I am finishing a room that has a column in the middle of where I want to place a hallway. The column is holding up an 8# XXXXX beam which in turn has the floor joists resting on it (16' joists). I would like to increase the size of the beam and remove the column. The new span of the beam would be 19'8". What size is required for the new steel beam?
yes to 16' joists on both sides. supporting one floor.
He told me that the existing steel beam has an 8# XXXX mark. Does this help?
Experience: Structural Engineer
Contractor just said it would be hard to pull out the current 8# XXXX. Can I sister microlam beams on either side? If so, what size would they need to be?
Wood beams won't help much with this condition. You reinforce the existing steel beam, but that can be a pain. You "sister" steel beams on one or both sides of the existing beam.
Do you know the designation of the existing beam?
Well, let me take that back. They could be designed for that, but they would be very big, on the order of 16" - 20" deep.
ok. can I "sister" steel beams on either side since the wood would be way too large? If so, what size do I need?
Do you know the size of the existing beam? Depth and weight per foot? Of not, can you measure the depth, width, and flange thickness? Be as precise as possible.
I will measure it and get back to you. Thanks!
No problem. Take your time.
ok, they are 4" wide and 8" tall. the thickness is 1/8" to 3/16".
Then you can plan for a W8x21 on each side of the existing beam. It will be important to have an engineer detail the connections between the beams to make sure they work together and not separately.
Thank you!
No problem! Best of luck with your project.