LA Steel Joists vs LH Steel Joists

[stevenspm]

Hello,
I have a question about 1960's era steel joists. I am looking at a building constructed in 1965. The structural drawings call out 32LA13 joists spanning 60' and spaced @ 7'-4" oc with a Total Roof Design Load, from the drawings of 61psf. I was wondering if there is a way to tell the difference between the LA joists vs LH joists from the same time. I ask because from the load tables I have a 32LA13 joist @ 60' has a capacity of 408plf where as based on the loads from the original drawings the applied load is 447plf. I know there is a discrepancy between the design drawings and the in place trusses that span 120' and are made from WT's and Angles. Photos of the trusses show additional web members that are not shown in the existing drawings. I will be going out to the site to measure the steel of the 120' truss and I was also going to measure the 60' LA joists. So again does anyone know if there any physical differences between a LA series joist vs a LH series joist.
Thanks,
Phil S

 

[jike]

I suggest getting joist tags whenever you can as this will help confirm the size and manufacturer. Note that some joists have more than one tag. Some are paint tags. I know of no physical differences between LA and LH joists.

 

[stevenspm]

jike,
Thanks, I figured that might be the only way to tell the difference, but I had to ask just in case.
Phil S