filtch beam bolt pattern design with LVLs

[tonyiggy]

I am designing a filtch beam and I need 3- 14" LVLs and 2- 3/8" steel plates. However I am having trouble coming up with a bolt pattern and spacing. the NDS does not have LVLs or anything more than 1/4" steel plates in their tables. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to design the bolting for this beam.

Thanks

 

[jayrod12]

I believe, generally speaking, it's acceptable to use D.Fir values for LVL connections. But I'm open to being corrected on this.

 

[Phil1934]

You are over 50#/LF. Why not just use a steel beam at half the weight and wood infill on sides to hang joists?

 

[jdgengineer]

The ICC report for LVLs provides the equivalent specific gravity to use for LVL bolt design. See Table #2 of the ICC report. The value is 0.5 which is the same as DF as mentioned above.

Typically, when I use steel thicker than 1/4", I still use the 1/4" values with the assumption that the steel thickness does not govern the capacity of the bolt if the thickness is greater than 1/4".

I agree with Phil1934, I would likely consider a steel beam in this situation. We use flitch beams, but generally only for vaulted conditions or situations that just barely exceed a wood beam. With this assembly, I'd feel more comfortable with a W10x steel beam section. I wouldn't think the cost would be significantly higher.

 

[Ron247]

Does your joists set on the beam or frame into the side of the beam?

 

[XR250]

I always us DF values as jayrod noted.
I agree with other that a steel beam would likely be a better solution.
Also, what depth plates are you using? Are they readily available in that size?

 

[tonyiggy]

Thanks this is helpful,

This is for a TH project, the client was against a using steel beams for the 3rd floor framing.