and it’s not quite in the center of a 12’6″ span. It runs down the center of a split level ranch, thru the garage and into the finished area.
I’d like to take out the triple 2 x 10’s and recess triple 2 x 8 lvl’s up into the ceiling, joist hanger the joists and completely remove the lolly column.
This is only in the area of the finished basement. The triple lvl’s will sit on top of the triple 2 x 10’s on one end and on top of triple studs on the other.
I guess what I’m asking is……..are triple 2 x 8 lvl’s strong enough for a 12’6″ span?
It’s a split level ranch with a trussed roof.
Any problems with this?
If I have to put a steel fitch plate I will, but…………. if I can avoid it………….
Thanks for any input. I did have an architect run some quick numbers and he came up with a “betterheader” to the tune of almost 900 bucks. Ouch!
Rod
Replies
Listen to your architect. I've takin out many lolly columns in folks basements and all of them required a single if not dual flitch plates. $900 sounds worth it to save the house from settling or worse, structural failure.
I cannot even begin to determine what kind of loads your beam will have. I will say that I don't think that a triple 2x8 LVL with no mid-span support will replace a triple 2x10 with a lolly. Maybe I'm wrong, I just don't see it happening.
I think a flitch plate is your best option, I would seriously consider better header.
Jon Blakemore
RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
Ditto.... on all fronts.View Image
My apologies for hi jacking but a fitch plate was mentioned by my architect. Is this a huge project? Granted, if this is what is needed, so be it. It was term I had never heard of and was just wondering. I am taking out a first floor wall next to a staircase. Fitch plate is going in the basement?
A $900 price was mentioned. Haven't gotten to the pricing stage yet. Is this expensive? What would determine the need for it and is there an alternative?
My architect spec'd one out from this company:http://www.betterheader.com/It was about 900 bucks, includes shipping to lumber company. But that was for that specific one.Depending on size and length and load needed, the price will vary accordingly. Rod
First, it's flitch plate, not "fitch".
What it is, is a steal plate.....of varying thicknesses depending on the load it will bare......sandwiched, and bolted, between typical wood headers.
J. D. ReynoldsHome Improvements
Second, it's steel plate, not steal plate ;)
Third, it's bear, not bare ;)
Sorry, I couldn't resist.
Edited 9/5/2007 10:09 am ET by TomW
LOL.....I'll admit to not realizing I had spelled steel incorrectly.....but I switched bear/bare twice.
J. D. ReynoldsHome Improvements
Another option is a W-flange steel beam. The kicker is getting it up there and all the hangers pre-installed in the right locations. Careful measurement is essential. Probably not much of a cost savings over your $900 option since there will be more time messing with the dang thing.
Good building
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
Better Header is an excellent product - used flitch plate beams and pre-blocked out wide flange section on our house addition (3400 SF added). Their flush through-bolting eases the installation of joist hangers wherever you want them.
Jeff
Don't do it, go with the flitch plate. Or, if you insist, check your calculations with some software like Boise Beam-calc - http://www.bc.com/wood/ewp/bccalc.jsp
I once did what you are contemplating and created a 13' span in my basement by yanking a lolly column. Sistered in a full-length (24') 10" LVL and lagged it to the 6x10 pine beam. No structural issues 7 years later, but the floor above has always been a bit too bouncy.
Without checking the calc's, I'd guess that your three 8" LVLS will be way under.
Another beam I recently sized using BC Calc spec'd out at (4) 12" LVL's on 12' centers, for a 2 1/2 storey structure.
FYI,
Just a pet peeve of mine........there is no such thing as a LOLLY column, it's a LALLY column. It's in fact a trademarked name, named after the inventor, John Lally, of Waltham, Mass. It was invented in the late 1890's.
Did I mention my hometown is Waltham? :)
Geoff
I'd like to take out the triple 2 x 10's
Leave them, bolt a 5" wide, 1/4" thick steel plate to the bottom as shown, lots of bolts, more at the ends. Some 'built up beam' calculations needed.
View Image
Thanks for the info, but in my case, it's not what I'm looking for.I want to take out the "lally" column and flush out the ceiling. As it is now, the 2 x 10's drop down into the room and act as a 10" horizontal divider between the 2 rooms.This going to be my "media" room, so no obstructions wanted, hd projector, drop down screen, dual leather chairs and ottomans, yada, yada, yada! Gotta go buy my lottery ticket now!I do believe I'm going to have to bite the bullet and go with the "betterheader".
Rod
Well...........I ordered the Better Header. Got delivered yesterday. Good god is that thing built!13' long , 7 1/4" lvl's surrounding a 1" thick length of steel!Any of you fellas wanna come over and help me put this thing in? Rod