Using a lintel as a foundation

[regsmyth]

Perhaps I'm being daft, but shouldn't there be a concern about the steel in the lintel rusting and causing the lintel to deteriorate. After all, they're not really designed to be sat in wet mud are they?
Or would the op need to specify one with high tensile stainless rod inside? Can you even get such a thing?

 

[Shytalkz]

The steel is inside the lintel. And, at the ends, it's protected by the masonry.

 

[regsmyth]

I know the steel is inside the lintel, but I thought it extends to the ends (isn't that how they're made - by stressing the overlength steel, pour the lintel, trim the steel to length?), so the ends are exposed, and will rust. And the rust will creep into the lintel and destroy it (albeit slowly).
Perhaps a coat or two of bitumen over the ends will help, but I can't help thinking that lintels should be up in the air, somewhere reasonably dry, not sat in wet ground.

 

[Shytalkz]

Yes, that is how they are made. If you're worried, stop them 2" short of the wall reveal and mix up some concrete to cover the ends. Or paint with bitumen, as you suggest. It'll see all of us out.

 

[regsmyth]

Agreed. On behalf of the op, I can sleep easy now.