Support needed too, ? on strengthing beam

[Limited-Time]

Span length 21 feet, 2X10 stacked wood beam currently supported by 4 post total (3 seven foot spans. I would like to strengthen the existing beam enough (by thru bolting channel iron to the faces) to remove the 2 inner posts leaving the 21 foot opening. What size channel will I need to add to the current beam to carry the load? This set up will be supporting the weight of the story above it. Is this doable???

 

[Ron G]

Re: Support needed too, ? on strengthing beam

Yes we did it to a house a few years back,ours was 2X12 i think and we used 1/4 steel and bolted it togeather.went back a year later to do some work on a bath,and everthing was still fine didnt move any.

 

[tommays]

Re: Support needed too, ? on strengthing beam

you really need someone who can work out the load and sign off on the beam size.<br /><br />takeing a WAG on it is pretty big risk.<br /><br />you might have no real load above or much more than you think on that worst case snow storm you get every 20 years<br /><br />we have max 25 ft spans here and the beam is BIG<br /><br />tommays

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Support needed too, ? on strengthing beam

Yah, tommays your right. I thought I’d see if there were any pros here that could help. If I don't receive any quallified responses I'll look up a structural engineer.

 

[ED21]

Re: Support needed too, ? on strengthing beam

You need to determine the floor & roof loads from above, then determine if the beam & supports & connections can safely support it.<br />Wind loading could also affect the design. Don't forget seismic loading that S.C. has requirements for. The deflection(bounciness) of the beam is important to take into account.<br />An engineer or good contractor could determine what is required.