Hi

I am putting an mezzanine floor in my garage to store…

Question

Hi

I am putting an mezzanine floor in my garage to store car panels - firewood,
clutter - interior parts etc. it will be 14 feet wide (spanned across the
garage) and 15 feet deep. I was going to get a 15 foot steel rsj - 7 inch (do I
need 8 inch?)- to span the garage and go six inches into each brick wall sat on
pad stones - then put 6x2 joists 16" apart on steel hangars at the other end
screwed to the wall. the floor surface will be 3/4 chipboard. Are these sizes
about right? Also I am a bit worried bout the hangars at the other end - they
can't be as strong as a steel rsj can they? do I need to do anything else here?
I was going to rest the joists on top of the rsj at eh rsj end... thanks - Tony

StructuralEng · Accepted Answer

StructuralEng : Hi
StructuralEng : I can help
StructuralEng : Lwt me read closer
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 overlooked or omitted
StructuralEng : I can size the RSJ for you, but you'll need to have the brick
checked out to make sure it can support the beam
Customer:

HI - Yes - that's ok - I just need to know I am going to get it right and then I
will get the building regs man out from the council. I can then give him a more
accurate proposal of what I am going to do

StructuralEng : Is that reasonable?
StructuralEng : Ok
StructuralEng : Give me a few minutes to run some numbers
Customer:

How do I check the brick? I have a neighbour who is a builder and he said it
should be fine but recommended the pad stones - he said he could get me two
pieces of concrete linel which would do the trick - approx 15inches long - six
or seven inces square.

StructuralEng : You should have someone nspect the brick for soundness and do a
design check on it
Customer:

Hi - Would you recommend a structural engineer or builder for this task?

StructuralEng : Definitely a structural engineer
Customer:

OK - I can do that can you tell me what you think of the general design and
numbers and if it is a sound plan - depending on the state of the walls etc... I
could probably pay for an engineer to check the walls but it may cost to get a
full consultation of the design and have the numbers checked.

StructuralEng : I'm checking the bean right now
StructuralEng : I would recommend a 203x133x25
StructuralEng : The idea to support it on the brick is reasonable, it just needs
to be checked out
StructuralEng : If you could rate my answer, I would appreciate it
Customer:

On one side the wall is a solid brick wall which forms the side of the house -
on the other side it is a modern 9 inch breeze block wall - not thermalite - and
it will be on top of the structural buttress half way along the wall which is
approx 4 inches thicker than the rest.. I'm fairly confident - but would also
like to know the approx weight of the beam and the other stuff....

Customer:

Many thanks for this - can you tel me the weight of such a beam 15 feet long? I
need to check I have the right rated hoists to lift it

Customer:

Also can you just confirm with me that the 6x2 joists should be fine at 16"
apart? then I can get the buildings guy out... that will do me for tonight if
you can tell me this - much appreciated

StructuralEng : Let me get that for you
StructuralEng : About 250 pounds
Customer:

250 pounds isn't so bad - thought it would be more

StructuralEng : Let me check the joists
StructuralEng : The 2x6 joists only work of you go 12" on center and limit the
load to 20 psf.
StructuralEng : If you could rate my answer, I would appreciate it
Customer:

Yes - that is great - I can't imagine the load will be too much - if I use 7
inch joists how much will it be then? I might give myself a bit more strength..
no more questions after this..!!

StructuralEng : 28 psf.
Customer:

Great - thanks - I will rate your response

Customer:

StructuralEng : Thank. Best of luck with your project

Hi I am putting an mezzanine floor in my garage to store…

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