Can you tell me what size laminated beam I need to suppoirt a ceiling design with no load except sheetrock and insilation. Beam is 21foot of span with 15foot 2x8 joist attached on 16inch center
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I have just attached a file above. Can you take a look at it and answer the questions at the bottom? This information will give me the data I need to accurately size your beam. Thanks
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The house is a one story with a roof on a 12x12 pitch stick built asphault shingles. The room is a 21'x 30' with a 21' beam in the middle. I plan to use 2"x 8" joist on 16" cl. on 15' span. No roof load is transfered to this area.
One more question, will there be any kind of occupancy in the attic above this beam (i.e. storage, bedroom, etc.)?
It is going to be used as basic light storage
I can give you a couple of engineered wood options for your beam:3-1/2” x 16” Versa-Lam 1.7 2650 DF or SP5-1/4” x 14” Versa-Lam 1.7 2650 DF or SP These are Boise Cascade products and you can go to the following link to find distributors in your area. http://www.bc.com/wood/ewp/distributors.htmlYou will need to have a local engineer detail your connections, size your support columns and determine foundation requirements.You said you would be using 2"x8" ceiling joists at 16" o.c. I checked them using Douglas Fir and they need to be #1 grade or better to span 15' with this proposed loading. If you are using a different species of lumber, let me know and I can recheck the joists.
Experience: Over 27 years of Structural Engineering experience