Hoisting an I-beam …

keeney · Nov 1, 2004

Remove the posts from the foundation and attach the tops to the beam first, positioned with the bottom of the posts against the anchor bolts they will slide over.

Tilt it up like a wall section. Start the lift with the loader/forklift. Then use a couple of winches or straps tied to vehicles to pull it the rest of the way up from the other side. Use another couple of straps or cables anchored on the starting side to keep it from going over.

No frames to construct, nothing expensive to buy if you aready have some tow straps, and you can stay clear if it falls. Just don't pull on it with a raised loader - recipe to get the tractor pulled over.

I would agree that a construction forklift would be the way to go on this.

Or, use an accounting trick: Buying a bigger tractor would be a "capital equipment" purchase and would not be charged against this specific project...

If you have some scaffolding, it could be used to build a couple of temporary towers to just winch the beam up.

- Rick

Fungus · Nov 1, 2004

Sorry for the confusion. I did say in my original post “Since I have another 2 beams to place on another building I would rather devise a way to place them myself. “ and assumed everyone would put together my reasoning for developing a DIY approach.

Fungus · Nov 1, 2004

Keeney,

I thought about the tilt-up approach a lot. You definitely need the safety strap/cable to prevent it from coming up, over, and back down. However, I couldn’t get comfortable with anchoring the column base while it pivots, and the high initial force required during the first 0 to 45 degrees of rotation.

Not that it can’t be done this way, I just don’t know how to apply my experience in a manner that will provide a high probability of success.

GerardC · Nov 1, 2004

( Thanks for the replies. Being retired at an early age I have more time than money so cost and the challenge thing win out. As I mentioned there are 3 beams to place in 2 different buildings. Since I’m only ready to place the one now and the other 2 later it would be $150 minimum for each job or $300.

I thought about all the suggestions and favor constructing 2 A-frames – 1 adjacent to each column. Each frame will attached to the stem wall using some angle iron to pickup a few anchor bolts. I probably should point out that my anchor bolts are attached to rebar that extends down into the footer. The column is strong enough to keep the frames upright. One leg of the A-frame will extend beyond the top of the A in a cantilever fashion so the beam will swing into place after it clears the column top.

I decided to use steel pipe (cheaper than wood in my area) for the frames. I calculated the stress at a few critical points and for 600 lbs, each frame, its negligible. With 4 blocks and some wire cable I can pull the beam into place using my tractor while keeping a safe distance from the setup.

My neighbor has enough wire cable so I only have to buy the pipe and 4 blocks. The blocks will be a useful tool addition. It’s about $160 for the pipe & blocks so I’ll save about $140 in the long run.

I’ll post some pictures of the process.
)

GOOD LUCK /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif. Gerard

Paddy · Nov 2, 2004

When I buy beams...they set them for me. If you ask real nice like, they will likely set it for you when they come to deliver the next load.

Your's looks quite easy. I had one job where we had to reach quite a ways. the only way was to attach off center and have my guys hang on to balance it!

kensfarm · Nov 2, 2004

Have you ever seen how they lift the head of a windmill tower in place.. I'm not sure of the name.. (jimmie?) but they mount a pole on the top of tower.. that is higher then the mount for the windmill head.. and hoist it up.

You could do the same for the Ibeam placement.

TBAR · Nov 2, 2004

( Have you ever seen how they lift the head of a windmill tower in place.. I'm not sure of the name.. (jimmie?) but they mount a pole on the top of tower.. that is higher then the mount for the windmill head.. and hoist it up.

You could do the same for the Ibeam placement. )

Gin Pole is the word you are looking for. We use them to set windmill heads and ham radio antennas. It is a pole that clamps to the pole/tower you are working on and extends above it. It has a pulley at the top that a cable goes through for lifting purposes.

TBAR

keeney · Nov 2, 2004

" However, I couldn’t get comfortable with anchoring the column base while it pivots,"

Ideally, the holes in the base of the posts would tilt right onto the anchor bolts as it tilts up, but might be hard to make this work out. If you don't get it over the bolts as it is tilting up, you will have top lift it somehow up and onto the bolts...

" and the high initial force required during the first 0 to 45 degrees of rotation."

Thats the easy part - lift it with the tractor forks up to about 6' high.

- Rick

kensfarm · Nov 3, 2004

Thankyou TBAR!!

Currmudgeon · Nov 3, 2004

( ... the high initial force required during the first 0 to 45 degrees of rotation. )

You start the lift across a pair of sheer legs. A bipod. That converts your horizontal pull to a lift. Once the frame starts to come up. you can drop the sheers and just pull it up.