beam pocket logo


THE TECHNICAL INFORMATION


1. WHICH BEAM POCKET MODEL DO I CHOOSE?

Model BP-LARGE:
- Accommodates steel beams from W16 to W27 wide flange beams.

Model BP-SMALL:
- Fits steel beams from W6 to W16 wide flange beams.
- The BP-SMALL can also be used for wood beams (with the addition of the wood bearing Plate WP-1).
- The BP-30 is typically used on residential and small commercial projects.

Model BP-ICF:
- For use with ICF blocks
- Same beam sizes as BP-SMALL above.

Click below to see the chart of beams which can be used with each beam pocket.

LIST OF STEEL BEAMS THAT FIT THE BP-LARGE, BP-SMALL and BP-ICF MODELS

LIST OF WOOD BEAMS THAT FIT THE BP-SMALL and BP-ICF MODELS


2. WHAT IS THE DEAD LOAD RATING OF THE BP BEARING PLATE?

The Beam Pocket provides support for the dead weight of the beam before leveling and grouting.

The BP-SMALL and BP-ICF models come with a 1/4 in bearing plate.
The bearing plate will support a point load of 3 kps or 3000 pounds of
dead load - not design load - before grouting the bearing plate.
This would equal a total unloaded dead weight of the beam at 6000 pounds - Max for 1/4 in plate.

The BP-LARGE model comes with a 3/8 in bearing plate.
The bearing plate will support a point load of 5.1 kps or 5100 pounds before grouting
below the bearing plate. This would equal a total unloaded dead weight
of the beam at 10,200 pounds - Max for 3/8 in plate.

If you have a point load more 5100 pounds - (the weight of the beam is more than 10,200 lbs)
give us a call and we can supply you with a 1/2 in bearing plate which will hold 9.1 kps or 9100 pounds each end.
For a total beam dead weight of 18,200 lbs.

bp beam pocket bearing
5100 lb point dead load for 3/8 in plate
BP-LARGE Beam Pocket
1/2 in plate is available
bp beam pocket bearing
3000 pd point dead load for 1/4 in plate
BP-SMALL Beam Pocket
1/2 in plate is available

3. WHAT IS THE DESIGN LOAD OF EACH MODEL ?

The Beam Pocket directly distributes the bearing load directly into the concrete with a vertical vector.

The BP-SMALL and BP-ICF models with a 1/4 in bearing plate and
grout installed can support 124,800 lbs or 124 k.

The BP-LARGE with a 3/8 in bearing plate and
grout installed can support 166,400 lbs or 166 k.

Heavier bearing plates can be supplied with
the BP-SMALL Model and the BP-LARGE Model.

bp30 beam pocket design load
BP-SMALL model and BP-ICF MODEL
124800 max design load
bp70 beam pocket design load
BP-LARGE model
166400 max design load

4. REVIEW BY YOUR STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Please have your structural engineer review the following:

a. The maximum point dead load on the pocket should not exceed the limits as indicated in Section 2 above. The design load limits should not exceed the limits in section 3 above.

b. The rebar pattern behind, to the sides and below the beam pocket should be designed by your structural engineer.

c. The expansion and contraction requirements of the beam to be placed in the beam pocket.

d. The type and strength of the structural grout to be placed in the beam pocket.

e. Verify that the size of the anchor bolts meet their requirements. The LARGE model uses 3/4 in dia anchor bolts. The SMALL and ICF models use 1/2 in dia anchor bolts. A307/ A36 .


5. ASSEMBLY OF THE BP-LARGE Beam Pocket Model

Click on the link below for the assembly video of the beam pocket.

ASSEMBLY OF THE BP-LARGE Beam Pocket Model


6. BAD BEAM POCKETS

The following are examples of beam pocket problems from construction photos on the web.


BP1
BP2
BP5
BP6
BP6
BP6
BP6
BP6