Construction Industry/Floor Reinforcement?

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/28/2009


Question
I have a 180 gallon aquarium that I will be setting up in our home. There is currently a 75 gallon aquarium in its place. My concern is the amount of psf that the aquariums is about 150 psf for both aquariums based on the footprint and the weight involved. How would it be best to reinforce the floors? we have a crawlspace, with access to the floor joists...

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

That's a big aquarium!!  And a good idea - reinforcing the floor.  Probably you would not have a problem - but better safe than sorry!
Typically, residential floors are designed to accommodate 40psf live load while the dead load is approx. 10psf.  For example, a 2" x 10" joist, 16" o.c., with a live load of 40psf, the span should not exceed 14'.

I will assume the aquariums are rectangular.  It would be preferable that the long dimension of the aquariums were perpendicular to the joists.  In other words, spread the weight over as many joists as possible.

I would highly recommend that, in the area under the aquariums, you install some "solid" bridging, i.e. if the floor joists are 2" x 10" - then the bridging should be the same size, etc.  Cut several pieces of lumber to fit snuggly between the joists  and then nail them in place from the other side of the joist.  If you are spanning more than one joist space, then offset the bridging so you can still nail each end from the other side.  

If you are overly concerned about the added weight, you could also add a couple joists.  Usually a little more difficult - trying to manipulate a large piece of lumber in a crawl space and getting it in place at the bearing ends.

Good luck.  I hope this has been helpful.

Roger  

Construction Industry

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.