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Re: Replacing wood beam supports with steel I-beam support

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Structural
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 01 May 2001
Time: 11:46 AM

Comments

You haven't provided enough information to make any estimates of beam size (since exact live and dead load calculations would be required). However, a glulam can easily span 19 feet if sized properly. Our garage has a glulam that spans 23 feet, carrying a 2nd-floor load (with a tile roof). The glulam beam is pretty massive (6-3/4" x 21"). A steel beam could be used as well, although this might require more complex structural modification. In either case, this is a design job for a licensed structural engineer...and replacing a beam carrying a 2nd floor load is no small task. An interim support will be required and you can assume that there will be a fair amount of work to install the new beam and provide adequate column support and connection to the foundation. Connection details and shear wall reinforcement are critical.

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