Need to install a beam in an existing 2×6 load bearing wall 18′ long.
Debating between continuous or segmented beam.
Segmented allows for removing 6 foot sections of the wall at a time and framing in the new post and beam and covering from elements before moving onto next section.
Continuous requires more man power but only have to perform the operation once instead of 3 times.
Suggestions?
Replies
What is a segmented beam?
beams that stop midspan on a post. I call them segmented in that they are not continuous, but break at a point and another beam section continuous from there to next post.
If you decide to bear the beams on a post make sure that you have adequate support below the post down to the foundation.
Did you see the article about adding a beam to a load bearing wall in place, one LVL at a time, cutting into the existing studs? This may be a better technique for you.
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Tu stultus es
Given a choice, continious is usually better. A beam going over a post to bearing beyond is subject to less deflection then a beam whos end is ON the post.
Runnerguy
I'm not sure if this is applicable in you case, but a continuos beam is actually stronger(carry more load) than a segmented beam of equal size, shape, material, etc., etc. and each spanning the same distances. Your problem seems to have more to do with the economy of reworking the structure than the design of the beam.
After again reading your post, I'm not sure of what you are asking or saying. Is the beam to be spanning 18'-0" or three 6'-0" spans? (ie. with two permanent intermediate post supports equally spaced.) More info.would be helpful.
I'm assuming the latter in which case, everything being equal, a continuos beam or at least a beam where the joints are staggered, is better solution, if for no other reason, than that everything is just tied together better.
Need to install a beam in an existing 2x6 load bearing wall 18' long.
Debating between continuous or segmented beam.
Was the beam size to clear-span 18'? If so and you want to break it up, that means you probably don't need a beam anymore.
Segmented allows for removing 6 foot sections of the wall at a time and framing in the new post and beam and covering from elements before moving onto next section.
6' sections doesn't require any big beam. Those 6' sections makes it 3 separate headers. What size beam was spec'd?
Let's say you had a 5-1/4x11-7/8" microlam spec'd for an 18' clear-span, now your going to break it up into 6' sections giving you three headers. You do not need a 5-1/4"x11-7/8" microlam anymore because obviously those post will have to be solid blocked to the foundation and you just have 6' spans to worry about, not 18'.
My take is you are debating an 18' span vs. three 6' spans. Given you are replacing a load bearing wall that presumably has a footing sized for the existing load, I doubt replacing with a clear span is an option unless you are prepared to jack hammer out the floor where the new 18' beam ends to install new footings. Even at 6' spans your existing footing may not be adequate for proper design loads.
Brad
Given you are replacing a load bearing wall that presumably has a footing sized for the existing load, I doubt replacing with a clear span is an option unless you are prepared to jack hammer out the floor where the new 18' beam ends to install new footings.
If the wall is sitting on the outside foundation, it doesn't matter what the footings are. If it's an interior wall that sits on the main girder below, then he has to worry about where those posts are if they land in between lally columns and possibly add footings in the basement.
Joe Carola
Very true, an exterior wall (if concrete) will spread the load very well to the footing. I was thinking it was an interior wall and didnt even consider the option 18' would be span from one exterior wall to another.
Brad