Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
floor. You now need to fit a block against the post between the first and second noggings
to add additional stability to the post. If you have chosen to use ply on the bottom
boxing, this will also support the ply at the post (see Figure 4.17).
Fixing posts in position prior to installing bottom boxing
Some jobs require not only that the posts be fitted in the centre of the bottom boxing, but
that the bottom boxing be built after the posts are in place. In this instance the posts will
be fixed to the floor with metal angle iron brackets, the posts will then be braced in an
upright position. The bottom boxing will then be built at some later stage in the
construction. If ply is your chosen treatment of the bottom boxing, care needs to be taken
to support the ply around the post (see Figure 4.18).
Figure 4.18
Infill post secured to the floor using metal brackets
Fixing the beam onto the post
Refer to the engineers' details for specific instruction on the installation of the beams.
Depending on the particular application it may be that the beams are bolted to the face of
the post, whereas in standard applications the beam is fixed into a checkout in the post. If
there are no specific engineering details, refer to the approved plans, in particular the
sectional drawings. If there are no specific instructions you can fairly safely assume that
the beams are to be checked into the posts. Without exception, the beam should be bolted
to the post with a minimum of two 10 mm bolts at each post. At the junction of two
beams, the ends of both beams should have two bolts through them fixing them to the
post.
Initially, the beams will be held to the posts using nails. When nailing the beam to the
post, give consideration to where you will be drilling holes to take the bolts. When
purchasing a drill bit for the job, ensure that the size of the drill bit matches the size of
the bolts to be used. Furthermore, I would recommend that you purchase a drill bit
capable of drilling both timber and steel, as it then matters little if you happen to strike a
nail while drilling.
