Structure Inspection Section#2 Floors Quiz#3

You should have finished Study Session 2 and Quick Quiz 2 before starting this Study Session.

The estimated completion time is 45 minutes.

Objectives
At the end of this study session, you should be able to:

• Identify two common beam materials.
• List three types of engineered wood.
• Describe in one sentence the function of beams.
• List 14 common beam problems.

List 14 common beam problems.

1. rust

2. rot or insect damage

3. sag

4. poor bearing

5. rotated or twisted beams

6. split or damaged

7. notches or holes

8. poor connections of built-up components

9. weak connections to columns

10. weak connections to joist

11. inadequate lateral support 

12. concentrated loads

13. missing beam sections

14. prior repairs 

List four types of engineered wood products used for beams.

1. laminated (glulams)

2. laminated veneer lumber (LVL - overgrown plywood)

3. laminated strand lumber (LSL)

4. Parallel strand lumber (PSL)

The two most common beam materials are:

1. Wood 
2. Steel

Wood beams in pockets in masonry or concrete walls should have ½ inch of air space around the sides, top, and end. Why?

Permits air circulation and reduces the liklihood of rot

Beams sag because they are over-_____. Another way of saying the same thing is that the beam is under-_____. (Insert your answers separated by a comma).

Spanned, sized

The ends of beams should have at least _____ inches of bearing. (Insert a number).

3-1/2 inch

Beams carry loads from: (four answers)

floors

walls

roofs

columns

Beams rest on: (two answers)

foundations

columns

Columns that rest on the mid-point of beam spans may - (two answers)

create a concentrated load

overstress the beam

Checking of wood beams: (two answers)

is usually not serious

Where is rust most likely to be found on a steel beam?

the end

A beam notched at the top is more likely to cause failure than one notched at the bottom.

False

Joists may sit on top of beams or be attached to the sides of beams.

True

Mortise and tenon joints between joists and beams are weaker than joists supported on top of the beam.

True

Steel beams should be shimmed with wood.

False

Wood beams should not be supported directly on hollow concrete block.

True