WOOD KING STUD 1

[deereman]

I'VE GOT A 20'-0" HIGH WALL ON A PROJECT THAT HAS AN 8'-0" WIDE OPENING. BASED ON 20 PSF WIND LOAD THE KING STUDS WOULD HAVE A DISTRIBUTED LOAD OF 80 LB/FT AND NEED TO BE (4) 2X8'S. THE CONTRACTORS SAY THIS IS EXCESSIVE AND IT DOES SEEM TO BE, BUT I CAN'T WORK THE NUMBERS OUT ANY OTHER WAY. IS THERE ANYTHING I'M MISSING,DOES THE WINDOW FRAME ITSELF TRANSFER SOME OF THE LOAD?

THANKS,

 

[csd72]

Always treat the builders comments with respect and take them into consideration before you politely reply to them (one day they may have a valid point).

But always remember that when it comes to sizing members in unusual situations - they have no idea what they are talking about! The builder in question probably hasnt done a wall this high and is comparing it to the usual 10' high openings.

 

[frogit22]

I have occasionally used psl or other engineered lumber in this situation. I don't think you are off the mark. 20 feet is a tall wall for wood construction.