So I'm build a 30'deep by 35'wide garage with an apartment above and had some questions about a support beam. I was going to triple up a 2x12 to make a laminated beam to span the 30' with two posts to support the beam with 10' in between both. Then was going to attach my floor joists with joist hangers to the laminated beam to make my floor for upstairs. Just wanted to know if this will support my floor or do I need to do it some other way?
Please let me know!
Jon
Hi Jon,
The basics of what you're doing are fine, however, Code doesn't allow for dimensional lumber to be laminated as a bearing beam any longer. You'll have to use LVL (Laminated Veneered Lumber) to do it. I'm assuming you know to glue them together and bolt every 16".
I've attached West Fraser's technical guide to LVL's as well as the Code Span Table for reference. With these you'll be able to make sure your load bearing and spans are where they should be.
I just realized you're in Alberta. Ontario's building code doesn't allow for the dimensional lumber to be used, if Alberta does, then you're good to go. But, my recommendation is to use LVL regardless.
https://www.westfraser.com/sites/default/files/products/LVL/LVL%20Users%20Guide%20-%20Canada%20v0415.pdf
https://www.westfraser.com/sites/default/files/products/LVL/LVL%20Users%20Guide%20-%20Canada%20v0415.pdf
Hope that helps, if you've got any questions feel free to get in touch.
- Tim
Hi Jon. If your building a garage that big it probably requires a permit. If so then you need a set of drawings. If there are drawings I would say follow them. If your drawing the drawings up now then you need an engineer. The engineer can tell you what beam and posts are required. Hope this helps.
I agree with Joh in London. You need a building permit with drawings which may require an Engineers drawing of all footings and posts and beams. You will need LVL'S which are laminated and not spruce floor joists. That is a big span and I would assume you're going to have some big footings to support the weight load. I highly recommend you call a trusted Pro contractor in your area who can assist you with this. Hope this helps Jeff
Hi Jonathan: The 2014 Alberta Building Code (current code) includes span tables for dimension lumber beams. The beam you describe is well within the allowable spans as per Table A-8 (built-up beam supporting not more than one floor).
As long as you stay within the span tables in Part 9 of the Code there is no need for engineering. Alternatively you could use engineered lumber (i.e. an LVL beam as suggested); the advantage with engineered lumber is it is much stronger and straighter than dimensional lumber but much more difficult to nail into. You would then need to go to a supplier of these materials and they would prepare a computer engineered design and also calculate what's needed for columns and footings.
Of course the posts need to be supported on pad footings and you will likely need to provide a one hour fire separation between the garage and the suite above, including any walls and columns supporting the floor system.
When you make your permit application the plans examiner will confirm the adequacy of the structural design provided it is based on the tables in the Code.
Ian Derksen
Safety Codes Officer - Building
Get an engineer to do the work and stop guessing!
Its what there for!
Andrew Parker
Par-Tek Construction Ltd.
You have to hire engineer that he can provide the correct structure elements and dimensions as well as get you the drawing required for the permit?
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