Timber beam-end engineering repairs - Project 5

Click on any of the images for a larger view.

Top view of a principle carrier beam that had been attacked by both fungi and death watch beetle. What can be seen is a hollowing of the beam.

Externally, the render and cob fabric was removed, so the end of the beam could be inspected. If you look closely you can see where the beam shape was, and the end result.

Internally, this is a very decorative hand carved beam. It was essential that as much of it as possible should be retained.

Because of the large amount of infestation to the central section of the beam, a standard slot system could not be applied. In consultation with Property Repair Systems (PRS) it was decided that the whole central section be cut out, leaving the sound timber as a shutter.

Beam support.

Beam end on site.

Cutting out the beam.

Cutting out the beam. Gauging cut depth.

Cutting out the beam.

Paul Barratt, learning beam end repairs.

Cutting out central base slot.

Completed carved channel.

First dry fit.

Viewed from below.

Viewed externally through the cob.

Dry fit of all steelwork.

Additonal bars located within the parent timber.

Beam end repair is sealed to the principal carrier beam to prevent loss of resins.

Mixing the rotafix resins.

Pouring the resins.

Pouring the resins.

Finished beam end repair.