wood blocking in steel beam in lieu of steel web stiffener plate?

[Ben29]

I am working with an existing condition. We have an existing steel beam (I think size W12x16) bearing on an existing CMU block bearing wall.

Due to a new framing layout, we will need to install a column directly above where the existing steel beam at the bearing location. The beam doesn't have a stiffener plate at bearing. Can we jamb wood blocking between the flanges in lieu of adding a stiffener plate? Or what else could we do to avoid welding?

 

[driftLimiter]

I know its second nature to put a stiffener at all bearing locations, but generally in light frame the loads aren't such that you need it to resist web crippling of the beam. Have you looked into whether you actually need one here??

I feel that the wood blocking wont have the same stiffness as the beam or a stiffener would have. I wouldn't count it if the web crippling was really a concern.

 

[phamENG]

I'd go for casting it into non-shrink grout before packing wood blocking in there.

 

[Ben29]

drift: thank you ! it does seem to be ok!

pharm: excellent suggestion!

 

[XR250]

Seems a bit thick for non-shrink grout. I'd beat some wood in there first if it is needed.