Structural engineer or architectural engineer. Same difference, if the A.Engr. specializes in structures. Some civil engineers also specialize in structures.

This sound like the main girder of the house. How large is it? I assume it is a timber not built-up lumber. An engineer will be able to determine the actual loads on the beam and judge its condition. If the crack runs horizontally half way up the beam it may not reduce the strength of the beam but for such a long span only an engineer's opinion is worth anything to the building department.

Steel posts or adjustable jack posts are fine if they are rated for the load and are on a new reinforced concrete footing all of which will be specified by the engineer.

I don't know how we'd even get a new beam INTO the basement.

If necessary, a section of the basement wall can be removed.

Thanks, all! I'm not home, so can't measure. The crack runs diagonally through the beam, about in the middle of it. It's wood, original to the house when it was built in the 1950's. I do not understand why this beam was not 'doubled'. I remember that other beams that I believe are the -- same size -- are. The original house was about 2000 sq ft. Now it's 3000, plus full-height attic under 10/12 (architectural shingle) roof that could be living space with the addition of dormers.

When the house was demolished we kept a Kohler whirlpool tub; I *think* it is over this beam.

Worthy -- Ack! This beam is in the middle of the original basement, resting on the original poured cement basement walls. There are 5' deep cement crawls all around it now, supporting enlarged rooms. So...there's not any kind of 'some assembly required' beam? LOL

Sure hoping this can be *reinforced* in place.

How do I find a structural engineer? House is north of Chicago. It was inspected and passed by this city's building inspector -- right before he went to serve time for a (different) work-related infraction.

"How do I find a structural engineer north of Chicago?"

The same as any other professional: 1) Yellow pages; 2) Internet; 3) Google; 4) Ask your local architect; 5) Call you local AIA or engineering society!

Google "structural engineer" and your zip code.

If that doesn't work do the same thing for "architect" and call some to ask for the name of an engineer who does small projects. The smaller the architectural firm the better your chance of finding a willing engineer.

Or call your local chapter office of NSPE--National Society of Professional Engineers.

Chisue, please send me a message.

Helpful suggestion, don't fill the tub until the beam is inspected. (There is always one in every crowd. Today, it's my turn:))

You should be able to get the beam thru the basement window. They might be able to replace that beam(with temp support) with a steel beam.

Thanks, all! I'll try all suggestions.

Encouraging idea, robin, although the access window is at the west end of the basement, and the beam is N-S. It would be difficult to rotate it within the confined space.

Still hoping for a 'repair' solution.

Is it not possible to put a steel post or two at or on either side of the crack?

There's an infinite number of make-shift solutions which could be done. The important question, however, is why did the beam crack, and what is the best, and safest, most durable solution to the problem which caused the cracking?

You can consult a professional (who can also help you with the access challenge), or you can apply duct tape.

Your choice. Good luck!

I'm not planning on 'makeshift'. We'd never be able to sell the house! I just foresee the difficulty in getting a new beam into place.

It is ironic that we spent the better part of a year getting the city's Building Review Committee (volunteer busybodies) satisfied on niggling things, then the salaried building inspector misses a major flaw?

If the beam cracked but did not deflect, the crack is most likely due to age and normal checking from. If the strength of the beam had been compromised it would have deflected enough to be noticeable. So put a string along the bottom edge of it and see what has happened.

And post a photo; there are different kinds of cracks.

Is there some reason a new steel post and footing can't be installed?

Keep in mind that with your discovery of the cracked beam, and the discussion here, you have demonstrated that you are aware of the issue, and now have responsibility for its proper and adequate repair. You will have to disclose the crack and your solution in any future sales listing and transfer of title to a new owner. So do it properly!

Would the use of duct tape be considered "properly"??

"...Would the use of duct tape be considered "properly"??..."

Sorry! Old Special Forces motto: "If it moves and it's not supposed to, use duct tape (we called it 100 mile per hour tape). If it doesn't move and it's supposed to, use WD-40! Will fix anything.

It was just old military sarcasm!