximum moment and shear the item can carry. You will know shortly from the experts what you have to compare with the new total uniform and concentrated loads.