Looking for advice on porch system

[Bob Elliott]

Place I looked at today was a 3 deck metal porch system with steel I beam supports going into exterior full split faced block and half CMU at beam pockets inside free standing wall for support.

OK in case you are wondering I am guessing the design was for the wall to also block noise from an el train system behind it.
This is all in the shadow of Wrigley field.(damn Cubs).(Go Sox).
Question is how should this be designed to prevent the beam ends from rusting?
Does the wall need flashing like a regular building wall?
Remember it is free standing and parallel to the rear of the building but away at the far side of the porch system.

Yes the beam ends are rusting and the pockets are sealed.
Should they be open? and should there be some kind of flashing.
Any helpful links,codes, intelligent reasoning, is pleaded for.
(oh ,the porch is only 5 years old)

[Bob Elliott]

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[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Bob,
Not sure of an answer for you, as I rarely see this scenario, and then it's usually in commercial applications. My only thoughts are that an annual maintenance plan, which included sealing the exterior (weather side only) of the block wall to minimize moisture migration, would have prevented most of the problem.
Jeff

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by jjonas

Bob,
Not sure of an answer for you, as I rarely see this scenario, and then it's usually in commercial applications. My only thoughts are that an annual maintenance plan, which included sealing the exterior (weather side only) of the block wall to minimize moisture migration, would have prevented most of the problem.
Jeff

I must come up with the tough questions.
Thanks for bumping it though.

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Give Will a call, if you are still on speaking terms with him.

[ROBERT V. YOUNG]

OK BOB I will try but excuse the technical answers ( lack of ).
See that often in Montreal Qc.
The beams are rusting and will damage the cement as the rust deepens. It expands and beaks the cement and any wielded jointing.
You will start to see staining from the iron beams( rusting )being carried onto the block.
Sorry best I could do.
Now the first photo ( I ) beam in pocket must be grind-ed then rust proofed.
All the metal rust must be stabilized.
The construction looks 4 years old at the most and was not rust-proofed.

[ROBERT V. YOUNG]

You will have to look into the cement blocks integrity.
Bring the photo to your local brick and block yard.
I have heard of certain exterior styled facade block in Chicago area having problems with wicking water inside ( accepting water ) and showing effervescing stains and that,s the start to the breakdown of the material.
Call out in your report to have a mason ( will rounded ) look into the work.
Problem with that in Montreal is that a mason only knows masonry and will not comment on anything but.. You have painting (sealing) problem and if not sealed the metal will start to break down. Wielded areas and cement by explaining rust.

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by jjonas

Give Will a call, if you are still on speaking terms with him.

Will does not work on Saturdays so I am not sure he even goes on here .

[Randy L. Mayo, PE]

Bob

As a minimum I would suggest the rust be removed and the steel primed and painted. All structural steel should be protected from the weather unless you have rust resistant metal such as stainless, galvanized, aluminum, or A588 weathering steel,etc.

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by rmayo

Bob

As a minimum I would suggest the rust be removed and the steel primed and painted. All structural steel should be protected from the weather unless you have rust resistant metal such as stainless, galvanized, aluminum, or A588 weathering steel,etc.

Would be tough to do what is inside that split block I imagine.
Wouldn't it be too late?

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by ryoung7

You will have to look into the cement blocks integrity.
Bring the photo to your local brick and block yard.
I have heard of certain exterior styled facade block in Chicago area having problems with wicking water inside ( accepting water ) and showing effervescing stains and that,s the start to the breakdown of the material.
Call out in your report to have a mason ( will rounded ) look into the work.
Problem with that in Montreal is that a mason only knows masonry and will not comment on anything but.. You have painting (sealing) problem and if not sealed the metal will start to break down. Wielded areas and cement by explaining rust.

Yes that is split block.
But does a self supporting wall need flashing since both sides are open (actually 4 sides)
There was a weak attempt at the pedestrian entrance.(lintel)

[Randy L. Mayo, PE]

Bob

Ideally all the steel should have been primed and painted. As it is right now prime and paint all visible steel and maybe seal the block around the steel to help prevent additional moisture form wicking into the block.

[ldapkus]

Looks normal for a 5 year old structure. Find something more important to worry about.

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by rmayo

Bob

Ideally all the steel should have been primed and painted. As it is right now prime and paint all visible steel and maybe seal the block around the steel to help prevent additional moisture form wicking into the block.

That may not be a good idea with no flashing.
Sealing may trap it further.

[Curtis M. Vilt]

Bob looks like a maintenance nightmare and in my opinion exposed steel in a poor product for exteriors unless as Randy stated rated for such use. Finding a solution is possible but wont be easy due to access. I think all you could do short of cutting some block is get the surface you can reach with some chemical rust treatment. Once it rust it will be a continuing maintenance issue.
Not much help I know, but 1/2 an idea.