Steel I beam cut in half - InspectionNews

john dennett · #1 (**permalink**) 08-04-2008, 05:03 PM

Just wanted to see what comments I could get about this. I wanted to be able to give my client some decient information but I have been unable to get any hard information from the books I have. What I have is a steel beam which appears to have been cut. In the first pic the cut is directly above the expansion tank over the water heater. There is about 2 feet of cantilevered beam on the right side and about 10 feet on the left. In the second pic you can see a close up of what I think has been cut. The left side resting on three 2x4s. The next real colum to the left is a 4inch steel post about 10 feet away. Am I crazy or is this way wrong??? By the way there are two stories about this.

wayne soper · #2 (**permalink**) 08-04-2008, 06:00 PM

And how do you think they were cut? That straight? And Why would anyone want to. Do you think the weight of those beams may have caused the SE to decide on 2?

Erby Crofutt · #3 (**permalink**) 08-04-2008, 06:32 PM

I'd like to hear the second story, please. I don't like the first one.

Markus Keller · #4 (**permalink**) 08-04-2008, 06:36 PM

The beams look like they were installed like that, not necessarily cut afterwards. Should have better support than 2x4's
- are there footings under the post and 2x4
- open framing, no fire separation at hwt
- is that cpvc tied to the copper at hwt, proper couplings? does your code allow that crap?
- what's up with the flex hose, going to a register?, not properly secured
- is that a GFI those pumps are plugged into?
- freon line doesn't look secured
- whether the cantilever on the beam is ok for 2' or 10'(unlikely) will depend on beam weight (W20,25,30etc) and height. Call for SE or Arch to spec if ok
- check if your plumbing code calls for a TEE at change of direction for clean-out instead of 90's
Just a few thoughts, good luck

Michael Thomas · #5 (**permalink**) 08-04-2008, 07:34 PM

I would really expect to see those supported by permanent steel columns - my vote is a field mod by the builder. Check the plans, would be my advice.

Billy Stephens · #6 (**permalink**) 08-04-2008, 07:43 PM

John,

Were does all the tangled cord go and what does it supply power to ?

john dennett · #7 (**permalink**) 08-04-2008, 08:17 PM

a lot of the plastic pipe and low voltage wire is from central vac. Yeah the copper to plastic is typical around here. No that was not GFCI to the sump and what I was trying to say but failed to do was that this is in the basement of a two story home.

john dennett · #8 (**permalink**) 08-04-2008, 08:20 PM

One last thing, the reason I though it had been cut was the wood above has a kerf at the exact same location. Its hard to see in the pic but it is there.

Steven Turetsky · #9 (**permalink**) 08-05-2008, 04:19 PM

The cantilever dosen't bother me, but the steel beam on wood supports does.

Darren Miller · #10 (**permalink**) 08-06-2008, 10:15 AM

When a beam or column is cut in the field, it's usually 'burned' with a toch. I see no evidence of that.