Beam support. Main types of products and their features. Opened, closed, sliding, embedded and driven elements

One of the most critical elements of fastenings that are part of any wooden structure is the beam support. It is mounted in the junction areas of individual components of building structures, ensuring their reliable fastening. With correctly selected and properly installed timber support, the structure being erected is characterized by high strength and enviable durability.

Application

The design of the beam supports is simple: they combine the so-called “bed” and side petals.
The “bed” part secures the part to the horizontal beam. The internal dimensions must fully comply with the geometric dimensions of the timber. That is why labeling always focuses on such a moment. The connection is achieved using standard carpentry screws, and no specific structures are required for the job. Side-type petals ensure retention on the wall. The holes in the shelves are designed in such a way that it is possible to drive in not only ordinary self-tapping screws, but also “wood grouse” of increased power. A T-shaped joint is provided. The beam is attached with the end part to the crown, making sure that this is ensured on both sides of the joint line

Attention: an open support is obviously not suitable for a corner connection

Brackets:

• used even by individuals without special skills and training;
• make it possible to avoid inserting wooden blocks and using embedded parts;
• speed up the work many times over compared to the formation of a traditional log house;
• are divided into several universal sizes;
• allows you to do without drilling;
• absolutely resistant to corrosion processes;
• very reliable and stable under normal conditions.

Rules for creating timber strapping

This frame element is made from the following lumber:

• logs;
• timber;
• solid board (double or triple).

The last option is the most durable.
Unlike the other two, it is not susceptible to cracking or warping. The framing of a frame house with a pile or columnar foundation experiences heavy loads, so it is made of high quality wood.

Follow the rules:

1. The width of the element corresponds to the thickness of the wall.
2. Before installation, the timber is treated with an antiseptic and fire retardant impregnation.
3. The foundation is covered with waterproofing.
4. The element is positioned strictly horizontally to achieve uniform load distribution.
5. For fastening to the frame posts, anchors, clamps, U-shaped galvanized profiles and brackets are used.

The frame element is most often made of timber.

The essence of mounting supports

The main material used in the construction of wooden buildings is classic timber.

Traditionally, it is in demand in the manufacture of the following elements of the structure being built:

• wooden logs used for laying (laying) floors;
• floor beams;
• elements of frame-panel structures.

The material has been used in the construction of houses for a long time. In any case, its use is possible only if there are special embedded supports for the timber. Parts are usually made in the form of perforated fastening steel blanks.

When constructing outdoor sheds, concrete foundations are usually used. During their arrangement, the embedded supporting parts are pre-filled with concrete and only after that are used for their intended purpose.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of using steel supports for timber blanks include:

• increased strength of the formed joints and low consumption of starting material;
• low cost of the metal used;
• universality of use of fastening blanks;
• the presence of a special galvanized coating that reliably protects building elements from rust and significantly extends their service life.

The disadvantages of supporting structures include the complication of the assembly scheme, which reduces the installation speed. In this case, suitable sized hardware will be required.

Recommendations for choosing timber for the frame

Lumber with a cross section of 150x150, 150x200 or 200x200 mm is used. If the trim in the house is made from a board, the thickness of the latter is 50 mm.

Coniferous wood is preferred:

• pine trees;
• larches;
• ate;
• fir trees

Rationale:

• low cost;
• prevalence;
• moisture resistance of this wood and antiseptic properties due to the large amount of resin.

Coniferous wood is preferred for the frame.

If a frame house is being built in a lowland area with high humidity, larch is preferable.

Requirements for lumber:

• humidity – 16-18%;
• dimensional and geometry accuracy – high (calibrated timber);
• absence of knots, cracks, rotten or moldy areas.

Logs are made from boards with an aspect ratio of 1:2 or 2:3, for example, 50x100 or 100x150 mm. The choice depends on the pitch between them and the thickness of the insulation.

Advantages and disadvantages

Manufacturers offer a wide range of fastening elements for interior finishing of wooden buildings and installation of roofs. Using such a mount has a number of advantages:

• Easy installation using available tools;
• Minimizing the volume of carpentry work;
• Reliability and durability of structures;
• Anchors, bolts and screws can be used to install supports;
• Made from inexpensive steel with anti-corrosion coating;
• Wide selection of standard sizes and affordable prices.

It is not recommended to use beam support fasteners when constructing external walls; in winter, the metal contributes to the creation of cold bridges; in conditions of high humidity, the metal can be susceptible to corrosion. The anti-corrosion coating is not designed for use of fasteners in conditions of high humidity.

How often does the jack need to be tightened?

During the first months and up to a year, shrinkage elevators must be checked and adjusted every week, since the main shrinkage occurs during this period. Further, compensation must be carried out at least once a month and the level must be checked during three years of operation of the house. Each time you have to lower the level by an average of one and a half centimeters. A timber building settles faster than a log building. The rate of shrinkage also depends on the building’s own weight and weather conditions, which should also be taken into account.

Description

They often try to use boards and beams based on timber in low-rise construction. In large houses, such elements are of an auxiliary, auxiliary nature. The main role of these products in private construction is the assembly of roof frames and rafter complexes. Often, completely wooden houses are also built, for which glued or profiled materials are used. In this case, the open beam support just helps to connect (attach) individual beam and rack parts to each other, increasing the strength of the building.

Structurally, this is a bracket with a profile or a paired corner. The minimum permissible thickness of the product is 0.2 cm. A complex system of holes is provided. Thanks to it, it is possible to fix on:

• bricks;
• concrete support;
• wooden beam crowns.

How to get to the warehouse and where to buy materials?

You can buy a variety of components and materials for building a wooden house made of timber or a house made of logs of various designs at our sales office in Moscow and the Moscow region - Balashikha. Our office contacts and directions are here...

Here you will be helped to make a choice and will be provided with technical advice on the professional assembly of wooden structures based on logs or timber frames.

You can see the fasteners we sell for log houses of wooden houses here.

Types of supports

There are several types of supporting joints for timber beams, differing in the method of installation (open type or closed type). Their difference is manifested in the form of steel brackets having side plates curved outward or inward.

Open

The open design of fastening wooden supports is used to connect a beam with a metal beam or the side plane of a similar workpiece. The fastening bolts are located on the outside of the junction of the two components of the structure.

Special perforation is applied to the side walls of the fasteners, adjacent directly to the longitudinal wooden surfaces. Structures are made on the basis of steel blanks (with the addition of a small amount of zinc).

Galvanized coating significantly improves the anti-corrosion properties of parts, due to which their service life increases to 50 years. Open type parts can also be used when installing foundation support columns.

Closed

In a closed design, the side plates are curved inward at the joint of a beam with a channel or two wood blanks. The form of fastening is used only when making end joints (beam to timber).

Perforation of supporting structures in this case is no different from the situation discussed earlier for the open fixation method.

Sliding

The so-called sliding supports are in demand when it is necessary to pair the rafters and the mauerlat. Thanks to the elements, it is possible to compensate for the shrinkage of the house due to shrinkage of wood, as well as change the angles of the roof. According to experts, they are necessary to ensure that the roof structure does not push the walls of the building apart.

The fastening angle itself is fixed perpendicular to it, which allows the material to shrink. Builders believe that perforated supports of this type can also be used in the restoration of dilapidated buildings.

Fastening elements are available in a wide variety of designs, differing in their sizes. One of the most frequently used and widely demanded steel products is a support for timber 100 x 100 millimeters.

Embeds and driven ones

In addition to the three listed types of supports, there are embedded and driven varieties. The former are used in the construction of structures with support fastening on concrete foundations. Installation of elements comes down to installing them into the substrate being arranged immediately before pouring it.

The design is based on a metal corner or profile with a thickness of at least two millimeters. The supporting shelves have mounting holes through which it can be fixed to a brick, concrete base or timber crowns.

One of the well-known varieties of the embedded system, which allows you to change the gaps in the joint, is a screw support structure. It is most often used as a compensating element during settlement of a structure.

The so-called driven (they are also driven in) support structures are very similar in design to embedded parts. In contrast, this type of support is driven directly into the ground, that is, it is used to permanently fix the head of the beam.

Regardless of the type and method of installation of most supporting elements, their surface must be covered with a protective layer of galvanization.

All types of supporting parts and structures considered are widely used in the construction of a wide variety of timber structures. In addition to permanent structures (residential buildings), products are also in demand when arranging light buildings such as sheds

Why do you need a shrinkage compensator?

A wooden wall of natural moisture settles when it dries. The average shrinkage of a log is about 3-5%, that is, at 3 meters in height it will be 9-15 cm. Columns made of logs or profiled timber cannot “sit”, therefore, in order to compensate for the subsidence of the wall, they are placed under the columns or on the columns shrinkage jacks. By lowering their level, the shrinkage of the house is made uniform. The adjustment is carried out step by step over a certain period of time. Ultimately, it is possible to achieve ideal horizontal beams, avoiding the appearance of gaps, curvature and collapse of the building.

Tips for use

The most common fastening is considered to be an open support. It is used in the assembly of wooden walls, partitions and ceilings. There are 16 standard sizes of open bracket to provide fastening of timber of different sections. For example, a support of 100x200 mm is suitable for timber with a rectangular cross-section. The fastener is connected to the beam using self-tapping screws. No special fastenings or equipment are needed.

An open connection is used to create a T-shaped fastener. The beam is fixed with its end to the crown material on both sides of the joint line.

The closed fastener creates an L-shaped or corner connection. Installing the element is somewhat different from installing an open-type bracket. The use of closed fasteners implies installation on the crown itself. Only then is the joining beam laid. For fixation, use ordinary self-tapping screws.

Installation of a sliding bracket involves installation parallel to the rafter leg. The angle is set perpendicular to compensate for the shrinkage process to the maximum. Sliding fasteners are used not only in the construction of new buildings. It can also be used for dilapidated premises. The use of a sliding support significantly increases the strength of wooden structures.

Before installing drive-in fasteners, you should first assess the quality of the soil. It is worth knowing that in sandy and watery soil, supports for vertical piles or pipes will be useless. They won't hold on. You won't be able to drive them into rocky ground either. These factors must be taken into account.

Hammering supports begins with preparing the timber. The size of the beam is selected based on the size of the saddle into which the post or pile will be inserted. The location of the bracket is calculated based on the dimensions, and a recess is dug. The bracket is installed in the recess with the tip down and driven in with a hammer. During the process, you need to check the level of the pile to ensure that it is in a strictly vertical position.

The embedded connector is often used in concreting or subsequently for installing a support beam. Holes are first drilled in the concrete surface, which is 2 mm less than the diameter of the pin of the embedded element. The bracket is connected to the concrete surface with dowels or anchors.

The nail support or plate is easy to use. It is installed with the nail part down and hammered in with a sledgehammer or hammer. The element is suitable for connecting side beams in a single plane.

Before installing adjustable compensators, it is necessary to make markings for each of them. In this case, the length and width of the wooden beams are taken into account. After this, the compensators are fixed and the height is set. If necessary, angles can be corrected using a level.

Fastening elements are selected based on the diameter of the perforation of the supports and the type of connection. The connection between fasteners and timber is made using self-tapping screws, bolts, nails or anchors. For example, when installing conventional open or closed supports, self-tapping screws are used. To fix heavy wooden structures to concrete or brick, it is better to choose anchors or dowels. The products can withstand high loads and pressures.

Supports for timber have a number of varieties, which allows you to choose a bracket for a specific type of connection. All types have their own characteristics, sizes and characteristics. However, they have one thing in common: long service life and ease of use. This article will help you understand and choose a support for a specific purpose, and tips on use will eliminate errors during installation.

Main types of products and their features

We will tell you about the most popular and sought-after options so that you can understand what they are intended for and how to use them correctly.

Support open

Without a doubt, the most common and popular type of product, which is characterized by the following factors:

When choosing, you should take into account the height of the element, the length of the supporting part and its width

• Many options are available, but four main varieties are standard; they are most often offered for sale, since they are used in the construction of most houses, that is, if you need a support for a 150x150 beam, then most likely you will have to order it, since Nobody keeps such elements in stock. The table below shows standard types and their main parameters;

These are the most popular and sought after options.

• The instructions for use are very simple: first, the location of all the elements is marked, after which they are fixed on the surface. For small structures, for example 50x100, self-tapping screws are enough, but for more massive ones like 100x140, it is advisable to add screws with a diameter of 8-10 mm to ensure the best reliability.

Closed option

This solution has its differences:

• A closed support is so called because the fastening elements in it are located not from the outside, but from the inside, therefore, after installing the beam, this unit is practically invisible;

This figure clearly shows the difference between the closed and open version.

• When using products, take into account the fact that protruding caps may interfere with the installation of timber, so try to recess them as much as possible.

Advice! Try to place the screws not very close to each other. This way the fixation will be more reliable.

Sliding supports

A very interesting option that is perfect for wooden buildings, its features are as follows:

• It is perfect when the support beam is located at an angle to the base; most often this option is found in rafter systems;
• The main plate is fixed parallel to the element, and the movable unit should be located perpendicular to it, so that during shrinkage the geometry of the slope will not be disrupted and the roof will retain its configuration; the photo clearly shows how this system should work.

The sliding support 80x190 allows you to compensate for the process of shrinkage of the frame, so the roof can be done immediately after assembling the frame

Embedded elements

This option differs from the ones described above; its main features are as follows:

• The design is designed to strengthen the supports to the concrete surface, while contact between wood and concrete is excluded, which has a positive effect on the durability of the structure;
• The element is most often placed during concreting, but this can also be done subsequently - a hole is drilled in the floor 2 mm smaller than the diameter of the pin on the embedded element, after which it is simply hammered.

This is what the embedded support for the timber looks like in the structure

Drive elements

If you need supports for timber in the ground, for example, when building a fence, then this solution may be very appropriate:

• The design is an element, on one side of which there is a square element for fastening a wooden beam of a certain size, and on the other side there is a pointed pin for fixing in the ground;
• The product is used very simply: a block is inserted and secured using self-tapping screws, after which the assembled structure is driven into the ground and can be used as a support for a fence.

This is what a driven beam support looks like

Overview of types and sizes

An open universal galvanized support for timber can have a variety of dimensions (dimensions). So, there is a model measuring 50x140 mm. High-quality steel is used for its manufacture. The typical width is 5 cm. Of course, there are other modifications.

Thus, a block of 100x140 mm differs in mechanical terms only in the calculation for timber with a 10 cm cross-section. Otherwise, there are no significant features that differ from the previous sample. Most often, holes of 0.5 and 1.2 cm are provided. The thickness of the anodized material is usually 2 mm, unless the manufacturer has chosen a different solution. Similar support models are used for:

• baths;
• residential buildings;
• other wooden structures.

Note that other supporting structures have a similar thickness. Therefore, beam supports are becoming more and more widespread:

• 50x200x2 mm;
• 140x76x100x2 mm;
• 110x76x40x2 mm.

In large retail chains and from direct suppliers you can buy supports of other sizes. So, the 150x150 mm version has the following parameters:

• design in the form of a bracket;
• weight 512 g;
• height 15.1 cm;
• width 6.2 cm;
• thickness 0.2 cm.

Many manufacturers use electrogalvanized carbon metal. There are 2 holes with a cross section of 12 mm. They are complemented by 8 channels of 0.55 cm each.

A good example of a 140x76x100 mm support is the OBR-100 design. The manufacturer positions its product as suitable for both walls and roofing elements. You can mount the beam to bases made of:

• wood;
• concrete;
• bricks

Supporting elements 100x100 mm (and their close analogue, according to a number of technologists, 100x105 mm) can find the widest application. The area for a 10-centimeter beam has a projection of 7.6 cm. Self-tapping screws and nails are inserted into small passages. In large ones they include:

• anchors;
• dowels;
• hairpins;
• bolts.

100x200 mm supports are used in a similar way. They are suitable for both square wooden beams and beams. The take-out platform has the already specified size. Mounting passages of 5 and 11 mm are provided. Typical weight: 575 g.

Construction stores quite often also sell 90x50 mm versions. They are characterized by fairly high reliability and can be used even in difficult conditions. 0.5 cm holes allow the use of screws and nails. But the use of bolts or threaded rods up to 1.3 cm in size is also allowed. Manufacturers state that the support will have to be changed after at least 30 years.

Perforated plates measuring 40x100 mm are also regular guests on construction sites. Their standard weight is 290 g. Most often, the width is 80 mm. The standard load in the vertical plane is 600 kg. Therefore, any problem arising in wooden house construction can be successfully solved.

In conclusion, it is worth mentioning such frequently encountered dimensional positions of open supports as:

• 50x200;
• 50x105;
• 50x150 mm.

How to choose the right shrinkage compensator?

When choosing control elevators, you must first take into account the massiveness of the structure. The range of manufactured elevators includes models designed for loads along the axis of the product from one to tens of tons. This value depends on the size of the anchor pin used, as well as the area and thickness of the support plates (ladders). Depending on the predicted load, the size of the jack anchor for the future structure is selected.

Geometric parameters of adjusting anchors:

• Size of platforms: 50x50, 100x100, 110x110, 120x120, 150x150, 250x250 mm.
• Pad thickness: 4 – 20 mm.
• Spire diameter: M20, M24, M30, M36, M48.
• Spire height: 150 – 400 mm.

The larger the area of ​​the plates and the thicker the compensator pin, the higher its load characteristics. For example, the simplest model made of carbon steel with an M20 pin and 100x100 mm plates can support a weight of 1.6 tons. And the model with an M30 pin and 150x150 mm platforms can withstand a load of 3 tons.

Recommendations for choosing the size of the shrinkage compensator

• When choosing a screw support for a log house, you should take into account that the size of its platforms must correspond to the diameter of the vertical column and the width of the horizontal support beam.
• For one-story houses, bathhouses and outbuildings, shrinkage elevators with a platform side of 100-120 mm and a thickness of 4 mm are used. The diameter of the threaded rod for such models is usually 20 mm.
• For heavy structures made of large diameter logs, models with 150x150 mm ladders made of 6 or 10 mm thick steel with a 24-30 mm anchor rod are used.
• For increased loads, shrinkage compensators are usually manufactured to order. The thickness of their pads can reach up to 20 mm, and the diameter of the rod up to 36 mm and above.
• The length of the shrink jack pin is selected taking into account the size and type of wood, since different materials are characterized by different percentages of shrinkage. The largest shrinkage is observed in logs (30-60 mm/m), the lowest in laminated timber (10-30 mm/m). In practice, adjustable supports with pin lengths of 150 and 200 mm are most often used.
• When installing an elevator under a column on a concrete base, you should choose models with large holes in the supporting platform, which are designed for concrete anchors.

The main advantages of perforated fasteners

If you doubt this option, then check out the main advantages that its use provides:

Support for timber 100x100 can withstand very high loads

How to close the adjusting mechanism?

If you leave this shrinkage device open, the appearance of the structure will suffer, and the illusion of its integrity and solidity will disappear. To decorate the gap between the column and the horizontal element, casings are made to match the color of the wood, which are placed on the column. While adjusting the mechanism, they are moved back or removed depending on the design.

Screw jacks are made from high-strength carbon or alloy steel. The devices are supplied assembled with reinforced washers and nuts of high strength class. Thick steel support and response platforms provide extraordinary rigidity and strength of the structure. All elements of this mechanism are galvanized. The thickness of the coating must be at least 50 microns, which guarantees long-term protection against corrosion.

Useful tips Updated: 11/19/2020 11:02:37

Support Modifications

The range of supports offered by manufacturers allows us to solve the following problems:

• Rigid T-shaped end fastening of the timber to vertical and horizontal surfaces;
• Laying corners without connecting locks and inserts;
• Connection of timber “end to end”;
• Sliding mount for rafters;
• Installation of vertical structures.

To solve the above problems, fastenings have different designs, can be open or closed, and are distinguished between right and left. Detailed information about the configuration and standard sizes is presented in catalogs, price lists and on the website of the hardware manufacturer.

Rectangular support brackets

Mounting on a support-bracket

Rectangular support brackets allow you to fasten building parts to various surfaces or make corner connections. Such fastenings are used for installing joists, installing ceilings and internal partitions. Fasteners are made from solid galvanized metal sheet 2.0-2.5 mm thick by cold stamping.

The support brackets are L-, Z- or U-shaped. L-shaped products can be right or left-handed, Z-shaped ones are used for multi-level installation. In U-shaped brackets, the timber is installed in the internal space and fixed with self-tapping screws; the landing dimensions correspond to standard sizes of lumber. For ease of installation, the working surfaces of the brackets are perforated with holes of different diameters for various fasteners. Depending on the weight of the structures and the design load, several holes can be used for fasteners.

Supports for timber, open and closed

Beam support closed and open

The edges of the sidewalls of the U-shaped brackets are bent at right angles and form two mounting strips (flanges). The planks can be bent inward or outward; in this design, the support brackets are called closed or open. Closed beam supports will allow timber to be laid in rows with minimal gaps, while open beam supports are used for fastening joists and load-bearing beams. Open beam supports are installed on brick or concrete surfaces and secured with screws. Closed-type supports are attached to a wooden surface with self-tapping screws.

End to end connection

Connection to MZP

Reliable end-to-end connection of timber is provided by nail plates; the product is a metal plate 1.0-1.5 mm thick with spikes 8.0 mm high. Spikes are formed as a result of cold stamping using a special stamp; 80-100 spikes are formed on one square decimeter of surface. The plate is installed on the side surfaces of the mating parts with the tenons down, the tenons are completely driven into the wood. The model range is coordinated with the standard sizes of lumber.

Sliding supports for rafters

The sliding support is installed correctly

The sliding support is not installed correctly

The beam supports for the rafters have a complex design, consisting of two parts fastened together. After attaching the rafter leg to the load-bearing element (mauerlat), a play of 50 to 80 mm is maintained in the support unit, allowing the rafter structure to move freely in the vertical plane. The use of such a compound counters the negative processes caused by shrinkage, snow pressure and seasonal deformations of wood.

Sliding support brackets are manufactured in open and closed versions from galvanized steel sheet 2.0 mm thick by cold stamping.

Types of products

The support is a profiled element of a precisely defined size, for elements with a cross-section of 50*140 or 100*100 or 150*150 mm. It looks like a platform with crimped sides and bent outward or hidden strips. The part is designed to connect elements in the same plane.

There are two types of products - open and closed. For each size of a profiled element, its own part is produced - for 100 * 100 mm, for 120 * 200 mm, and so on.

The actual height of the part ranges from 75 to 85 mm, length - from 165 to 200 mm, width - from 50 to 120 mm. Fastening the beam support thanks to perforations of different diameters is carried out with self-tapping screws, screws, nails and even dowels. The tools used are a regular hammer or screwdriver. The photo shows parts of different sizes.