Can i put a support beam next to an existing one in the basement?
Question:support beam in basement has cracked but not all of it .contractor wants to put beam next to the cracked .should i let him do it.its the main beam that goes thru the middle of the house
Answers:
yeah you can do it, or use two on either side and lift house and replace main beam that way
It is possible to do this - it's called a sister beam.
im thinking you should because if the other one breaks your whole house could fall
Sure. Thats actually how you want to do it, because removing the actual beams will not only be expensive, but unnecessary if they atill work.
I am a structural engineer and I don't see any problem with adding a beam at all. It is easily done, you can "scab" on a two by on each side with construction adhesive and a big nail on the top and bottom every 10 inches or so. The height of the two by should match the depth of the beam i.e. if the beam is 10 inches high add two, 2" X 10", one on each side. The ends of the two by's should fall at the columns supporting the beam.
You should calculate the loads this center support beam will see prior to sistering (gang-laminating) a new beam. The loads were excessive enough to fail the original member. Depending on the age of the home, the beam most likely has a bending modulus (Fb) which exceeds today's sawn lumber availability. Once the loads are calculated, you can size the beam with the understanding that the member is sized correctly. You might consider engineered lumber, don't concern yourself with matching the size of the existing beam, your gang-laminated beam might be deeper. Use 5/8" diameter through-bolts, not lag screws or nails.
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