Steel Grade Beam

[J1D]

Somebody raised a question to me: What might be the problem using steel grade beams? (The grade beams will be on steel piles). To my knowledge, corrosion and stiffness may be the main concerns. I don't know how practical this application is.

Can anyone advice more on this? Thanks.

 

[msquared48]

You'd still have to encase it in a concrete cover for corrosion, probably provide shear studs, and add extra reinforcing to contain the concrete cover. So, why use it as you essentially are just short of a providing a concrete grade beam anyway.

Mike McCann
McCann Engineering

 

[J1D]

It is for supporting a tank (partially submerged). Somebody proposed to use a series of steel beams to form an octagonal support platform. This seems very unusual for me. As you said, why not simply use a concrete footing?

 

[csd72]

One problem with a steel beam is that it doesnt allow for tolerance in the placement of steel pile.

The piles could be 4" off location and still be in tolerance (depending on the local code). This would be a big problem for a steel beam, but not so much of an issue for a concrete one.

ALWAYS consider tolerances in foundation design.

 

[jike]

I agree with previous comments.

One time, I used 2 steel beams, side by side, encased in concrete to minimize the total grade beam depth because I was tying into a very shallow foundation. I spec'd a corrosion inhibitor in the concrete mix to give the structure longevity.

 

[oneintheeye]

i am curious as why a fully encased beam would require studs? Surely the conectivety of the studs would be insignificant to the effect of the area of the beam?