code for use of shims
 

code for use of shims
does the ibc have a code requirment for the use of steel or solid wood shims between wood floor framing and the bearing over a support?
thanks in advance.
check out our whitepaper library.
not that i am aware of... i would probably use steel to avoid any "compression" problems - but make them big enough so that the wood joist will not compress.
don't forget that non-treated wood cannot rest on concrete.
i have the electronic version of ibc 2003. a search on the words "shim" and "wedge" gave no hits in the document - most likely that use of shims are not addressed by this code.
for a steel structure, i agree with miketheengineer to use only steel shims (often flat sheets).
for a wooden structure, wooden wedge-shaped shims are typically adequate. assuming adequate bearing area they can only compress a small percentage of their thickness. when used properly, usually in pairs to keep the bearing surfaces parallel, their total thickness is also small (say a 1/2" or less).
if you have high loads, you could always specify hardwood shims which are even "stronger" than the everyday softwood variety.
the strength of the shims is only part of the solution - they must also stay in place, permanently. with wood shims, this is easy, some glue or small nails will take care of that.