Monday 2 May 2011

Aligning bearers & bracing

Today we still had a bit to go on laminating bearers and getting them attached to the jack studs.  Once done, we had to align them so that they were sitting straight.  To do, we had to put a second batter board on the profiles and transfer the BL down on to it by using a level.  String lines were then run along the side of the bearer (doesn't really matter where, but mid way though width of bearer is good so its easier to work with).  Once the string line was set up, we moved into bracing the bearers, by securing it 30mm from string line.  We used a dodgem block that measured this in thickness and placed it between the bearer and string line - the bearer was then pulled or pushed to sit the block comfortably between the two.  The braces were then hammered into place to hold the bearers in the position.
When bracing the bearers, they spanned between the bearers.  Placed at an angle so one end is just under the bearer against a jack stud, and the other end is on the opposite side along the jack stud but at the base.  The braces we used were 3x2's, and can be cut to sit better by cutting a lip out so that it sits on the sole plate and won't slide out.  The opposite end is cut at an angle so there is no overhang.
The braces are spaced evenly along the bearers so that it is solid and holds in place.

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