Are you allowed to drill through a laminate beam?
- Thread starter zappy
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kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
In general no, if you feel you must you need to find out from manufacturer or structural engineer where or if you can drill it.
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
I don't see why a laminate beam is so much different then the old method of pancaking 3 2x10 together to make a beam. We always drilled them.
We had one in a garage and the plumber and I each needed to dill a 3/4" hole to get across to the other side. I called the engineer and he said go at it. It depends on the size etc. I always try and drill them over a wall so there are no big issues.
We had one in a garage and the plumber and I each needed to dill a 3/4" hole to get across to the other side. I called the engineer and he said go at it. It depends on the size etc. I always try and drill them over a wall so there are no big issues.
My 2 cents
My 2 cents
I agree that contacting the manufacture or an Eng.is prudent. I always heard it's ok to drill towards the outside 1/3 of the span. Do not drill in the middle. Also avoid drilling or notching the top 1/3 of a joist. It weakens the tensile strenth.
My 2 cents
I agree that contacting the manufacture or an Eng.is prudent. I always heard it's ok to drill towards the outside 1/3 of the span. Do not drill in the middle. Also avoid drilling or notching the top 1/3 of a joist. It weakens the tensile strenth.
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kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
It is not much different - you have to be careful where you drill either one or you will weaken it, same with truss frame members.
sometimes you can drill almost anyplace you want if the hole is not too large
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
I would never drill a standard truss-- very different animal.
electricmanscott
Senior Member
- Location
- Boston, MA
I've drilled plenty of laminated beams. Never heard a peep from anyone.
Buck Parrish
Senior Member
- Location
- NC & IN
Drilling them , that's news to me. I've been taking the long route all these years. 
Real_Bostonian
Member
- Location
- Eastern Massachusetts
The rule of thumb with conventional beams is that it is ok to drill within the outer 2/3 of a span and never to drill in the middle third lengthwise, keeping in mind to drill from the center heightwise as well.
For laminated, as others have said - no drilling - go around.
There are those semi laminated "I" beams though where it is ok. The top and bottom of the "I" are laminated and therefore they can't be drilled but the vertical part comes with pre-punched knockouts that can be bashed out with a hammer.
jxofaltrds
Inspector Mike®
- Location
- Mike P. Columbus Ohio
- Occupation
- ESI, PI, RBO
When they first came out we had to have a PE sign off on drilling through one.
We all know know that they are more stable that regular lumber. So it was just not allowed to 'alter' them in the beginning.
Here is one example of how and where to drill. PP 36.
http://www.ilevel.com/literature/TJ-9000.pdf
You should note that the drilling point(s) are different than dimensional lumber. The 1/3 and 1/3 rule.
You can drill a I-truss not a 'normal' lumber truss.
Again you must know the manufacture to know where to drill or notch.
We all know know that they are more stable that regular lumber. So it was just not allowed to 'alter' them in the beginning.
Here is one example of how and where to drill. PP 36.
http://www.ilevel.com/literature/TJ-9000.pdf
You should note that the drilling point(s) are different than dimensional lumber. The 1/3 and 1/3 rule.
You can drill a I-truss not a 'normal' lumber truss.
Again you must know the manufacture to know where to drill or notch.
stevebea
Senior Member
- Location
- Southeastern PA
As long as you stay out of the middle 1/3 have at it...... I questioned an inspector on this issue and it is not a problem. If you drill multiple holes I believe they can be no closer than 2" apart. A manufactured truss would be an issue. Drill a hole and you could be paying for an engineer to make a recommendation.
jxofaltrds
Inspector Mike®
- Location
- Mike P. Columbus Ohio
- Occupation
- ESI, PI, RBO
You should look at my link.
stevebea
Senior Member
- Location
- Southeastern PA
Thanks for the pdf. I stand corrected, a laminated beam and a TJI joist are two different beasts.
jxofaltrds
Inspector Mike®
- Location
- Mike P. Columbus Ohio
- Occupation
- ESI, PI, RBO
You are welcome. It is unbelievable what the I-joist can hold.
When I build every one of my headers was an LVL. Every one of my studs were LSLs.
These are great products. Pricey? Yes! But you save it on labor. They are all perfect.
weressl
Esteemed Member
Here is another one: http://www.rosboro.com/pdfs/S560E.pdf
It would be good to include this type information in apprentice courses.
kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
They would have different requirements than a horizontal beam, of the same material and size. Would also depend on how much if any lateral movement the column is expected to be able to withstand. The distribution of the load being supported is different than with the horizontal beam.
jxofaltrds
Inspector Mike®
- Location
- Mike P. Columbus Ohio
- Occupation
- ESI, PI, RBO
Yes. Before you are allowed to hold a drill.
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
Here is a basic illustration that can be used.
renosteinke
Senior Member
- Location
- NE Arkansas
Why guess when you can get the real answer so easily?
www.apawood.org
These folks are the trade group for the lumber industry, and have all manner of free downloads regarding the various 'manufacturered' wood products. I suspect what you have is called a 'glulam.' There will be information there as to where you may drill them.
It can be a real eye-opener, since different products have differing rules. For example, the above artwork appears to be for ordinary lumber - while glulams and TJI's (wood I-beams) have VERY different rules.
www.apawood.org
These folks are the trade group for the lumber industry, and have all manner of free downloads regarding the various 'manufacturered' wood products. I suspect what you have is called a 'glulam.' There will be information there as to where you may drill them.
It can be a real eye-opener, since different products have differing rules. For example, the above artwork appears to be for ordinary lumber - while glulams and TJI's (wood I-beams) have VERY different rules.
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