Drilling an RSJ - yes / no ?

[shd1970]

Hi everyone,

Today, our 5.1m steel has gone in across the back of our house but unfortunately, it is nearly 3 inches lower than we expected.

Our builder is saying it was because he didnt want to cause any disturbance on the bedroom walls above but frankly, i have looked, looked, and looked again but i cannot see how he would.

"I" suspect that it is because our steel did not come with pre-drilled holes for electrics and plumbing so dropping it down 1 course of bricks gives them the space above the steel.

I will speak to them about it when i see them Monday morning but in advance, presumably RSJ are ok to be drilled to let piping and cables through, although i am under no illusion that it would be hard...VERY HARD !

It doesnt sound a lot 3 inches but our ceilings have always seemed low and light is at a premium and when you multiply 3" x our existing 5' x 4' lounge + 3" x our new 4' x 4.8' extension, you'll appreciate that it IS a lot of space across the whole area.

I'm not being unreasonable am i ??

Thanks in advance.
Sean

 

[noseall]

Having that extra course makes needling/propping and beam insertion easier on the builder, particularly if it is a case of retaining the masonry betwixt existing joists.

Having the beam 1 course higher is entirely possible but it may come at a price to either you or the builder.

I take it the floor joists are a course of bricks above the steel beam?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

What did the drawings show?

 

[shd1970]

Here are a couple of photos that i have just taken..1 from inside and 1 from the outside.

You will see the 3" difference between the base of the RSJ and the base of the ceiling rafters very clearly

The original conversation was that trimming off the bottom of the rafters so that they slotted together with the bottom plate of the RSJ would not be a problem but this is what we have.

Many thanks for any input....really appreciated.

Regards,
Sean

 

[hammerswinger]

You haven't attached the photos?

 

[shd1970]

Apols.....here they are !

View media item 35708View media item 35709
Also for the record, the structural diagrams state :

"BEAM TO BE SET TO GIVE A FLUSH CEILING WITH EXISTING FLOOR JOIST SUSPENDED IN HEAVY DUTY JOIST HANGERS WITH SOLID TIMBER BLOCKING BEHIND"

There is no mention about holes for pipes or cables on either the plans of the structural literature for the steel.

Rgds,
Sean

 

[hammerswinger]

I take it the plastic pipe through the bricks is so the copper pipes can be routed through.

It's your call, if you want the ceiling to be flush the beam needs to be lifted & the piped either routed a different way or a hole cut in the beam, if you are allowed to do that.