Steel columns in wood framed house 1

COEngineer,
Your question is a bit general, and each case should be considered on its own, but as for general answers:

Assume the steel column is there only to support roof structure. It would be better to be continuous, with wall and/or floor framing connected to the column at the floor level to brace the column. Same answer if not in wall. Connect to joists and/or blocking.

So, if it's not in the wall, you want to splice it in the joist space and if it is in the wall, you can splice it anywhere close to the floor right? But how do you brace it at the floor to prevent it from buckling (since I only assume it is only 10 ft long not 20-30 ft. What is the best way to brace it?

either have the col continuous or provide solid blocking to transfer the loads through the floor plates.

Dik

If it is in an external wall, prvide 2 fin plates to bolt/screw to the underside of the timber wall plate on each side.

If it is in the middle of the floor, provide solid blocking piece adjacent and through bolt column to blocking.

Just one other thought...I am assuming this is a wood framed structure.

New wood structures shrink dramatically (versus steel or concrete) and can even "grow" when high humidity hits them.

Remember to allow for this or consider a wood column - if possible.

Mike, how do you make decision to use either wood or steel column if you are supporting a steel beam?

Believe it or not - I usually try to use wood columns if I have wood framed walls. Use steel columns w/ concrete walls (basements). Otherwise - shrinkage can be a real problem. Mouldings pull away - ceilings pull away from walls - drywall cracks, etc. - you have been there. I have done a number of million dollar houses with large 2nd story floor spans that required steel beams - but supported them with wood columns with 9' or 10' tall walls. NOT A CRACK.

There is nothing in the code that I have seen that says you can't do that and my designs have passed many a code check.
Typically - use a bracket or lag through the I-beam into the column.

NOW - that said - what is the load??? Sometimes - wood just won't hack it - but most often it will. Six or seven studs with top steel plate is not unacceptable. Check buckling in both directions.

AND that column will shrink or grow about the same as the framed walls.

Good luck..

COEngineer - are you talking about supporting that bent beam in the dormer you were talking about the other day?

structuralaggie.. no this is for different beam. The load is ranging about 15 to 30 kips.