| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| Q4. |
What is the maximum diameter of the Tecbeam steel web holes? |
| A4. |
T25: 156mm
T30: 212mm |
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| 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 |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| Q13. |
Can Tecbeam joists be termite treated? |
| A13. |
Yes, joists with timber flanges treated for termite protection can be supplied. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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