2024 Ontario Building Code: Steel and Wood Column Standards for London Construction
Sarah's Expert Insight
OBC Compliance Specialist
"Whether we are building lakeside decks in Muskoka or finishing basements in Oakville, proper lateral support and rust-inhibitive coating on steel columns are critical for preventing structural failure due to moisture and soil movement. As a senior consultant at empcontracting.ca Inc. your construction contractor in London, Ontario, I emphasize that following these 2024 sizing and bearing plate requirements is the only way to guarantee a home remains level and safe for decades."
Navigating the 2024 Ontario Building Code (OBC) is essential for ensuring the safety and longevity of any structural project. At empcontracting.ca Inc. your construction contractor in London, Ontario, we strictly adhere to these regulations to provide superior build quality.
9.17.2.2. Lateral Support and Racking Resistance
Columns must be securely fastened to their supported members to minimize lateral differential movement. According to Article 9.17.2.2, columns are generally required to be laterally supported to resist racking. An exception exists for short columns (not more than 600 mm from finished ground) supporting a deck without a superstructure.
9.17.3. Steel Column Requirements
9.17.3.1. Dimensions and Loadbearing
Standard steel pipe columns must maintain an outside diameter of at least 73 mm and a wall thickness of at least 4.76 mm, unless loadbearing capacities are professionally proven adequate for alternative sizes.
9.17.3.2. End Bearing Plates
Steel columns require end bearing plates of at least 100 mm by 100 mm by 6.35 mm. When supporting wooden beams, the top plate must extend across the entire width of the beam to ensure stable load distribution.
9.17.3.3. Corrosion Protection
For exterior applications, steel columns susceptible to corrosion must be treated with at least one coat of rust-inhibitive paint to withstand Ontario's climate.
9.17.3.4. Adjustable Steel Columns
Adjustable steel columns are permitted for loads up to 36 kN provided they conform to CAN/CGSB-7.2. Any adjustable columns exceeding this load must be designed under Part 4 of the OBC.
9.17.4. Wood Column Sizing
Per 9.17.4.1, the width or diameter of a wood column must be no less than the width of the member it is supporting, ensuring a flush and secure structural connection.
Disclaimer: This content is generated from the Ontario Building Code for educational purposes. Always consult with a licensed professional engineer or your local building department before starting any construction project in London, Ontario.