Basement Remodel

[jmcs]

We're remodeling our basement and I'm looking for information on how to size a beam so that we can get rid of some or all of the poles supporting the existing beam. Does anyone know of a software package or literature that could help?
Thanks,
Jeff

 

[dougantholz]

Jeff,
You really should hire a structural engineer to size the beam, there are a lot of factors involved beyond the size of the beam.
You probably could be able to work out a quid-pro-quo with someone local.

 

[jmcs]

dougantholz,
Thanks for the advice. I've hired a contractor who is using a structural engineer who owes him a favor to size the beam, support spacing, footings required, etc. I was wanting to double check his work if there was some way of doing it without to much trouble. Since I don't know the engineer and he's not getting paid to do the work I'm not 100% confident in the outcome.

 

[dougantholz]

Jeff,
That's a completely understandable situation. I don't know too many sources you can get that aren't going to cost you about $50-100 though. You pick up a steel design textbook and go to the section on beams (here in the midwest we seem to all have either Salmon & Johnson or Gaylord & Gaylord as authors).
If you could describe the beam, how far apart the columns are, how much of the house it caries, what the houses construction is, and the beam size; someone here could tell you if it sounds right or not.
HTH