Second hand rsj/steel beam

[BASH0001]

Hi all,
I'm after a bit of advice regarding steel beams and building control. I'm building a garage extension and have consulted a structural engineer who has provided beam calculations etc. I've put in the building notice to the council and have started shopping around for steel beams. My question is, is it okay to buy secondhand/not used steel beams or will the building control inspector want to see some form of certificate regarding the steels?

Thanks in advance,
BASH0001

 

[tony1851]

No problem, as long as the section-size is the same as that specified.
(assuming the SE hasn't specified the higher-grade S355 steel, which would be unusual)

 

[BASH0001]

Thanks Tony1851. I'm just worried the BCO will want to see some certificates etc that I won't have if I buy a steel from eBay.

 

[tony1851]

I've never known certification being required for the odd steel beam in a domestic context.

But if you're concerned, why not give it a good wire-brushing- and painting?

(A problem may arise if there are holes drilled in the web. Ordinarily it will make not the slightest difference to the strength, but
some thick inspector might query it).

 

[Ian H]

I used the S355 Steel to hold up my loft floor. Building Control didn't want to see the certificates for the just the calculations.

I did them myself online but they won't accept them because they don't have an engineers name on. I spoke to them on Friday and their request for the engineers name on them is due to them 'not having the manpower to check self calculated beams'.

 

[BASH0001]

I was going to do the calculations online but was worried that building control would say something similar so got a SE in. I did read something on a forum about similar instances where the council wanted an engineers name but the house owner argued that it was irrelevant and their job was to check calculations not names.

 

[^woody^]

If it's second hand and bent, then just put it in upside down.

 

[Doggit]

Interesting point Bash; I expect they want a name, so they they can pass any blame on, or is it just a tick boxing attitude. I doubt if they even check the names a valid one.

 

[^woody^]

some form of certificate regarding the steels?

You don't get any certificate when buying steels. It's not a contest.

You just get a receipt like when buying bananas from Asda.

 

[^woody^]

I used the S355 Steel to hold up my loft floor. Building Control didn't want to see the certificates for the just the calculations.

I did them myself online but they won't accept them because they don't have an engineers name on. I spoke to them on Friday and their request for the engineers name on them is due to them 'not having the manpower to check self calculated beams'.

That's crap. There is no requirement for any name. The requirement is that the council have the opportunity to check your calculations and agree they are suitable or not. Whether they take the opportunity is up to them.

I don't put a name on mine. Just in case . Lol.

 

[Ian H]

I heard that but don't want an argument with the BCO just yet. The steels he wants the calcs for have been fitted for 6 months already. I reckon if I write 'Woody woz ere' on them they will accept them

I got certificates with my beams, one of them was originally part of a 14mtr length :0

 

[chappers]

I used the S355 Steel to hold up my loft floor. Building Control didn't want to see the certificates for the just the calculations.

I did them myself online but they won't accept them because they don't have an engineers name on. I spoke to them on Friday and their request for the engineers name on them is due to them 'not having the manpower to check self calculated beams'.

That's the biggest crock of 5h1t I have heard, it is exactly their job to check, there is no provision for self certification from a professional like for example FENSA or electrics under part P.
I would tell them that is unacceptable as that is what you have paid your fee for.
Most of my structural calcs are done by a friends brother in Glasgow, who my BCOs would never have heard of, though to be honest I have no idea if they check them or not