I have a major renovation going on. Issue is that I need to span a total of 30 feet, split up into two sections…one section in 10 feet and the other is 20 feet. Beam to replace a carrying wall. Specifics are as follows:
Beam will carry an inhabited attic…rated 30 lbs live load/10 lbs dead load, roof load is probably 40 lbs live load/15 lbs dead load as it is in mid-New Hampshire and have to consider snow. Beam will be supporting the attic floor joists and the roof rafters. Load analysis shows I can meet all codes by using a triple 1 3/4″ x 18″ x 30 foot Boise Versa-Lam beam. This seems like it might be a little high at 18″ for me to squeeze into the space. Any idea what a comparable Steel I Beam would be to handle this type of load. Or, any idea of a web page with tables of Steel I beam strengths ?
Replies
Can't you phone your local steel supply house? Where I live, deep in the Adirondacks in upstate NY, I just call Jeffords Steel in Plattsburgh and pose the question. Usually get a fax back with a quote the same day. I can tell you this . . . the equivalent steel member for your load situation will be a lot less deep that the microlam, and the steel will deflect a whole lot less under working load. Good luck.
Gene is correct in saying that a steel beam will not be as deep as a wood beam, in general.
With 2 different spans like that, you need someone to run numbers on the beam. It's not just a simple span thing anymore.
Ask around in your area - Call a steel supplier. They should be able to point you in the direction of someone who can size the beam for you.
Keep in mind that the post is gonna need sized, too. You're gonna have one hell of a reaction there.
I'm currently fasting to protest hunger strikes.
I suspect that I will have to replace a footing that will carry the post as well. I'm not as concerned with the post per se, but more with the carrying of the load. I got the wood stuff from my local lumber supplier...a big yard. Now, I will pursue the local steel suppliers...great idea. Thanks
I am reading this thread with interest, as I am considering doing a similar project in my basement, where I want to replace a section of triple 2"x10" resting on columns which supports the floor joists of the 20'x20' room above it. My question is not so much whether to use steel or some form of engineered lumber, as I have no preference and I'll use whatever the engineer tells me to, but more as to what issues will I face with transferring the load from the beam to the slab. To be more clear, I assume that one end of the new beam will rest in a cutout in the foundation wall, where the end of the 2"x10"s now rest. Since I will be removing 2 columns from the middle of the span, what will have to be done where the end of the new beam will meet up with the remaining triple 2"x10" beam? Will there have to be a bigger column put in there? or will I have to pour more concrete and add more columns? I believe my slab is 6" thick.
Thanks
Paul
Fred,
If you inhabit your attic space, would it then be considered living space and bump up to 40# live load? Just a question.
WAHD
Attic Space is inhabited....it is a small bedroom....a portion of which is on the load for the new beam and a portion is over another carrying wall and not a concern. i would opt for a larger beam in any event, if I can fit it in. i would rather over-engineer rather than underspec the job.