Allowed to Drill Into Load-Bearing Beam?

6/18/2021

Does code allow the drilling of load-bearing beam in multi-family residential buildings, for the purpose of running sprinkler pipe through it?

Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe

6 Comments

Matt K

6/18/2021 08:12:19 am

It can be done. My experiences come from drilling through window and door lintels to run dry heads to balconies. We have had varying experiences depending on structural engineers ranging from wanting to dictate locations specifically for each condition to having a general detail provided that we were able to follow. Either way contact your structural engineer and have the conversation.

Jon Sullivan

6/18/2021 08:19:51 am

IRC specifies limitations for certain beam penetrations. IBC defers you to a licensed engineer. If it's a engineered wood product check with the structural engineer and manufacturer. They will have additional requirements for where and how big the penetrations can be.

Rule of thumb for steel is in the middle 3rd of the member and in the middle 3rd of the span.

Ken W

6/18/2021 08:23:33 am

Yes you can in certain circumstances. If the beam is an engineered product (LVL, LSL, CLT, Paralams etc.) then you need to have an engineer or manufacturer's authorization to bore a hole. In typical regular header construction you are bound by what the code allows and that depends on the size of the beam and the size of the proposed hole.

schulman

6/18/2021 08:39:42 am

we require permission from the Structural engineer who stamped the structural drawings.

Brian Cockburn

6/18/2021 08:59:55 am

The structural engineer would be the one to ask, if it's a new building.

If it's an existing building you'd need to engage a structural consultant to tell you for sure.

Casey Milhorn

6/18/2021 09:01:33 am

Jon's comment is spot on. You can use the 3rd rule as a starting point, but ALWAYS get approval through the proper channels and in WRITING. This should be the structural engineers call (either the EOR for structural and/or the manufacturers/fabricators engineer). As far as NFPA 13 or other NFPAs, I have never seen anything about penetration restrictions for structural members.

Leave a Reply.

Home
Our Cause

The Blog
The Forum

PE Exam Prep
The Toolkit
MeyerFire University

Pricing
Login
Support
Contact Us

MeyerFire.com is a startup community built to help fire protection professionals shine.
Our goal is to improve fire protection practices worldwide. We promote the industry by creating helpful tools and resources, and by bringing together industry professionals to share their expertise.

MeyerFire, LLC is a NICET Recognized Training Provider and International Code Council Preferred Education Provider.
All text, images, and media Copyright © 2016-2024 MeyerFire, LLC

We respect your privacy and personal data. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence.

Discussions are solely for the purpose of peer review and the exchange of ideas. All comments are reviewed. Comments which do not contribute, are not relevant, are spam, or are disrespectful in nature may be removed. Information presented and opinions expressed should not be relied upon as a replacement for consulting services. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a small commission for orders placed elsewhere.

Allowed to Drill Into Load-Bearing Beam?

Leave a Reply.

ALL-ACCESS

SUBSCRIBE

COMMUNITY

YOUR POST

PE EXAM

FILTERS

ARCHIVES

PE PREP SERIES