Cross beams are key components arranged transverse to the primary load-bearing direction that take loads, distribute them, and transfer them to bearings or columns. They shape structures made of reinforced concrete, steel, and timber—from shell construction to bridges and tunnels. For conversions, refurbishment, and controlled deconstruction, precise methods matter: tools such as concrete pulverizers, hydraulic splitters, combination shears, steel shears, multi cutters, as well as suitable hydraulic power units enable material- and context-appropriate work with low vibration and high dimensional accuracy.
Definition: What is meant by cross beams
A cross beam is a predominantly horizontal girder arranged orthogonal to the primary span direction of a structure. It couples elements such as longitudinal girders, walls, or columns, braces frames and bracings, and distributes actions (self-weight, imposed loads, wind, traffic loads). In masonry and concrete construction one often speaks of downstand beams or girders, in steel construction of cross girders; functionally it is always about the transverse load transfer and the safe introduction of bending and shear forces into the joints.
Design and sizing principles for cross beams
The design of cross beams follows the relevant technical rules and results from the interaction of load-bearing capacity, serviceability, and durability. Central parameters are: span, cross-section shape, material, support conditions, connection details, construction stages, and the actual fixity. In practice, cross beams are designed for bending, shear, and, where applicable, torsion; deflection, crack-width control, and fire protection are also governing. For later disassembly or adaptations, accessible joints, defined separation joints, and protection against corrosion, moisture, or chemical attack are important.
Types and materials of cross beams
Cross beams appear in different materials and cross-sections. The choice determines structural behavior, joint solutions, and later interventions such as strengthening or deconstruction.
Reinforced-concrete cross beams
Monolithically connected to slabs, walls, or columns, they carry via bending and shear. Longitudinal reinforcement, stirrups, and sufficient anchorage are crucial. In refurbishment and demolition, concrete members can be reduced in sections with concrete pulverizers; the reinforcement is then cut.
Steel cross beams
Rolled or welded sections with bolted or welded connections. Advantages include high load-bearing capacity at low self-weight and well-defined separation points. Deconstruction is often performed by controlled cutting, for example with steel shears for sections or multi cutters, and placing in segments.
Timber cross beams
In existing buildings as joist systems or wall plates, in engineered timber construction as glued-laminated girders. Connections are made with steel plates, screws, or mortise-and-tenon joints. Strengthening focuses on section enlargements, doublings, or fishplates; deconstruction requires low-dust, fiber-appropriate cutting methods.
Structural behavior, joints, and details
Cross beams typically act as single-span or continuous girders. Critical areas include support zones (shear/stirrups), mid-spans (bending), notches, and openings. In frame joints, stiffness and detailing govern the system assumptions: rigid joints reduce deflections but increase moments; pinned connections reduce restraint but increase deformations. Connection details determine future reversibility—bolted steel joints or defined joints in reinforced concrete facilitate selective deconstruction.
Diagnosis, damage, and strengthening in existing structures
Typical damage patterns include cracking (bending/shear), concrete spalling, corroded reinforcement, section loss in steel, and timber damage due to moisture. Assessment involves visual inspection, rebar location, material properties, and joint analyses. Strengthening measures range from section enlargements (e.g., added concrete, composite plates, steel plates) to load redistribution via additional supports. Before any dismantling, load-bearing capacity and construction stages must be verified, temporary safeguards planned, and vibration as well as dust emissions minimized.
Dismantling and deconstruction of cross beams
Selective deconstruction follows an orderly sequence to protect adjacent components and control load redistribution. In existing buildings and bridge works, low-vibration, precise methods have proven effective, which aligns with established concrete demolition and deconstruction practice.
Step-by-step procedure
- Safeguarding: clarify load paths, install temporary shoring, define protection zones.
- Strip-out and separation: remove non-load-bearing attachments, installations, and finishes; create defined separation cuts at joints.
- Mechanical removal: reduce the concrete member in sections with concrete pulverizers; if required, initiate cracks in a targeted manner using hydraulic splitters.
- Rebar and section cutting: sever rebars with combination shears or multi cutters; segment steel cross girders with steel shears.
- Handling and logistics: secure, lower, and transport segments; separate material streams (concrete, steel, timber).
Tools, power supply, and emissions
Hydraulically operated tools require matched hydraulic power packs regarding pressure, flow rate, and hose lengths. For sensitive environments, low vibrations, reduced dust generation, and low noise emissions are crucial. Hydraulic splitting produces minimal flying fragments and enables controlled crack propagation; shears minimize secondary damage to adjacent components.
Tool selection by material and location
- Concrete cross beams: concrete pulverizers to remove the concrete, combination shears/multi cutters for reinforcement; for massive cross-sections, additionally hydraulic splitters to initiate cracks.
- Steel cross beams: steel shears for sections, multi cutters for plates and gussets; deconstruction via predefined bolted or flame-cut separation points, where permitted.
- Timber cross beams: fiber-appropriate cuts; metallic fasteners removed or cut separately.
- Confined locations: compact shears and short tool setups, power packs with suitable hose management; stepwise segmentation to reduce peak loads.
Cross beams in bridge and tunnel construction
In bridge construction, cross girders couple main girders and serve as transverse distribution members, transverse frames, or components of cross-bracing. Renewals often require sectional removal while maintaining traffic—low-vibration methods are particularly relevant here. In tunnel construction, transverse girders perform tasks in portal areas, niches, and cross-passages; for modifications or cross-section enlargements, precise separation cuts and controlled splitting are suitable to protect surrounding ground and tunnel lining.
Planning special deconstruction: safety, environment, and quality
Deconstruction concepts define construction stages, supports, cutting sequences, work areas, and emission control. Requirements for dust, noise, vibrations, and vibration impacts on neighboring structures must be assessed project-specifically. Legal provisions, standards, and regulatory requirements must be observed in general and verified on a case-by-case basis. Complete documentation (separation points, segment weights, material segregation) supports quality and verification.
Terminology and placement within the structure
Depending on context, cross beams are referred to as downstand beams, girders, cross girders, or head beams. Functional classification is more important than the name: decisive factors are position in the system, type of connection (pinned/rigid), participation of adjacent components, and the reversibility of joints. For conversions and deconstruction, it is worthwhile to plan defined separation joints, accessible fasteners, and low-load construction stages from the outset—this later facilitates the use of concrete pulverizers, hydraulic splitters, combination shears, steel shears, and multi cutters.