Richard wrote:

I need to install a steel beam that is about 20' long. The beam is a
w10x30 so that make it 600 pounds. The beam will be supporting the
main floor (installed in the basement). How does one lift such a beam
in place? Obviously I cannot use a crane. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Richard

You don't give many details on the how and why, but 600# is fairly
insignificant rigging wise.

The basement location and lack of crane access implies a retrofit
situation and relatively low headroom. You don't give an indication of a
need to slip the beam in horizontally to get it on top of a foundation
either.

If it's just a matter of lifting the beam into position it's pretty
easy. Rent or borrow some pipe frame scaffolding, enough to setup two
independent units. Setup a unit at each end of the beam straddling it
with the X brace left out of one side for lifting clearance. At the 300#
each scaffold will hold, a single X brace on the other side is plenty.

Rest a good scaffold deck plank (like an Alumaplank) across the top of
each scaffold tower. Wrap a quality 4' lifting sling around the center
of each scaffold plank and hang an inexpensive ratchet "come-a-long"
underneath. The 300# load is well within the decking planks capacity as
this is equivalent to one big construction guy and some tools.

Attach the "come-a-longs" to the beam and hoist it as far as they will
go. Insert more scaffold planks on the next level below the beam height
that will give enough clearance for a small scissors type auto jack
(better bearing surface than a hydraulic jack) resting on a piece of
2x10 to spread the load. Setup a scissors type jack on the 2x scrap on
plank under the beam. Setup 2 foot long or so 2x10 cribbing sections
under the beam along side the jack and just a bit higher.

Lower the "come-a-longs" to place the beam on the cribbing. Remove the
"come-a-longs", slings and upper scaffold planks. Use the jacks to
slowly raise the beam the rest of the way into position adding cribbing
as you go for safety. Secure the beam in place and then remove the
jacks, cribbing, scaffolding, etc.

Or just get some pizza, beer and about 10 guys to just pick the thing up
at 60# per person.

Pete C.