How to Connect to an Existing Steel Beam

Most beams have bolt holes to make connecting easier.

Most steel beams have multiple holes drilled into a plate located at the end of the beam. The holes allow a builder to connect an existing beam and a new beam together with heavy-duty bolts. For most home-building and renovation applications, bolt-together beams will meet all structural requirements for new and existing construction.

Things You'll Need

• Beam sling
• Spud wrench

Instructions

1. Attach the lift sling to the new beam. There are different types of slings. A single sling goes directly in the center of the beam. This type of sling is good if you will have a man on each end of the beam to help guide it in place. A dual sing has a sling that goes at each end. This is ideal for larger beams where it is not safe to stand under.

2. Lift up the beam and line the bolt holes on each beam together. Inspect the beam to ensure that it rests level and lines up where it needs to.

3. Slide the bolts through the mounting holes. Tighten the bolts with a spud wrench. Torque the bolts per the manufacturer’s specifications. Use every possible bolt hole. If you skip any holes, it could weaken the structure.

References

• Steel Connections: Types of Connections
• Engineering Quick Reference Guide: Steel Beam Connections
• Rad Torque Systems: V-Rad User Manual