Wood columns bearing on concrete 1

[bhiggins]

Hi all,

I have a residential remodel project where the contractor is refusing to install 6x6 oak columns with the knife plate detail we have specified. Right now the columns are bearing directly on concrete and are held into place with concrete screws. This connection is horrible in the first place, but the contractor is trying to argue that it is allowed by code. Here is his argument: "They (the columns) are in the living space many feet from exposed earth and there is a moisture barrier below the concrete that they rest on." Is anyone aware of a specific code reference (IRC) that does or does not allow this condition? We are not allowing the untreated wood to bear on concrete but I'm looking for ammunition for my argument.

Here's the code snippet:

R317.1.4 Wood Columns
Wood columns shall be approved wood of natural decay resistance or approved pressure-preservative-treated wood.

Exceptions:

Columns exposed to the weather or in basements where supported by concrete piers or metal pedestals projecting 1 inch (25 mm) above a concrete floor or 6 inches (152 mm) above exposed earth and the earth is covered by an approved impervious moisture barrier.
Columns in enclosed crawl spaces or unexcavated areas located within the periphery of the building when supported by a concrete pier or metal pedestal at a height more than 8 inches (203 mm) from exposed earth and the earth is covered by an impervious moisture barrier.

 

[Celt83]

If you can a discussion with Home Owner may also be needed the contractor has been in their ear all project at this point and they will surely be singing a tale of delay and more cost to the owner to make the proper corrections and the home owner usually doesn't know any better that they should not be responsible for the cost. Sadly run into this a lot with residential construction.

Open Source Structural Applications:

https://github.com/buddyd16/Structural-Engineering