Engineering advice needed for steel floor supports

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

I had a look at yours Fred and being an ex-builder (of sorts ) I was surprised at the spans and joist sizes you were using. I considered timber to start with, but unfortunately over the past few weeks I found a "few" of the little white timber munching buggers around the place when I pick up any pieces of timber that have been lying for a while. So I decided to go for steel. That way only the floor itself will be timber and it is treated so I should be sweet.

Al, I thought of the cantilever myself and while it may be possible on one side it wont be on the other side (internal staircase ). I'll have to take my plans to work and scan them (A3) so I can post what I'm doing.

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Just checked yours again Fred. I didn't see the middle supports for the bearers along the long side the first time. Do you find you get much movement with such small support piers?

[Bassnut (Fred)]

Paul, I did worry about them to start, but they were sooo convienient. Its all been OK for a year or so now, been through a couple of storms, seems OK. I dont feel any movement as such stomping on the floor, solid as. It dose look a bit dodgy I guess though. I dont think the timber munching buggers can reach the timber due to the steel piers, can they?.

[Lee]

They certainly can - keep an eye out for little mud tracks up the piers.....

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

keep an eye out for little mud tracks up the piers

Definately!!! One of the advantages of using steel posts.