Fixing an rsj

[DaG56]

Hi.
Can anyone tell me if an rsj has to be mortar bedded onto a padstone or does it just sit on the stones with any gap taken up by packers?

If it is packers will steel packing pieces (which I have easy access to being a metalworker) be ok or is some other material normally used to pack the underside of a rsj?

Also does an rsj need to be fixed to the padstone, or is the weight bearing down on it enough to prevent sideways movement?

The rsj I'm fitting is 2.8-metres long & is a 152x89 with 150 bearing onto each padstone. The opening is 2.5m wide that it bridges & is in an internal wall.
Thanks for any help.

 

[chappers]

steel packers will do fine no need to fix down just restrain the beam by bricking up around it

 

[^woody^]

The main consideration is that the bearing is fully supported.

So if the padstone is smooth and level, then plonk it straight on. If there are any major gaps, then fill with a bit of mortar or neat cement grout.

Only pack it it needs lifting.

Its held by friction - on the padstone and by the load above. No fixing to the padstone

 

[noseall]

as woody said, packing can be done with any dense material.

quarry tiles, cement slates, real slate, concrete slab (non riven-non coloured), steel shims, etc.

padstones can be cast-in-situ concrete, p.c.c. lintels, kerbstones, purpose made padstones, etc.

 

[DaG56]

That's great lads, thanks a lot for the advice.
The distance between the upstairs floor joists & the padstones is 172 mm, my beam is 152 high, so I need 20 mm of packing. Steel shims it is then.