I need to replace a wood beam that is a stacked 2 2x12 with plywood spacers. The beam will span approx 56" and will support 3 - 2 x 10 2nd floor wood floor joists. The 2 x 10 floor joist carrly floor above and a 8' tall non load bearing wall for a closet. The span of the floor joists is 15'4" approx. Due to revisions in cabintry, I need to replace the beam with a beam no taller than 6.5". I can accomodate wider than existing 3.5" width if that helps.What are my options?
Already Tried: online search for conversion tables
I am not sure you are getting my reply. Do you have a suggetsion or need more information?
I can finally see it
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Before we get started I’d like to point out that a Professional Engineer’s standard of care typically includes a site visit to assess field conditions and get an overall understanding of the structure. This can obviously not be accomplished through the internet. The information provided here is meant for informational purposes only (general sizing and budgeting) and is based on the information provided by you. The information should be verified by a professional engineer who can visit the site to ensure that potentially important information has not been overlookedor omitted.
Are the 2x12's laid flat? Is the 12" dimension vertical or horizontal?
The only thing this beam carries is floor joists?
If you can get a 4x8 Southern Pine No. 2 and rip the depth to 6.5", that will work for you.
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Can you tell me what you expected?
I gave you the beam size, with the lumber species and grade that you requested in the question. Can you tell me what more you were expecting?
I can't really answer a question that wasn't asked and it makes no sense to provide more information than necessary
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I am not sure you are getting my reply. Do you have a suggetsion or need more information?StructuralEng :
Before we get started I'd like to point out that a Professional Engineer's standard of care typically includes a site visit to assess field conditions and get an overall understanding of the structure. This can obviously not be accomplished through the internet. The information provided here is meant for informational purposes only (general sizing and budgeting) and is based on the information provided by you. The information should be verified by a professional engineer who can visit the site to ensure that potentially important information has not been overlookedor omitted.
Hopefully this works......
I am trying to answer your questions
The existing 2 x 12's are mounted vertically.
They carry floor joists and a non load bearing closet wall.
I could easily build a beam of greater thickness at 6.5" tall from a combination of multiple 2 x 8 and plywood if that would work.
Thanks
Please know I was not dissatisfied with you but frustrated with the system
Were you able to view my response above? I gave a beam size (ripping a 4x8 (3.5x7.25 actual) down to a 3.5x6.5). You could also use two 2x8's ripped down to 6.5" deep with a 1/2" sheet of plywood between them. Use Southern Pine No. 2.
I did see your previous answer but I wanted to answer the questions about the orientation of the 2x12's and what they carried.
So to be clear, 3.5" wide by 6.6" high southern pine #2 with solid plywood spacer is sufficient to carry the load? I question because original construction was 2 - 2 x 12's.
Was original a gross overkill?
The original was overkill. Probably not on purpose, it's just common to use double 2x12 for headers. I also don't know the species or grade, but Hem-fir has only about 2/3 the capacity of comparably graded Southern Pine.
Thanks, XXXXX XXXXX been very helpful. One last question. I assume southern pine is readily available at better lumber stores. If not, what is a good alternate?
Doug-Fir Larch, but it would have to be No. 1.
Experience: Structural Engineer