Support of concrete or masonry on timber?

[hokie66]

Is support of concrete and/or masonry allowed on timber framing? Are there any provisions in the BCA or other standards which would prohibit it?

I was asked this question in another forum, and the discussion there is about a house in the US. As I am not involved in dwelling design, I don't know the answer, although I think it is done occasionally.

 

[OzEng80]

hokie

Had a quick flick through the BCA and AS1720 and couldn't find anything prohibting it - couldn't find anything supporting it either...

I have done a job with a hebel balcony (floor) being supported by timber framing which the building certifier didn't have a problem with.

If appropriate fire, termite, strength and (in particular) serviceability requirements are met - what would be the problem?

 

[apsix]

I've never come across it (VIC/TAS) for typical brick veneer 'burbs type housing.
I have used timber lintels for traditional style mud-brick houses.
I guess there's no real problem with using it, as commented above, but I can't see that it would ever be a good solution for an 18' garage door with a substantial height of brickwork over.

 

[csd72]

Due to the long term creep characteristics of the timber, it is not a good idea to support masonry. This leads to cracking.

Supporting concrete has been done before in certain situations. Its becoming popular with bridges e.g.

http://oak.arch.utas.edu.au/research/bridge/sem2.asp