Slide 9 of 13
Notes:
- If using the existing girder as the cripple wall top plate is not feasible
- If using the existing girder as the cripple wall top plate is not feasible, and it is cut flush with the end of the new cripple wall, a metal strap connecting the girder to the top plate of the new cripple wall must be provided as shown in Elevation E.
- This connection will be subject to both tension and compression forces
- It is very important that the girder end be carefully cut so that it will tightly fit against the new cripple wall or foundation.
- Also, to provide enough surface area to make this nailed splice connection and not interfere with the row of nailing along the top edge of the plywood, the new cripple wall top plate must be a minimum 4x4 member instead of using a typical double 2x4 top plate.
- One further consideration at this connection is that the vertical face of the girder and the new top plate must align because the strap should not be kinked or bent.
- A misalignment of 3/4 inch or less can be accommodated by installing plywood of the appropriate thickness on the face of the existing girder to make it flush with the new top plate.
- If this plywood shim is installed, the length of the 10d nails used in the strap must be increased to provide a minimum of 1-1/2 inches of penetration into the girder.
- Given the complexity of this connection, the use of the existing girder for the top plate of the new cripple wall is the preferred method.
