replacing a bearing wall

[rjw3275]

with out usung my local arcitect i am trying to find out how i would go about calculating the proper beam size to replace a bearing wall in my kitchen . I need a span of 16 feet to hold 2x 6 floor joists 16"oc. i am able to put in three columns. Is there a rule of thumb or maybe a code book i could purchase? any information would be greatly appreciative.

 

[action]

The fact that you are asking for the relevant code or "rule of thumb" indicates that you need to contact a structural engineer to help you with your solution. Calculating the correct beam size involves more than just looking it up in a table. Consider the cost of engineering services a small price to pay for the protection of your safety.

 

[boo1]

The design process for a beam can be summarised as follows:
a) Determination of all forces and moments on critical
section
b) Selection wood type and trial size
c) Classification of section (I, S, A)
d) Check shear strength; if unsatisfactory return to (b)
e) Check bending capacity; if unsatisfactory return to (b)
f) Check deflection; if unsatisfactory return to (b)
g) Check bearing at supports or concentrated load; if unsatisfactory provide incrased bearing
h) Check connection details
i) Summarise results

shear fv = VQ / Ib
bending Fb=Mc/I
Beam deflection for floor beams (with plaster clg) is limited by UBC and SBC as 1/360 of the span length for LL and 1/240 for DL+LL. Beams W/O plaster clg L/240 for DL and L/180 DL+LL