Evaluation and Modification

of Open-
Open-Web Steel Joists and
Joist Girders

TD12 - 1

Introduction

¾ Commercial manufacture of open web

steel joists began in 1923
¾ The Steel Joist Institute was formed in
1928
• Steel joist use has continued to grow
• There are millions of joists in service

TD12 - 2

Introduction (cont’
(cont’d)
Evaluation and Modification of joists
are required for many reasons:
ƒ Building renovations
ƒ Addition of roof top units
ƒ Conveyor loads
ƒ Field deviations
ƒ Other changes not contemplated in the
original design

TD12 - 3

„1
 New Resource Available

SJI Technical Digest No. 12

Evaluation and Modification of Open-
Web Steel Joists and Joist Girders
ƒ Present procedures
ƒ Suggest details for modification or
strengthening

TD12 - 4

SJI Technical Digest No. 12

ƒ BACKGROUND
ƒ GLOSSARY
ƒ Chapter 1 EVALUATIONS OF EXISTING JOIST
STRENGTH
ƒ Chapter 2 METHODS OF SUPPORTING ADDITIONAL
LOAD
ƒ Chapter 3 DESIGN APPROACHES FOR
STRENGTHENING JOISTS
ƒ Chapter 4 DESIGN APPROACHES FOR MODIFYING
JOISTS- SHORTENING AND
LENGTHENING
ƒ Chapter 5 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
ƒ Chapter 6 SUMMARY
ƒ REFERENCES
ƒ APPENDIX A JOIST INVESTIGATION FORM
TD12 - 5

Glossary of Terms
„ Allowable Strength Design „ Connection
(ASD) „ Deck
„ Allowable Strength
„ Design Load
„ Available Strength
„ Design Strength
„ Bearing
„ End Diagonal or Web
„ Bridging
„ End Welds
„ Buckling
„ Existing Member
„ Buckling Strength „ Filler
„ Camber
„ Joint
„ Chords
„ Joist
„ Cold-Formed Steel Structural
Member „ Joist Girder
„ Composite Section

TD12 - 6

„2
 Glossary of Terms
„ Load „ Specified Minimum Yield
„ LRFD (Load and Resistance Stress
Factor Design) „ Specifying Professional
„ Material „ Splice
„ Nominal Strength „ Stability
„ Preload Force „ Standard Specifications
„ Reinforcing Member „ Structural Analysis
„ Required Strength „ Tagged End
„ Resistance Factor, Φ „ Webs
„ Safety Factor, Ω „ Yield Point
„ Slenderness Ratio „ Yield Strength
„ Span „ Yield Stress

TD12 - 7

Chapter 1 Evaluation of Existing

Joist Strength

Determine Capacity of Existing Joist System

ƒ As-built design of joists
ƒ Existing joists possibly over specified
ƒ Building usage may have changed
ƒ Have joists been damaged

TD12 - 8

As - Built Design of Joists

How to Determine
ƒ Original contract structural documents
ƒ Final joist erection drawings
ƒ Year job was constructed
ƒ Joist manufacturers identification tag
ƒ Field investigation and measurements

TD12 - 9

„3
 Joist Drawings
Structural Drawing Erection Drawing
ƒ Designation ƒ Designation
ƒ Joist Spacing ƒ Joist Spacing
ƒ Mark Number

TD12 - 10

2005 SJI Catalog

ƒ K-Series Standard Specifications
• K-Series Load Tables
• KCS Joists
ƒ LH- and DLH-Series Standard
Specifications
• LH- and DLH-Series Load Tables
ƒ Joist Girders Standard
Specifications
• Joist Girder Weight Tables

ORDER FROM:

• www.steeljoist.org

TD12 - 11

Joist Identification Tag

Joist tag information
ƒ Joist manufacturer’s name
ƒ Joist manufacturer’s job number
ƒ Erection mark number, e.g. J1 or T3

TD12 - 12

„4
 Joist Investigation Form

Steel Joist Institute

Assistance
ƒ Fill out the Form On-line
ƒ Download from SJI
website
ƒ www.steeljoist.org
ƒ Return to SJI office for
assistance

TD12 - 13

Field Investigation
Helpful and Required Information
ƒ Loading on the joists
ƒ Information from the joist tags
ƒ Joist configuration
ƒ Joist span
ƒ Joist spacing
ƒ Joist depth or height
ƒ Bearing condition
• Underslung or Bottom Bearing

TD12 - 14

Field Investigation
Type of Web Members
ƒ Rod webs
ƒ Crimped Angle webs
ƒ Angles welded to the outside of chords
ƒ Cold-formed sections
Also Take Note of
ƒ End Diagonal type
ƒ Eccentricities
ƒ Weld Sizes and lengths
ƒ Panel Point spacing

TD12 - 15

„5
Comparison of SJI Specification Types

Rod Web Double Web Members

Crimped Web

Shortspans Longspans Joist Girders

K-Series LH-Series G-Series

KCS-Series DLH-Series BG-Series
Joist Subs VG-Series

TD12 - 16

Field Investigation
Type of Chord Members
ƒ Double Angles
• Separation distance
• Fillers or ties
ƒ Cold-formed sections
ƒ Rods
ƒ Splices

TD12 - 17

Field Investigation
Other Items to Note
ƒ Type of Bridging and Locations
ƒ Quality of bridging connections
ƒ Anchorage of bridging
ƒ Interferences
ƒ Coupon samples to determine yield
strength
ƒ Condition of joists and existing deck

TD12 - 18

„6
Joist Chord Damage During Handling

TD12 - 19

Joist BC Damage During Handling

TD12 - 20

Joist TC Damage During Construction

TD12 - 21

„7
 Joist End Web Damage During
Construction

TD12 - 22

Joist End Web Damage During

Construction

TD12 - 23

Joist BC Damage During Construction

TD12 - 24

„8
Joist TC Damaged During Construction

TD12 - 25

OSHA Federal Regulation

29 CFR 1926.757(a)(7)

No modification that affects the

strength of a steel joist or steel joist
girder shall be made without the
approval of the project structural
engineer of record.

TD12 - 26

Analysis Considerations
To Analyze Joist Capacity
ƒ Pinned connections are assumed for web
members
ƒ Specifications for K-Series joists permit bending
to be neglected when
• Panel point spacing does not exceed 24 inches
• The applied loads are uniform
ƒ A first-order analysis is used
ƒ The SJI permits eccentricities to be neglected
when
• For K-Series, the “3/4 Rule” is followed
• For all other joist series, when the eccentricity
“… does not exceed the distance between the
centroid and back of the chord”
TD12 - 27

„9
Example 1.1 Determine if a Joist
Requires Reinforcement
Scenario
ƒ A roof top unit is to be added to two 24K7 joists
spanning 40 feet
ƒ Unit adds two, 500 lb. point loads to each joist
• Located 10 ft. and 15 ft. from one end
ƒ It has been determined that the uniform load on the
joist is 250 PLF
Determine if the joist must be reinforced

TD12 - 28

Example 1.1
Shear Envelope for 24K7 Joist

TD12 - 29

Example 1.1
Moment Diagram for 24K7 Joist

TD12 - 30

„10
Chapter 2 Methods of Supporting
Additional Load

Options Before Strengthening

ƒ Capacity of joist needs to be determined

• Can joist safely support new loads?
ƒ Extensive reinforcement may not be
practical
• Option #1- Load distribution
• Option #2- Add new joists or beams
• Reinforce existing joists

TD12 - 31

Load Distribution
Member with Suitable Stiffness Required
ƒ Place member under or through the joists
ƒ Concentrated load distributed to several joists

TD12 - 32

Load Distribution
Relative Stiffness is Defined by Beta

β=4
(K S) Eq. 2-1
(4EI)
Where,
K = stiffness of the joist, kips/in.
S = spacing of the joists, in.
E = modulus of elasticity for the beam, ksi
I = moment of inertia of the beam, in.4
β = characteristic parameter, 1/in.
TD12 - 33

„11
 Load Distribution

β=4
(K S)
(4EI)
If S is less than π/4β
ƒ The spacing limit is not exceeded
ƒ S = spacing of the joists, in.

If the length of the beam is less than 1/β

ƒ The beam may be considered rigid
ƒ Joist reactions may be determined by static
equilibrium.

TD12 - 34

Example 2.1 Underhung Monorail

Beam using Load Distribution
This example will illustrate:
ƒ How load distribution can eliminate the
need for strengthening
ƒ How to minimize the amount of
strengthening by reducing the load to each
joist
ƒ How to design the distribution beam placed
beneath the joist bottom chord

TD12 - 35

Example 2.1 Underhung Monorail

Beam using Load Distribution
Given Conditions:
ƒ Hang new underhung monorail beam from
the bottom chord of several joists
ƒ Joists are 30K12 spanning 36’-0”
ƒ Joists are spaced 2’-6” o.c.
ƒ Monorail adds a 1200 lb. concentrated load
• Concentrated load located 10’-0” from joist
end

TD12 - 36

„12
Example 2.1 Underhung Monorail
Beam using Load Distribution
Determine the stiffness of the joists:
Determine approx. moment of inertia from

( )(
I j = 26.767 (WLL ) L3 10 −6 ) Eq. 2-2

where,
WLL = live load for deflection (RED figure
in the Load Table)
L = (Span – 0.33), ft.

TD12 - 37

Example 2.1 Underhung Monorail

Beam using Load Distribution
Determine the stiffness of the joists:
Determine approx. moment of inertia from

( )(
I j = 26.767 (WLL ) L3 10 −6 ) Eq. 2-2

From the Load Table, the live load deflection for a

30K12 joist with a 36’-0” span is:

WLL = 392 plf

( )(
Ij =26.767 ( 392 ) 35.673 10-6 =476 in.4 )
TD12 - 38

Example 2.1 Underhung Monorail

Beam using Load Distribution
Divide Ij by 1.15 to account for shear deflection:
476 P
I j ,eff = = 414 in.4 K=
1.15 Δ
From AISC Manual of Steel Construction, Table 3-23
for a simple beam- concentrated load at any point:
Pa 2b 2 P P 3EIj , eff L
Δ= K= = =
Thus, Δ Pa 2b 2 a 2b 2
3EIL
3EI j , eff L

3 (29000)(414)(35.67)(12)
K= = 11.0 k in.
[(26)(12)]2 [(10)(12)]2
TD12 - 39

„13
Example 2.1 Underhung Monorail
Beam using Load Distribution
Determine the beam size necessary to
distribute the load to three (3) joists:
Try W16 x 26 Ix = 301 in.4

β=4
(K S) = 4 11.0 30 = 0. 0101 in.−1
(4EI) (4)(29000)(301)
π
Check if spacing, S < = 77.6 in.
4β

S = 30 in. < 77.6 in. Therefore, OK

TD12 - 40

Example 2.1 Underhung Monorail

Beam using Load Distribution
Determine the beam size necessary to
distribute the load to three joists:
For W16 x 26 β = 0.0101 in.-1
Check the length of monorail support beam < 1 in.
β

Beam Length L= 5.0 ft. = 60 in.

1/β = 1/0.0101 = 98.8 in.
60 in. < 98.8 in. Therefore, OK

TD12 - 41

Example 2.1 Underhung Monorail

Beam using Load Distribution

Solve for the reaction at each joist:

Since the beam can be considered rigid,
1200 lbs. can be uniformly distributed to
each joist support

1200 lbs. / 3 = 400 lbs. additional load

TD12 - 42

„14
 Adding New Joists or Beams
Considerations:
ƒ Existing interferences
• Piping, electrical conduits, other interferences
• Removing or relocating could be at a greater expense
than reinforcement
ƒ Camber
• May need to reduce camber in new joists
• Joists can be ordered with shallower seat depths and
then shimmed in the field
• The joist can be supplied with a splice so two individual
pieces can be installed and bolted at the center
ƒ Lateral Stability of the joist top chord
• Shoot pins through the chord, decking, and slab
• Rely on bridging to provide lateral support

TD12 - 43

Reinforcing Existing Joists

The following has a major impact on reinforcement

of both chord and web members:

ƒ Rod web members

ƒ Crimped angle web members
• Many crimped web joists have rod end webs
ƒ Web angles welded to the sides of the chords
ƒ Geometry of the chords
ƒ Chord and web yield strength

TD12 - 44

Reinforcing Existing Joists

Other considerations:

ƒ Additional weld may be required even though

web member size is sufficient for new loads
ƒ Accessibility to reinforce either chord or webs
• May only be able to reach one side of the joist
ƒ Eccentricities

TD12 - 45

„15
 Chapter 3 Design Approaches for
Strengthening Joists

Two Design Approaches to Reinforce

Individual Joist Members

ƒ Approach I
• Ignore the existing member strength
• Simply design the reinforcing members to carry
the total load

ƒ Approach II
• Make use of the strength of the existing member

TD12 - 46

Design Approaches for Strengthening

Individual Joist Members
Considerations for Either Approach
ƒ Cost of materials for reinforcement is insignificant
to the cost of labor
ƒ Safest to reinforce the joist in the shored position
• Welding can generate enough heat to cause
temporary loss of steel strength
• Transverse field welds should be avoided
ƒ Best to reinforce the members with dead and live
loads removed
• Jack the joist up to a calculated deflection
ƒ Pay close attention to eccentricities caused by the
reinforcing
TD12 - 47

Design Approaches for Strengthening

Individual Joist Members
For Approach II
ƒ It is assumed that applied forces are distributed
between the existing member and the reinforcing
member
• Direct proportion to their areas
ƒ If joists are shored to remove existing load
• The preload is then zero
ƒ If joists are not shored
• Preload can be calculated based on load present at
the time of reinforcing
ƒ Shoring and jack placement is the responsibility of
the Specifying Professional
TD12 - 48

„16
Design of Reinforcing for Tension
Members (Approach II)
1. Determine the total area required, Atr
A tr =
(P − P ) A
t p

Where, ( Po − Pp ) e

Atr = Total area required (existing member and

required reinforcing), in.2
Ae = Area of existing member, in.2
P0 = Original force for the existing member
(original design force), kips.
Pp = Preload in the existing member at the time
of reinforcing, kips.
Pt = Required strength, kips.
Assumes existing steel and reinforcing steel
both have equal yield strength
TD12 - 49

Design of Reinforcing for Tension

Members (Approach II)
Design procedures when the yield strengths
of the two materials are not equal:
ƒ Assume both materials have the same yield
strength as that of the lowest material used
• Most conservative method
ƒ Use the actual yield strength of each material
in the design
• Allow each material to achieve the full allowed
stress level

TD12 - 50

Design of Reinforcing for Tension

Members (Approach II)
2. Determine required area of reinforcing, Ar
A r = A tr − A e
3. The force in the reinforcing member equals
⎛A ⎞
Pr = ⎜⎜ fr ⎟⎟ (Pt − Pp )
⎝ At ⎠
Where,
Afr = Area of the furnished reinforcing, in.2
At = Area of existing member plus the area of
the furnished reinforcing, in.2

TD12 - 51

„17
 Design of Reinforcing for
Compression Members (Approach II)
1. Select a trial reinforcing member.
2. Check the buckling strength of the composite
member.
• If a preload force exists, determine the magnitude
of the compressive stress in the existing member
due to the preload, fp
• Fye = minimum yield stress of existing member, ksi
• For the buckling check, use Fy as the minimum of
(Fye – fp) or Fy
3. Design the weld for the reinforcing member. The
force in the weld is ⎛A ⎞
(
Prw = ⎜ fr ⎟ Pt − Pp )
⎝ At ⎠
TD12 - 52

Chord Reinforcement
Typical reinforcement details
ƒ Top chord
• More difficult to reinforce since the floor or
roof deck is usually in place
• Overhead welds may be required
ƒ Bottom chord
• Easier to access
• No overhead welds required

TD12 - 53

Chord Reinforcement

Top Chord Reinforcement - Rods

TD12 - 54

„18
 Chord Reinforcement

Top Chord Reinforcement - Plates

TD12 - 55

Chord Reinforcement

Top Chord Reinforcement - Angles

TD12 - 56

Chord Reinforcement

Top Chord Reinforcement - Angles

TD12 - 57

„19
 Chord Reinforcement

Angle Interference with Top Chord Reinforcement

TD12 - 58

Chord Reinforcement

Top Chord Reinforcement - Rods

TD12 - 59

Chord Reinforcement

Top Chord Reinforcement Requiring Notch

TD12 - 60

„20
 Chord Reinforcement

Rod Splice
TD12 - 61

Chord Reinforcement

Bottom Chord Reinforcement

TD12 - 62

Rod Web Reinforcement

Angle Reinforcement on Rod Web Joist

TD12 - 63

„21
 Rod Web Reinforcement

Angle Reinforcement on Rod Web Joist

TD12 - 64

Crimped Web Reinforcement

Joist with Crimped Web Members

TD12 - 65

Crimped Web Reinforcement

Angle Reinforcement on Crimped Web Joist

TD12 - 66

„22
 Crimped Web Reinforcement

Angle Reinforcement on Crimped Web Joist

TD12 - 67

Crimped Web Reinforcement

Crimped Web Reinforcement

TD12 - 68

Double Angle Web Reinforcement

Angle Web Reinforcement with Rod

TD12 - 69

„23
 Double Angle Web Reinforcement

Angle Web Reinforcement with Rod

TD12 - 70

End Diagonal Web Reinforcement

End Diagonal Reinforcement with Angle

TD12 - 71

End Diagonal Web Reinforcement

Bar Added for Additional Weld on End Diagonal

TD12 - 72

„24
 Design Examples for Strengthening
Joists
Example 3.1 Strengthening a K-Series Joist with
Crimped Angle Webs
Example 3.2 Strengthening a K-Series Joist with
Rod Webs
Example 3.3 Strengthening an End Diagonal (W2)
using Double Angles
Example 3.4 Strengthening of Joist Girder
Chords
Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-Series Joist
with Double Angle Webs
Example 3.6 Design of a Strut to Prevent Top Chord
Bending between Panel Points
TD12 - 73

Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-

LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs
Given Conditions:
ƒ A remodel requires that additional equipment be
installed and supported by the joists
ƒ Original joists were designated as 32LH780/440
ƒ Added equipment will be centered over two
joists
• Resulting load is 2000 lbs located at 7’-4” and
12’-3” from the tag end of the joist
ƒ Uniform loads in the designation are the uniform
design loads required
• Load redistribution method not a feasible
solution
TD12 - 74

Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-

LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs

32LH780/440 with Additional Concentrated Loads

TD12 - 75

„25
Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-
LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs
Analysis:
ƒ Overstressed webs are double angles
ƒ Axial force in the end web member (W2)
• Required force = 60.5 kips
• Allowable force (from manufacturer) = 56.3 kips
ƒ First compression web member (W3)
• Required force = 18.1 kips
• Allowable force (from manufacturer) = 17.2 kips
ƒ Originally designed using Allowable Stress Design
• Use (ASD) for reinforcement also
TD12 - 76

Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-

LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs
End Web Reinforcing:
Load in end tension web (W2) at time of reinforcing is
23.0 kips
( Pt − Pp )
Total area required = A tr = ( P − P ) A e
o p
Where:
Pt = 60.5 kips (required force)
Pp = 23.0 kips (preload force)
Po = 56.3 kips (original allowable design force)
Ae = 1.1876 in.2 (area of two 2 x 2 x 0.250 angles)
Thus, A =
( 60.5 − 23.0) (1.876) = 2.113 in.2
tr
( 56.3 − 23.0)
TD12 - 77

Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-

LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs
The required area of reinforcing =
A r = A tr − A e = 2.113 − 1.876 = 0.237 in.2
Add round rods for reinforcement
Two ¾” diameter rods placed in heel of angles
Area of furnished reinforcing,
2πd2 2π (0.75)
2
A fr = = > 0.237 in.2
= 0.884 in.2
4 4
Therefore, OK
The total area, At, is the sum of the areas of the existing
web angles plus the areas of the reinforcing rods,
A t = A e + A fr = 1.876 + 0.884 = 2.760 in.2
TD12 - 78

„26
Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-
LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs
The force in the reinforcing members equals
⎛A ⎞ ⎛ 0.884 ⎞
Pr = ⎜⎜ fr ⎟⎟ (Pt − Pp ) = ⎜ ⎟ (60.5 − 23.0 ) = 12.01 kips
⎝ At ⎠ ⎝ 2.760 ⎠

Check the stress in the round rod reinforcing member:

F = P/A =12.01/0.884 = 13.59 ksi < 21.6 ksi

Therefore, the use of A36 material is OK

TD12 - 79

Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-

LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs
End Web Reinforcing Weld Design:
Joint between Rod and Angle will be a partial-joint-
penetration groove weld.
Effective throat thickness of 5/16 times the rod radius.
(AISC Specification Table J2.2 for Flare Bevel
Groove weld)

Effective throat = 5/16 x ¾” = 0.117 in.

TD12 - 80

Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-

LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs
Allowable shear per weld using E70 electrodes from
AISC Table J2.5, Available Strength of Welded
Joints is 2.46 kips/in.

The total length of weld required to develop the force

in each rod =12.01 / 2.46 = 4.88 in.

The 6 in. of weld shown in the following figure, at the

ends of each reinforcing rod, is more than
adequate.

TD12 - 81

„27
Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-
LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs

Reinforcing End Diagonals

TD12 - 82

Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-

LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs
End Web Weld Design for Total Required Force:

Pt = 60.5 kips
Based on 3/16” fillet weld and using E70
electrodes, the allowable shear per inch of weld
equals:
(0.707)(0.188 in.)(21 ksi) = 2.79 kips/in.

Thus, 60.5/2.79 = 21.7 in.

(use 11 in. at each end of each web angle)

TD12 - 83

Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-

LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs
Check for Tensile Rupture
Conservatively, U can be taken as 0.6 or can be
determined from AISC Specification Table D3.1, Shear
Lag Factors for Connections to Tension Members.
x
When Case 2 is selected, U = 1 − Case 2
l
U depends on the weld arrangement. AISC does not
address the condition of unequal weld lengths on the
heel and toe of the angle so use the length along the
heel.
Assume that 4 in. of weld are on the heel, 7 in. along
the toe.
TD12 - 84

„28
Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-
LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs
Check for Tensile Rupture
Where:
x is the centroid location for the composite section
comprised of web angle plus the round rod

l is the length of the connection

x = (0.25 + 0.375) = 0.625 in. l = 4 in.

0.625
U = 1− = 0.844
4

TD12 - 85

Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-

LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs
The nominal strength Pn based on tensile rupture equals
FuAe or UFuAt
Fu = 65 ksi since the weld is placed on the angle

Pn = U Fu A t = (0.844)(65)(2.760) = 151.4 kips

Pn 151.4
Pavailable = = = 75.71 kips > 60.5 kips Therefore, OK
Ωt 2.00

TD12 - 86

Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-

LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs
First Compression Web Reinforcing
Design Approach II:
1. Select a trial reinforcing member.
2. Check the buckling strength of the composite
member.
a. Determine the magnitude of the compressive stress
in the existing member due to the preload, fp
b. Fye = minimum yield stress of existing member, ksi
c. For the buckling check, use Fy as the minimum of
(Fye – fp) or Fy
3. Design the weld for the reinforcing ⎛A ⎞
Prw = ⎜ fr ⎟ ( Pt − Pp )
member. The force in the weld is ⎝ At ⎠
TD12 - 87

„29
Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-
LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs
Example 3.5 – Strengthening of a Joist
First Compression Web Reinforcing
The req’d load in the first compression web (W3) is 18.1 kips
Solution:
1. Trial reinforcing member.
ƒ Try 2- ¾” diameter rods, Fy=36 ksi
2. Determine composite properties of combined section
shown in section A-A of Figure 3.41.
ƒ The total area, At, is the sum of the existing web angles
plus the areas of the reinforcing rods, A = A + A
t e fr

ƒ Area of existing 1.5x1.5x0.138 web angles,

A e = 2(0.395) = 0.790 in.2
ƒ Area of the furnished reinforcing,
A fr = 2πd2 4 = 2 (0.442) = 0.884 in.2 A t = 0.790 + 0.884 = 1.674 in.2

TD12 - 88

Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-

LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs

Double Angle
Reinforcing
with Rod

TD12 - 89

Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-

LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs
Determine composite properties
The location of the centroid of the composite section
with respect to the x-axis is:
1
y=
At
∑A yi i

1
y= [ (0.884)(0.138 + 0.375) + (0.790)(0.426)] = 0.472 in.
1.674
The moment of inertia of the composite section with
respect to the x-axis is:
(
Ix = ∑ Ii + A idi2 )
[
Ix = 2 0.085 + 0.395 (0.426 − 0.472) + 0.016 + 0.442 (0.513 − 0.472)
2 2
]
= 0.205 in.4
TD12 - 90

„30
Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-
LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs
Determine composite properties (cont’d)
The radius of gyration of the composite section
with respect to the x-axis is:
Ix
rx =
At

0.205
rx = = 0.350 in.
1.674

TD12 - 91

Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-

LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs
Check buckling strength of the composite section:
For compression webs, the allowable load is
determined using AISC Specification Chapter E.
Pc = Fa A t
Where,
Pc is the allowable compressive strength, Pn Ω c , kips
Fa is the allowable compressive stress, Fcr Ω c , ksi
At is the composite member cross-sectional area, in.2
Safety factor, Ω c = 1.67

TD12 - 92

Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-

LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs
Check buckling strength of the composite section
(cont’d):

Determine the yield stress to be used:

Preload, Pp = 6.9 kips
6.9
fp = = 8.73 ksi
(2)(0.395)
Yield stress to be used in the minimum of:
Fye – fp = 50 – 8.73 = 41.27 ksi
Fy = 36 ksi for the rods Thus, use 36 ksi

TD12 - 93

„31
Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-
LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs
Check buckling strength of the composite section
(cont’d):
Determine form factor, Qs:

b E
When ≤ 0.45 Qs = 1.0 (AISC E7-10)
t Fy

1.5 E 29000
= 10.87 ≤ 0.45 = 0.45 = 12.77
0.138 Fy 36

Thus, Qs = 1.0

TD12 - 94

Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-

LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs
Check buckling strength of the composite section
(cont’d):
Determine Critical Stress, Fcr:
KL E ⎡ Fy
⎤
When ≤ 4.71 Fcr = ⎢0.658 Fe ⎥ Fy (AISC E3-2)
r Fy ⎢⎣ ⎥⎦

KL E
When > 4.71 Fcr = 0.877 Fe (AISC E3-3)
r Fy

π2 E
Fe =
Where ⎛ KL ⎞
2 (AISC E3-4)
⎜ ⎟
⎝ r ⎠
TD12 - 95

Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-

LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs
Check buckling strength of the composite section
(cont’d):

Compute Slenderness Ratio of Composite Section:

L= (6)2 + (30.028 )2 = 30.62 in.

L 30.62 29000
= = 87.49 < 4.71 = 133.68
r 0.350 36

π 2 (29000)
Fe = 2
= 37.39 ksi
⎛ 30.62 ⎞
⎜ ⎟
⎝ 0.350 ⎠

TD12 - 96

„32
Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-
LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs
Check buckling strength of the composite section
(cont’d)
⎡ 36
⎤
Fcr = ⎢0.658 37.39 ⎥ 36 = 24.06 ksi (AISC E3-2)
⎣ ⎦

The available axial compressive stress is:

Fcr
Fa = = 14.41 ksi
Ωc
The available compressive force is:
Pc = (14.41)(1.674) = 24.12 kips > 18.1 kips required Therefore, OK

TD12 - 97

Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-

LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs
Design the Welds:
Total force in the welds is determined by
⎛A ⎞
(
Prw = ⎜ fr ⎟ Pt − Pp )
⎝ At ⎠

⎛ 0.884 ⎞
Or, Prw = ⎜ ⎟ (18.1 − 6.9) = 5.91 kips
⎝ 1.674 ⎠

Each of the 3/4” rods has an allowable force of:

(14.41)(0.442) = 6.37 kips
Therefore, use this force for weld design.

TD12 - 98

Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-

LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs
End Web Reinforcing Weld Design:
Joint between Rod and Angle will be a partial-joint-
penetration groove weld.
Effective throat thickness of 5/16 times the rod radius.
(AISC Specification Table J2.2 for Flare Bevel Groove weld)
Effective throat = 5/16 x 3/4” = 0.117 in.

Allowable shear per weld using E70 electrodes from

AISC Table J2.5, is 2.46 kips/in.
The total length of weld required to develop the force
in each rod = 6.37 / 2.46 = 2.59 in.
TD12 - 99

„33
Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-
LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs
End Web Reinforcing
Weld Design (cont’d):
The 4 in. of weld that is
shown in the figure at
the ends of each
reinforcing rod is
more than adequate.
Stitch weld round rods
2” @ 12” on center.

TD12 - 100

Example 3.5 Strengthening of a LH-

LH-
Series Joist with Double Angle Webs
Check Buckling of the Reinforcing between Welds:
L = weld spacing – weld length = 12 – 2 = 10 in.
Slenderness ratio of the rod is:
I 0.0155 L 10 π 2 (29000)
r= = = 0.187 =
F = = 53.4
= 100.09 ksi
e 2
A 0.442 r 0.187 ⎛ 10 ⎞
⎜ ⎟
⎝ 0.187 ⎠
⎡ 36
⎤
Fcr = ⎢0.658 100.09 ⎥ 36 = 30.97 ksi (AISC E3-2)
⎣ ⎦
The available axial compressive stress is:
Fcr 30.97
Fa = = = 18.54 ksi
Ωc 1.67
The available compressive force is:
Pc = (18.54)(1.674) = 31.04 kips > 18.1 kips required Therefore, OK
TD12 - 101

Chapter 4 Design Approaches

for Modifying Joists -
Shortening and Lengthening
Factors to Consider:
ƒ Even a small increase in length can cause a
considerable increase in chord forces
ƒ Web stress reversals may occur
ƒ Joist camber may be adversely affected
• Removal of any main web member
• Steps must be taken during modification to
maintain camber
ƒ It may often be less expensive to obtain new joists

TD12 - 102

„34
Design Approaches for Modifying
Joists - Shortening and Lengthening
Factors to Consider (cont’d):
ƒ Shortening generally does not require chord
reinforcement
• Typically requires new bearing seats and end
webs
• An unacceptable practice is to cut the end of the
top chord and bending the existing end web back
up to the top chord

TD12 - 103

Design Approaches for Modifying

Joists - Shortening and Lengthening
Factors to Consider (cont’d):
ƒ Lengthening requires the addition of reinforcing
of the top chord and the web members
• A splice at the joist center reduces the web splice
requirement
• A splice at the joist end panel reduces the chord
splice requirement but may required web
reinforcement
• A splice at both end panels generally requires no
web reinforcement
ƒ If possible, relocate or change the support for the
joists so that joist modification is not necessary
TD12 - 104

Design Approaches for Modifying

Joists - Shortening and Lengthening
Steps to Shorten Open Web Steel Joists
1. Determine the original web layout
a. Top chord end panel length
b. Interior panel length
c. Number of panels
2. Determine where shortened length occurs
relative to top chord panels
a. New end web originates from a bottom chord
panel point
b. Placement angle should be 45 to 70 degrees
3. Determine the loading at the shortened length

TD12 - 105

„35
 Design Approaches for Modifying
Joists - Shortening and Lengthening
Steps to Shorten Open Web Steel Joists (cont’d)
4. Perform a design on the new length
a. Compare material required for new length to
material for the as-built length
b. Reinforce undersized existing webs as needed
5. Place new bearing seat at the desired location
a. Typically a pair of angles welded between top
chord angles
6. Determine the new end web force
a. Typically a end web consists of two new angles
b. Round bars may also be used on smaller K-
Series joists with 2 ½” bearing seats
TD12 - 106

Design Approaches for Modifying

Joists - Shortening and Lengthening
Steps to Lengthen Open Web Steel Joists
1. Determine the original web layout
a. Top chord end panel length
b. Interior panel length
c. Number of panels
2. Determine where lengthening length occurs
relative to top chord panels
a. Limited to how much length can be added by
1) Slenderness ratio of new web
2) Long end panel may govern top chord size
3. Determine the loading at the increased length

TD12 - 107

Design Approaches for Modifying

Joists - Shortening and Lengthening
Steps to Lengthen Open Web Steel Joists
(cont’d)
4. Perform a design on the new length
a. Compare material required for new length to
material for the as-built length
b. Reinforce chords and webs as required
5. Place and weld new top chord angles
a. Use pre-qualified butt weld per AWS or
b. Splice with new material and a weld sized to
develop adequate strength

TD12 - 108

„36
 Design Approaches for Modifying
Joists - Shortening and Lengthening
Steps to Lengthen Open Web Steel Joists
(cont’d)
6. Place new bearing seat at the desired
location
a. Typically a pair of angles welded between top
chord angles
7. Determine the new end web force
a. Typically a end web consists of two new angles
b. Round bars may also be used on smaller K-Series
joists with 2 ½” bearing seats

TD12 - 109

Example 4.1 Shortening of a

K - Series Joist
Given Conditions:
ƒ A 39’-10 ½” long 24K8 joist is to be shortened by 10”
ƒ Approximate angle of new end web:
θ = arctan (48-10)/24 = 57.7 degrees

Joist to be Shortened
TD12 - 110

Example 4.1 Shortening of a

K - Series Joist
Analysis and modification:
ƒ From the Standard ASD Load Table for Open
Web Steel Joists, K-Series
• New total safe uniformly distributed load
capacity = 293 plf
ƒ Analysis shows the two circled webs are
overstressed
• Reinforce as needed
• Webs are crimped angle web members
ƒ Reinforce with a pair of angles on the
outside of the chords
TD12 - 111

„37
Example 4.1 Shortening of a
K - Series Joist
Analysis and modification (cont’d):

ƒ A new bearing seat is required

ƒ Top chord angles are separated by a 1” gap
• A pair of 2 x 2 x 3/8” x 4” angles welded back-
to-back to form a 2 ½” deep seat

TD12 - 112

Example 4.1 Shortening of a

K - Series Joist
Analysis and modification (cont’d):
ƒ New end web force is 10050 lbs
• New end web length is 37.7 in.
ƒ Based on clear length between 2” top
chord and 1 ¾” bottom chord
• A pair of 3/4” round bars will satisfy the
strength and slenderness criteria
ƒ L/240 per SJI Specifications for K-Series
joists
ƒ Using E70XX electrodes
• Flare-bevel groove weld strength with 3/4”
rounds = 2.46 kips/in.
• 10050/2.46 = 4.1” or 2 ¼” weld at each end
of each bar
TD12 - 113

Example 4.1 Shortening of a

K - Series Joist

Reinforcing Detail
TD12 - 114

„38
Example 4.1 Shortening of a
K - Series Joist

Reinforcing Detail (cont’d)

TD12 - 115

Example 4.1 Shortening of a

K - Series Joist

Reinforcing Detail (cont’d)

TD12 - 116

Chapter 5 Other Considerations

Other Important Considerations

ƒ Deflections
ƒ Camber
ƒ Effects of added loads on bridging
ƒ Creating two joists from one

TD12 - 117

„39
 Other Considerations
Deflections
ƒ Deflection control is often required in addition
to strengthening joists for load

ƒ Project deflection requirements must be

considered
• A live load deflection less than L/240 may not
be met if a joist is only strengthened for added
loads from a snow drift.

TD12 - 118

Other Considerations
Camber
ƒ When shortening or lengthening a joist, camber
needs to be maintained whenever removing any
web members
Effects of Added Loads on Bridging
ƒ Bridging may need to be added or altered
• Providing lateral support to compression chord
members is critical
• Bottom chord may also be subjected to
compression due to uplift
ƒ Designer is to refer to the SJI Specifications for
bridging requirements

TD12 - 119

Other Considerations
Creating Two Joists from One
ƒ Similar to shortening a joist
ƒ Due to increased shear and stress reversals
• Many of the webs likely will require reinforcement

Other Examples included in the Digest

ƒ Example 5.1 Changing the Natural Frequency of a
Joist System
ƒ Example 5.2 Reducing the Deflection of a Joist
Girder

TD12 - 120

„40
 Chapter 6 Summary
Approaches have been Presented for
the Modification and Strengthening of
Joists
ƒ Several types of reinforcing members
presented along with attachment details
ƒ Procedures and details do not constitute an
exhaustive list of how to reinforce

They provide the designer with ideas

and concepts to solve individual
modification and strengthening
requirements
TD12 - 121

Any Questions?

SJI Website: http://www.steeljoist.org

http://www.steeljoist.org

TD12 - 122

„41