I-Beam For Joist To Avoid Support Post

we3861 · 01-31-2009, 08:49 AM

Constructing a 20x30 shop and planning on 2 story.My question is can I use two 20ft steel i-beams(12"high and 5/16 thick)to support 2x6x10s on 16" centers for flooring.Not planning on storing anything real heavy up stairs.Tried using formulas and calcs. but I didn't fully understand them.Thanks!

**Termite** · 01-31-2009, 10:53 AM

You need a structural engineer to take a look at your design to make sure that the beams you propose using will work. The tributary load on those beams would be pretty high, and I seriously doubt you'll get a 12" beam to span 30'.

joed · 01-31-2009, 10:58 AM

The beam only needs to span 20'.

we3861 · 01-31-2009, 12:47 PM

Yes the ibeams will cross the 20ft span and divide the upper floor(lower roof) into three 10ft sections.The ibeams running in the "Y" axis and 2x6x10's running in the "X" axis with 3/4 plywood tying everything in together.Thanks for all your help. Think this will be sufficient or do I need to regroup?

**Termite** · 01-31-2009, 02:40 PM

Either way you'll need an engineer or architect to sign off. You won't be able to get a building permit in most jurisdictions without the support/seal of a design professional.

01-31-2009, 08:49 AM	#1
we3861 Newbie Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 2	I-Beam For Joist To Avoid Support Post Constructing a 20x30 shop and planning on 2 story.My question is can I use two 20ft steel i-beams(12"high and 5/16 thick)to support 2x6x10s on 16" centers for flooring.Not planning on storing anything real heavy up stairs.Tried using formulas and calcs. but I didn't fully understand them.Thanks!

01-31-2009, 10:53 AM	#2
Termite Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 6,520	I-Beam For Joist To Avoid Support Post You need a structural engineer to take a look at your design to make sure that the beams you propose using will work. The tributary load on those beams would be pretty high, and I seriously doubt you'll get a 12" beam to span 30'.

01-31-2009, 10:58 AM	#3
joed Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Welland, Ontario Posts: 6,102	I-Beam For Joist To Avoid Support Post The beam only needs to span 20'.

01-31-2009, 12:47 PM	#4
we3861 Newbie Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 2	I-Beam For Joist To Avoid Support Post Yes the ibeams will cross the 20ft span and divide the upper floor(lower roof) into three 10ft sections.The ibeams running in the "Y" axis and 2x6x10's running in the "X" axis with 3/4 plywood tying everything in together.Thanks for all your help. Think this will be sufficient or do I need to regroup?

01-31-2009, 02:40 PM	#5
Termite Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 6,520	I-Beam For Joist To Avoid Support Post Either way you'll need an engineer or architect to sign off. You won't be able to get a building permit in most jurisdictions without the support/seal of a design professional.

I-Beam For Joist To Avoid Support Post