Minimum I beam Spans
#1
04-14-06, 07:53 PM
Minimum I beam Spans
I have just purchased a house and the builder has so graciously placed an I beam support post right in the middle of the room thereby making that space (16ft x 22ft) effectivly useless. I want to move it. The beam is 22 Ft long and joins with another I beam in a T formation. The joint is bolted and welded and has a support post. 8 feet from the joint is the culpret support post. I would like to move this support post and install it under the end of the I beam at the "T" The total span will become 22 ft. The I beam is 8" high. Options? If you like you can request a photo from me at djbonany@rogers.com 
#2
04-14-06, 08:34 PM
Member
Minimum I beam Spans
The long and short of it (spans included) is that you need to hire a professional to give you options.
The beams and columns are there for a reason and no builder is gracious or is a charity that does things for free.
Find out what your options are. - I assume you already bought the home when the post was there.
Dick
The beams and columns are there for a reason and no builder is gracious or is a charity that does things for free.
Find out what your options are. - I assume you already bought the home when the post was there.
Dick
#3
04-15-06, 09:02 AM
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I agree , that post was placed there for a reason. It was placed exactly in that space for support. It also has a concrete footing under it. Now if you want to move it, you will need a structural engineer to look at what you want to do. I have seen cases where you could not even move the beam 1 foot because of structural support. Other times several feet were fine, but in all cases, an engineer must tell you, and get it in writing also. Moving a support beam in not a good thing.
Good Luck
Good Luck
#4
04-15-06, 10:34 AM
Member
If the I beam you are talking about is an 8" I joist, there is no way you are going to get a 22' span without intermediate support.
However, IMO there are few problems that can't be solved. Have an engineer evaluate it and I'm sure he will come up with a way to eliminate the post. Steel comes to mind. Or maybe a multiple V-lam. It will probably come down to how much you want to spend.
However, IMO there are few problems that can't be solved. Have an engineer evaluate it and I'm sure he will come up with a way to eliminate the post. Steel comes to mind. Or maybe a multiple V-lam. It will probably come down to how much you want to spend.
