Any Structural Engineers in the house?

[JachPot]

So I got off the phone with the LFS and they said they won't insure the tank going to the basement because it's going to be sketchy. I don't blame them.

So backup plan is to put it upstairs. It's a 6' x 30" footprint, 200 gallons on an aluminum stand.

In the picture you can see the tank is going to be running across a steel beam, it's not perfectly centered, probably more 60/40 centered on the steel beam. I talked to the LFS guy and sent pictures and he said it was a strongback beam and I don't even have to worry. I wanted to get some second opinions. I'm also looking into hiring a structural engineer to come out, but I have free time so why not. Additionally, the steel beam has a support pillar running 4 feet from where the tank is going to be placed. What do you all think about the situation?

House was built in 2003 as well.


Thanks!

 

[JGT]

If I understand you correctly, there will also be other wood joist’s running parallel with the steel beam that will also fall under the tank?

 

[JachPot]

If I understand you correctly, there will also be other wood joist’s running parallel with the steel beam that will also fall under the tank?

Yeah so the standard wood joists in the floor run parallel to the steel beam


Edit: The wooden joists don't have supports though

 

[JGT]

OK, what width are the joists 2 x10? and are they solid or engineered i-joists?

 

[JachPot]

OK, what width are the joists 2 x10? and are they solid or engineered i-joists?

2x10" engineered I joints

 

[mehaffydr]

That is very odd that the joists would run parallel to the beam typically they run perpendicular and are supported by the steel beam? What does the beam support?
You should go down in the basement and take a picture of this area and post it.

 

[JGT]

OK, well first the disclaimer, I’m not a SE. However, I do a lot DIY projects including building a new addition on my house. My tank is an 8’x2’ 240 sitting perpendicular to 12” ijoists and no steel beam at all and it’s rock solid. Personally, I think with the beam , Lally column and ijoists you’ll be fine.

 

[JGT]

That is very odd that the joists would run parallel to the beam typically they run perpendicular and are supported by the steel beam? What does the beam support?
You should go down in the basement and take a picture of this area and post it.

Agree. Thinking there may be a ledger board sitting perpendicular on the steel beam and the joists tie into that from each end.

 

[mehaffydr]

Agree. Thinking there may be a ledger board sitting perpendicular on the steel beam and the joists tie into that from each end.

That would make sense. Either way I agree with your post I think most people get way to concerned about a tank. Houses are built to hold a lot more weight than a tank will have most of the time. Unless your getting 500 plus gallon

 

[JachPot]

That is very odd that the joists would run parallel to the beam typically they run perpendicular and are supported by the steel beam? What does the beam support?
You should go down in the basement and take a picture of this area and post it.

Actually, I'm an idiot. They do run perpendicular. They run parallel to the tank

 

[mehaffydr]

Well then with the tank over the beam and wide enough to span 2 joists. I would try and span 2 joists. You have nothing to worry about.

 

[JGT]

Actually, I'm an idiot. They do run perpendicular. They run parallel to the tank

Well then with the tank over the beam and wide enough to span 2 joists. I would try and span 2 joists. You have nothing to worry about.

Agree, the beam is key. That and a couple ijoists and you’re good to go. Most likely have 3/4” tongue/groove ply glued/screwed and then finished floor. It’ll be fine.

 

[sfin52]

6ft tank most likely will span 3 joists. It depends on position i would try to hit three joists.

 

[JachPot]

6ft tank most likely will span 3 joists. It depends on position i would try to hit three joists.

Wrong direction there, the tank runs across the steel beam, the wood beams would run perpendicular with it, so at best it would sit across 2 I think, it's 30" deep. I'll double check downstairs

 

[JachPot]

Added wooden 2x10"engineered i beams

 

[mdb_talon]

Actually, I'm an idiot. They do run perpendicular. They run parallel to the tank

Haha glad you clarified. I was starting to wonder what monkey built that house with joists parallel with the steel beam lol.

 

[sfin52]

Added wooden 2x10"engineered i beams

That beam will hold a ton of weight

 

[JachPot]

Ok now one of you guys convince my wife I don't need to pay a structural engineer to come.

 

[JGT]

Ok now one of you guys convince my wife I don't need to pay a structural engineer to come.

Just tell her we are SE’s. One of the R2R bennies.

 

[JachPot]

Just tell her we are SE’s. One of the R2R bennies.

You moonlight as a divorce attorney?