Multiple member lvl beam 1

[Jmeng1026]

I am working on a storage barn and the owner would like to install three 6x6 wood columns (one at 0', one at 16' and one at 32' across the front of the barn. A triple 1-3/4" x 11-1/4" microllam lvl beam will work for that span. However, the cost of the simpson column caps is almost $700 and the owner is looking to avoid using them.

Can two of the lvl's be bolted to one side of the column and the third lvl be bolted to the other side of the column?

If not, is there some other way to prevent the lvl's from overturning if they sit on top of the columns?

 

[AKing92]

I have seen conditions at barns where they are simply through bolted to the posts. I personally would not have an issue with this, as long as you are able to get your connection to work.

 

[XR250]

Fur out one inner ply w/ 1/4" plywood so the beam matches the post width. Attach (2) Simpson LSTA18 to each face and also some toenails. You could probably also due without the furring and simply use (4) LTS12.

 

[jayrod12]

I'd bet that the LVL is sufficient in shear using only 2 plies. So how about cut two notches out of the post and have the outer two plies sit on the column and the middle ply by discontinuous. Then you can bolt through, or nail, to the stub of column sticking up between the outer two plies.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

...three 6x6 wood columns (one at 0', one at 16' and one at 32') across the front of the barn.
A triple 1-3/4" x 11-1/4" microllam lvl beam will work for that span.

Please confirm: Are the beams two-span continuous, 32' long, or simple spans, with beams 16' long?

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

 

[EngineeringEric]

maybe add an LVL and make them shallower?

 

[STrctPono]

I've never been a fan of the beams through bolted to the side of the column for having seen too many decks rotted at these connections and at jeopardy of total failure. Also, won't your interior LVL take most/all the load from the joists, theoretically?

 

[Jmeng1026]

Thanks for the replies. The lvl's will be 32' continuous.

Two lvl's do work in shear so I think notching the outside of the column and having the two out side lvl's sit on the column sounds like a good idea. I will look into that more.

Any other suggestions/recommendations are appreciated. Thanks.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

The lvl's will be 32' continuous.

For uniform distributed load, the greatest load and the greatest shear, and greatest (negative) moment will be at the center post.

Revisit the calculations. See: Two-Span Continuous Beam, UDL

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

 

[r13]

Is this the column cap you were consider to use? Link

 

[jayrod12]

I agree with SlideRule, if you are counting on continuous action, then you can't possibly have the third ply discontinuous. It's reasons like this that I purposely only size wood beams for simple span unless absolutely necessary.

 

[Jmeng1026]

ok, so if I call for two 16' three ply lvl beams will the method of notching the column and having the middle ply discontinuous work?

 

[r13]

By doing so, the negative moment capacity is reduced due to the discontinuity of middle ply. Can you live with two simple spans?

 

[SlideRuleEra]

Jmeng1026 - Bolting two simple spans (with LVLs butting) to the center 6x6 is not practical.
For bolts with diameter adequate for the load, 2 3/4" is not enough space to obtain proper bolt hole end distance on the LVL and edge distance on the 6x6:

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

 

[BridgeSmith]

Would adding a 1/4" spacer, as XR250 suggested, setting the beam over the posts, and then using steel plates (or a pair of steel angles) on each side of the post, bolted through the LVL's and the post provide an adequate connection?

Rod Smith, P.E., The artist formerly known as HotRod10

 

[radiocontrolhead]

$700 for two generally very readily available column caps? That sounds off by a magnitude of 7.

Am I understanding the problem statement here?

 

[Jmeng1026]

$700 includes the post caps on the other three sides of the building. The big cost is the two ECCLR666 caps and two ECCLL666 which each cost $187.

 

[HouseBoy]

I agree with SRE about the end distance issue. I see that as a problem often (especially with sloppy work). Full length LVL beams seems like a luxury.

I frequently use a cleat such as a 2x6 underneath the beams (that are hanging outside of the 6x6) because full length beams are not too common (plus they're darn heavy). Anyway, the cleat would be fastened to the side of the 6x6 underneath the beam.

Alternatively, as others have suggested, all 3 beams over the top of the post (plus a spacer) with a 2x6 on each side, lapping down on the post some distance (maybe 2 feet) and up onto the beam with a couple of thru bolts at the beam and at the post is often effective to resist having the beam roll off of the post.

 

[KootK]

Just an alternate concept which, as I mention in the sketch has it's own problems.

I think what's missing from the economic analysis here is the value of your time. Heck, somebody already owes me $50.