What is the standard bearer-to-brick-pier connection?

[Silvester2025]

is it normal to have these pieces of timber under bearers between bearers and ant caps on piers in our subfloor or should bearers go directly on to ant caps? Also should the metal strips be nailed to the brickwork? How can I tell if these timber chocks are H3.  In Sydney if relevant.  

[JacobZ]

Hi @Silvester2025,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

This is not what you should expect to see at a bearer-to-brick-pier connection. A bearer should sit directly on top of the ant cap atop the brick pier with only a thin piece of plascourse between the bearer and the pier if called for in the design plans.

The metal straps are to tie the subfloor together and to the foundation, so I would expect them to be attached to the brick pier in some way, which they don't appear to be.

It is hard to say, but the chocks look more like H2 timber that has been ripped down than H3 timber. With H3 timber, the core of the timber looks more yellow/green than what I am seeing.

Unfortunately, this is not the standard of work you should expect to see. I would consider having an independent building inspector or an engineer inspect this to confirm. While it may be working now, I would expect rectification work is likely needed to prevent further issues down the line.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob