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I just had a quick question. I need to support floor joists…

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Hello, I just had a...

Hello, I just had a quick question. I need to support floor joists that have a span of 26ft and the beam span is 18ft. There is an existing S8x 18.4 beam with a center supporting post. I would like to remove that supporting post, can I fill the web with two 2x8s on each side bolted through and then add a 2x10s with 3/4in plywood beam and take out the support post.

Submitted: 4 months ago.Category: Structural Engineering

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Customer reply replied 4 months ago

I was actually just thinking a little bit deeper how about I filled web with a 2x8 and 1/2 ply on each side then add a 2x10 to each side of the steel beam and bolt all of it together. So it would be 2x10, 1/2ply 2x8, steel beam web, 2x8, 1/2ply and 2x10 sandwich. Hope that makes sense.. hahaha

Answered in 59 minutes by:

3/13/2018

Structural Engineer: StructuralEng, Consultant replied 4 months ago

StructuralEng, Consultant

Category: Structural Engineering

Satisfied Customers: 7,716

Experience: Structural Engineer

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Hello. I can help

Structural Engineer: StructuralEng, Consultant replied 4 months ago

It makes sense, but, unfortunately, the steel is so much stiffer than the wood, it will not attract any load. I can check the beam for you to remove the post.

Structural Engineer: StructuralEng, Consultant replied 4 months ago

Will it support one floor or two? What about an attic?

Customer reply replied 4 months ago

Just one floor. Just holding the floor joists.

Customer reply replied 4 months ago

One more thing I can not come down any further than 10in for headroom. Also the headers I was looking to copy somewhat are on betterheader.com

Customer reply replied 4 months ago

I would like to keep the beam if possible and just add you to it if possible. I'm a 4th generation Carpenter and general contractor just need someone to kind of go over my calculations if you know what I mean. I've also seen where they have added steel to strengthen as well, I can't attach a pic but if you go to https://gfestructures.wordpress.com/2013/03/02/steel-construction-how-to-strenghthen-an-existing-support-beam/

Structural Engineer: StructuralEng, Consultant replied 4 months ago

The strengthening shown in that link is for very minor levels of overstress. It's not doubling the span. You can still do it by reinforcing, but it's a little more involved that that simple solution.

Customer reply replied 4 months ago

Just noticed I put S8x18.4 it's actually a W8x10 beam. I was looking at the wrong note.

Structural Engineer: StructuralEng, Consultant replied 4 months ago

I will check the beam as this question.

Structural Engineer: StructuralEng, Consultant replied 4 months ago

Unfortunately, the beam is not close to working as-is for the 18' span.

If you want the reinforcement designed, I can do that as a premium service. Just let me know if you want me to submit the offer.

Customer reply replied 4 months ago

What would the premium service run?

Structural Engineer: StructuralEng, Consultant replied 4 months ago

I'm not allowed to discuss cost in the chat. I can submit the offer for you to consider. If you accept the offer, I will provide sketches showing the type and size of reinforcement as well as the weld size, length, and spacing. I will need a few hours to do the analysis and put the sketches together.

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