What should I do about two (out of four) missing bolts in a basement support post?

Question

I just purchased a home and removed a wall in the basement that was butted up against the support post. There are two support posts in the concrete floor which supports the steel beam that runs the length of the house. The posts each attach with four bolts to beam. One beam is attached properly the other only has two bolts into the beam. I suspect that either in 1960 when the house was built the builder didn't insert the bolts because the holes didn't line up exactly...or in 1970 when the wall was orginally built, the bolts were removed for clearance purposes. The floor isn't sagging, and the concrete where the post enters the ground doesn't look compromised. Should I be concerned? Should I just leave it alone, or put in a couple more bolts (slightly smaller than the others so they fit in the holes)?

Answer 1

Many posts are held in place without any bolts. You generally jack the beam to level it with hydraulic jacks. When you let the weight of the building down onto the post it is held firmly in position by the enormous weight of the building. Probably the wall you removed also fastened it in place.

I generally use a 12 ton jack as my minimum size and often use a 20 ton jack. I do fasten the posts but mainly because one time as I jacked for one post it lifted the beam enough to loosen the previous post which fell towards me. A concrete filled steel post could kill you..

It only happened once but, hey! You only live once.

If you are truly worried, rent a big slow drill and  buy some "cutting" oil. Drill the holes so they line up properly. I generally start with  a small bit and then enlarge the hole.

Lubricate the bit often with the oil and drill slowly. Speed will only harden the steel and make it take for ever.

High speed steel bits should be enough, "gold" colored titanium nitride coated bits are better. Cobalt bits are the best.

Chances are you don't have to worry unless you plan to jack the building to level the floors. Without seeing your exact situation I am generalizing.

Answer 2

I don't think you have anything major to worry about, but as a just in case, place the other two bolts in. Best of luck with the new home!