Steel beam between two concrete walls 2

[JT-1995]

I am working on a design that requires a steel frame to span between the faces of two concrete walls. I would like to simply detail an end plate connection at the ends of the new HSS shape spanning between the walls. I am concerned that any shop inaccuracies with the fabrication or any inaccuracies in the original wall construction may make the tight fit installation difficult, or impossible. I can not measure the face to face dimension of the wall in place because it is under an operating piece of machinery (our project is to replace the machine that is operating now with a new machine). So, I started to consider fabricating the HSS beam/end plate fabrication "short" and then plan on shimming between the end plate and the wall for a tight fit and final bolting. I am not crazy about that idea, but I am worried about "missing by 1/8" and ya might as well have missed by a mile". My second thought was to ship ONE of the end plates loose and then trim the HSS as needed to make the connection and weld that end of the HSS to the face of the loose end plate in the field. Maybe this is best, but I thought I'd ask to see if anyone had any smart ideas for this problem. THANK YOU.

 

[JedClampett]

If the loads aren't large, how about a (stiffened) seat angle? I believe they have a gap built in. Or add a retrofit concrete corbel.

 

[XR250]

Most of the small jobs I do are fabricated on site. Is this an option?

 

[dik]

I generally provide a shim plate for the end connections to give them a little space to fit the beam.

-----*****-----
So strange to see the singularity approaching while the entire planet is rapidly turning into a hellscape. -John Coates

-Dik

 

[JT-1995]

Thanks Mr Jed. I had not not considered that option, I will definitely dive into it to see what it may look like. It may even give me a chance to give some room to expand and contract the HSS differently than the concrete which I like too. The reaction is about 30k so it may be a bit tough with a seat to legitimately get enough anchors. Thank you

 

[Tomfh]

We often do an end plate at each end, with grout to make up the gap.

On one job the builder couldn’t be bothered with grout and tried to close the gaps by working away at it with his rattle gun. It pulled a big chunk of the wall out at one end. Those rattle guns just keep on going.

 

[BridgeSmith]

I think there would be a reduced shear capacity for the anchor bolts if you do shim plates. Placing grout for a vertical joint seems like it would be difficult.

I like the idea of a steel bracket/corbel. If it's possible to weld the beam to the bracket once both are in place, that gets you an exact fit, and allows you to design the anchors for shear only, like you would for the end plate.

Rod Smith, P.E., The artist formerly known as HotRod10

 

[EZBuilding]

How about a steel angle field welded to the hss beam and post-installed anchored into the concrete wall?

 

[BridgeSmith]

How about a steel angle field welded to the hss beam and post-installed anchored into the concrete wall?

Kind of what I was thinking, except I envisioned the angles (stiffened if necessary), anchored to the walls first, and then beam set on them and welded.

If welding isn't an option, then the HSS could be supplied studs pre-installed or holes for through-bolts, and the angles fabricated with slots for the studs or bolts.

Rod Smith, P.E., The artist formerly known as HotRod10

 

[JLSE]

I wouldnt detail the exact dimension, and have the contractor verify dimensions and produce shop drawings. Or, I would build tolerance in with a field weld... double L bracket.

 

[JoelTXCive]

How about a wall plate with a standoff distance just like a column baseplate. You can build a 1" to 2" grout pad if necessary.

 

[JT-1995]

thanks for the ideas. This helps move me forward.