Below are a list of frequently asked questions. Should you have a specific query not covered by the FAQ's below, please fill in our enquiry form here, or contact us directly on +61 3 9794 8155.
Q1. What do T25 - P908, T25 M910, T30 P910, T30 M912 stand for?
A1. T25 – TECBEAM 25 cm depth, (248 mm)
T30 - TECBEAM 30 cm depth, (304 mm)
P – MGP10 timber flange source
M – MGP12
L – LVL13
9 – flange width in cm, (88 mm)
08, 10, 12 – steel web thickness 0.8, 1.0, 1.2 mm respectively
Q2. What's the exact dimension of Tecbeam Joists?
A2. T25-_9__ = 248mm x 88m
T30-_9__ = 304mm x 88mm
T30-_7__ = 304mm x 71mm
Q3. How long can Tecbeam joists span?
A3. For residential, Tecbeam joists can span up to 7.4m, please refer to the span tables here for the range of spans and spacings for various loads
Q4. What is the maximum diameter of the Tecbeam steel web holes?
A4. T25: 156mm
T30: 212mm
Q5. Are there standard connection details for Tecbeam Joists?
A5. Yes, these are available as an AutoCAD patch or in PDF, please refer to the Details section in the web site here
Q6. Can Tecbeam Joists carry 3kPa or more?
A6. Yes, our span tables show loads for 3, 4 & 5 kPa; if required, TECBEAM joists can be designed for floor loads exceeding 15 kPa. Please refer to an Engineer or Tecbeam Australasia for floor loads greater than 5 kPa.
Q7. Can Tecbeam joists support load bearing walls?
A7. Yes, this is one of the outstanding features of Tecbeam joists due to their inherent strength and low creep factor.
Q8. Can Tecbeam joists support high point loads at any position?
A8. Yes, the steel web provides continuous support to the flanges and strongbacks can be used to share the load with adjacent joists, this feature often eliminates steel beams.
Q9. How does the long term creep for Tecbeam joists compare with all timber joists?
A9. For Tecbeam joists the creep factor is 1.4, whereas all timber it is 2.0, a 60% reduction using Tecbeams! This can eliminate excessive deflections over time and save on maintenance.
Q10. Are there restrictions on cutting Tecbeam joists to length?
A10. No, they can be cut to any length. When cut install a pair of web stiffeners at the end, nailing through the steel web; if the cut is at a web hole place an extra pair of web stiffeners alongside so that at least eight nails pass through the steel web.
Q11. In long spans how is floor vibration dealt with?
A11. For Tecbeam joists floor vibration is easily controlled using strongbacks, if you want an even more solid feeling floor, simply add another row of strongbacks or use a section with higher stiffness, eg LVL. There is no need to specify the next size joist.
Q12. Can Tecbeam joists be exposed to the weather?
A12. Yes, but proper weather protection will be needed. Joists with treated timber flanges and galvanized nails can be supplied, the web has a zinc coating of 275 gm/m2, a good paint system is recommended, plus flashing over the top flange in open decks. Periodical maintenance inspections are recommended for important structures.
Q13. Can Tecbeam joists be termite treated?
A13. Yes, joists with timber flanges treated for termite protection can be supplied.
Q14. Is intermediate blocking required?
A14. Yes in long spans, strongbacks are used instead of installing time consuming solid blocks; the wide flanges enable strongback spacings to match those used for floor vibration control. No additional strongbacks are required.
Q15. Can Tecbeam joists be used as purlins?
A15. Yes, they certainly can, long spans are achievable and bracing is simple using strongbacks. Tecbeam joists can be a very economical solution in large commercial and industrial roofs.
Q16. How can Tecbeam joists replace steel beams?
A16. Tecbeam joists have a high load carrying capacity and when linked together with strongbacks the combined load capacity often eliminates a steel beam.
Q17. Are Tecbeam joists fire rated?
A17. In a combined system with a fire rated ceiling, the joists provide the structural support. Tecbeam joists in combination with a fire rated ceiling have been fire tested by the CSIRO and were approved for 60/60/60 and 90/90/90 FRLs. Higher ratings are feasible, these will depend on the ceiling construction. An alternative fire protection method would be to apply a fire protective spray coating.
