Re-use existing RSJ or go brand new?

[wickedwjc]

Hi all,

I'm in the process of having an extension built and as part of this I need to either move or replace an existing RSJ (approx 9 meters long).

I've spoken to a couple of builders who each have different ideas about this... some suggested sandblasting and painting the existing beam whereas others have said for peace of mind might be better off getting a brand new one.

Ultimately it's my choice, which is why I'm here looking for recommendations! Clearly there are cost implications as it's much cheaper to sandblast/paint the existing beam although there are some minor signs of buckling (at the edges rather than the beam itself) and surface rust.

I have no past experience to go on here, so if anyone has "been there, done that!" I would be hugely grateful for any recommendations.

Thanks!

 

[Newboy]

I'd have thought replace it - unless somebody will certify the existing steel as capable of carrying the load in it's new location.

 

[tony1851]

Nine m?? That's one heck of a beam!

 

[Newboy]

At 9 m it stops being a beam and starts to be a girder!

 

[RonnyRaygun]

I'd have thought replace it - unless somebody will certify the existing steel as capable of carrying the load in it's new location.

You'll need someone to design a beam to span in the new position anyway, so surely it would be better to get an engineer to survey the situation and determine whether the existing beam can be re-used.

A nine metre long beam is not going to be cheap so if at all possible I would want to re-use it.