Calculations for large beams 1

[jimtheengineer10]

I typically use the forte software to determine beam sizes but one of my clients wants to use a 12"x12" beam. The forte software does not have this size as an option. Where can I find the capacity of a 12"x12" beam? It will be used as a flush beam to support the end of some floor joists. The other end of the joists will be supported by a wood stud wall.

 

[jayrod12]

Do it the old fashioned way, by hand. The formulas required would be in the applicable design code (NDS in the US and CSA O86 in Canada)

 

[JeanLucPicard]

Oh my, what a big beam . There is no other, as jayrod12 told you, the good old fashioned way! (codes for Europe: EN1995-1-1)

Live long and prosper!

 

[KootK]

Woodworks software if you've got it and you're comfortable with the underlying theory.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[XR250]

Ironically, if it is a fairly simple loading, you could do this by hand faster than you could even boot the Forte software.
I do 90% of mine by hand for that reason and use a general 2-d frame program for the rest.

 

[JeanLucPicard]

I don't think you should bother to download/install/learn/trust/pay other software’s. The problem is trivial, and you can do your calculations by hand, as you learned at your Faculty.

You should be careful with new softwares. Some countries (like Germany) forbid handing structural design calculations by untested softwares, the have a list of softwares you can use to prove the structural integrity..

Live long and prosper!

 

[CBSE]

I second WoodWorks. It's really inexpensive and a great design tool.

Or by hand.

 

[JAE]

By hand. No brainer.


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[BAretired]

If it is a flush beam, the joist reactions are applied 6" eccentric to the centroid of the beam, so make sure you check it for torsion.

BA

 

[Triangled]

Use a glulam, better dimensional stability ...

 

[medeek]

I would suggest my own beam calculator however I have not enabled large timbers yet. If you need a primer on the step-by-step manual calcs for beam analysis (per NDS 2012) though it may be somewhat useful.

A confused student is a good student.
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, PE

http://www.medeek.com

 

[manstrom]

Enercalc would do this as well. If you are cheap, you can probably write an excel spreadsheet in about 15 minutes for simple load cases.

When I am working on a problem, I never think about beauty but when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong.

-R. Buckminster Fuller