Spliced continous wood beam 1

[woodman1967]

Just wondering, when designing a continous wood beam (in this case 3 ply 2x10) how do you consider the inevitable splice? I have been told different ways. One way I've been told was to analyze this as a 2 ply beam without splices even though it will be 3 plies. Another way was to limit the splices or supports.

I check my references books and none address this.

Any help would be appreciated

 

[structuralaggie]

I specify only to splice at supports and design the beam as simply supported (not continuous). Unless your total length is less than 20 feet, you would spend way too much time detailing how to build up each beam.

You probably could assume 3 ply for deflection, but shear and bending only 2 ply for sure. So why bother?

 

[JKW05]

I would tend to agree with structurallaggie and limit the splices to the supports. Less dependence on the contractor getting everything just right.

Having said that, I have in the past specified splice locations and neglected the ply that has the splice in it (as you have noted). I think in the condition I was working with, the two-ply continuous beam had less deflection than the three-ply simple span.

 

[woodman1967]

Thanks Structuralaggie and JKW05

Your answeres were very helpful.