Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 30, 1999 06:06am | #1

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   Ray, I think you're trying to over-simplify things too much. Calculating the loads on a beam isn't always simple. It can get pretty messy, especially if there are multiple floors, or floor and roof loads combined.

   As for how much a 2X4 or 2X6 will hold, that's also not a simple question. The strength of individual boards varies greatly with different species and grades.

   It's way too much to ask to cover something like that in a discussion group..............

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 30, 1999 06:08am | #2

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   Ditto Ron.

   Joseph Fusco View Image

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   Guest_ | Jul 31, 1999 07:10am | #3

   *RayGet a copy of your state/provincial building code, there should be charts that give load and span for various applications per species, size and grade of wood. . . i rules of thumbare for pros who understand all that is involved, and are meant for general calcs only!!!-pm

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 31, 1999 11:03pm | #4

   *Get a copy of Simplified Engineering For Architects and Builders by Parker/Ambrose, published by John Wiley and Sons ..... I think you will find it helpful and after reading it, find, as Ron S. suggests, that sizing beams is not as simple as it seems. There are different kinds of loads (point, uniform, or combinations of the two)to consider, along with with other factors like deflection (l/360 or l/480?).Design factors vary in different areas of the country, too. Snow, wind, earthquake, or hurricane? The book along with a good span chart will make a good introduction to the subject.

2. 
   Michael_Roraback | Aug 04, 1999 06:18am | #5

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   if you contact your local building inspector, he should be able to give you a chart that will inable you to figure out the proper size of headers and beams.

3. 
   ray_toro | Aug 04, 1999 06:18am | #6

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   Can anybody tell me how load bearing beams are calculated to span rooms.I remember reading about this in a magazine a while back.Also if there is information on how much weight does a 2X4,2X6 etc can handle,any information would be appreciated,Thanks......Ray.