Replies

1. Expert Member
   Akos | Mar 15, 2022 05:09pm | #1

   Even if you use an on-line calculator, the building department will want a stamped drawing for the beam. You'll have to pay an engineer to size it properly.

   If you want to avoid that cost, I would check your local code, ours has tables for gluelam beams which could be used as a prescriptive option. An oversized prescriptive beam will be less cost than a beam plus stamped drawing.

   A simpler option is to skip the beam and clear span the space. 18' can be clear spanned for less cost than dealing with a mid span beam and footings.

1. 
   steveeee | Mar 15, 2022 06:40pm | #3

   thanks, i was also thinking about just doing 2x12 clear span, at least for submission to the building dept and see what they say

   i did contact an engineer already but waiting for reply, things take forever these days

   BTW, do you have link to your code for gluelam beams?

1. Expert Member
   Akos | Mar 15, 2022 07:10pm | #4

   2x12 should be fine with bridging and subfloor glued. I would look at I-joist as well as the floor will be flatter and stiffer.

   Not sure how much it will help as I'm in Canada but here it is:
   http://www.thebuildings.weebly.com/uploads/2/5/3/6/25369281/obc_2012_0.pdf

   Table A-11

2. Expert Member
   MALCOLM TAYLOR | Mar 15, 2022 07:17pm | #5

   Steve,

   2"x12" @12"oc c/w strapping and bridging meets our code, but it performs horribly.

2. Expert Member
   MALCOLM TAYLOR | Mar 15, 2022 06:08pm | #2

   Steve,

   You also need to be careful using Weyerhaeuser's sizing. They are making assumptions about the floor joists above based on their products which may not apply. Perhaps counterintuitively, the loading on the beam will increase if the spans are continuous, not broken.