Hi planning to build a cottage in northern Ohio. Building plan specs 11 7/8 lvl beam as well as same size I joists. The joists will be hung from beam. Inspector says since I want to put propane furnace in crawl, entire crawl ceiling must be sheetrocked. He suggested going with 2×12 instead of I joists will remedy problem. 3 questions, are lvl beams available in 11 1/4 heights, if not can 5/8 be trimmed or ripped on each one? Also plan calls for 4 beams sandwiched together, 28 feet long. Can these be ordered that way or constructed on site? Any insight is appreciated
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
You don't have to sacrifice historical elements of a house in the name of energy efficiency.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
First of all, why would you want a clear span over a crawl space?
It would seem much better to have columns or piers and intermediate supports for what I assume is a central beam. Then you would not likely need four of them. How tall is this crawl space?
If you do go with your plan, there is no reason not to use the same beam height. the top has to match, not the bottom. How tall this beam is related to the strength required, you would be ill-advised to trim these.
Options for dimensions, (and new engineering) are a question for your local supplier.
It also seems like it might be a better idea to plan a small utility room rather than drywall the whole crawl space.
You might even be able to put a slab under the utility room.
Thanks for response. I should have posted drawing before. Beams do have center piers to sit on. The foundation is concrete beams, lvl sits on sill plate. No concrete beam pocket. I do have utility room on first floor and that may end up as an option but that will mean long runs of soffits in first floor ceiling. The ground here will not support traditional foundations so this one is designed to be supported by several dozen helical piers. I think that is reason everything is way over engineered.
The inspector is recommending that you switch to 2x12 because I-joists must be fireproofed. The reason for this is that I-joists fail much faster in a fire putting the fire crew in danger from a sudden collapse. One method to fireproof the I-joists is to install 1/2" drywall to the underside of the joists. You can also buy fireproofed I-joists. In your case it makes the most sense to just switch to the 2x12 joists.
LVL are purchased separately and nailed together on site. Usually you would set one at a time. Three together is very heavy. Your drawings show 3-ply beams
Thanks for reply.