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Re: Sizing Steel Beam for Load Bearing Wall

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Structural
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 28 Jan 2001
Time: 09:02 PM

Comments

In order to properly size any beam, you must first know the live load and dead load imparted on the beam, plus any additional point loads. For example, will this beam be carrying additional loads from the roof or other partitions above?

We ran a quick calculation, and if your total live load + dead load is less than 1000 PLF (pounds per lineal foot), then a steel i-beam S6x12.5 would support this load over a 9-foot span. The "S" means a standard flange size (as opposed to a "W" wide flange. The 6 refers to the depth (6") and the 12.5 refers to the weight of the beam per foot. So, this would be an i-beam with a 3-3/8" flange and 6" depth. This example assumes there are no other point loads and that the overall load is uniformly distributed.

The ends of each beam would need to be properly anchored to another i-beam on each end acting as columns. Sometimes stiffeners are added for improved rigidity and strength. The corners are generally welded and braced to form a strong, unified structural steel opening.

Generally, 1/2" or 5/8" bolts are welded to the I-beam flange, on top of which you attach 2x lumber to act as a nailer for the joists above....and along the columns to act as nailers for the wood studs.

Finally, the steel columns should have heavy steel welded plates with at least four holes for leveling and bolting to the foundation. This obviously works best when the foundation is new and bolts can be embedded in the concrete. In the case of a retrofit, you'll have to determine a suitable way to anchor the steel to the foundation.

Since Builders Websource cannot specify the proper sizing of your beam, the above example should be treated only as an example for the purpose of general illustration. No claim is made as to the accuracy of this calculation or the suitability to your specific conditions.

We strongly urge you to hire a structural engineer to examine your residence and run a calculation to size the beam. Structural details such as the bolting schedule and foundation anchoring technique can be specified by the engineer.

Is your desire to use steel as opposed to a microlam beam simply to keep the depth of the beam as small as possible?

For additional help on computing steel I beam sizes, Builders Websource offers BeamChek structural design software available by clicking here.

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