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Architecture/Load bearing steel beam

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Expert: - 6/7/2007


Question
I need to know how long a span I can have in the basement  with an 8" steel beam with just a floor structure above on a ranch style home. Thanks Alan

Answer
Alan,

Please give me two pieces of information:
(1) the width of the house (perpendicular to the beam).
(2) the size of the beam if you know it.  It will be something like W8x18, 8I18.4, or similar.  The load capacity of an I-beam is based on it's height (8" in your case), width, and steel thickness (weight).  If you don't know this, it's OK.

--Steve Major

Architecture

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Stephen Major

Expertise

I can answer questions in the following categories: architectural design, architectural woodwork, structural design, building construction, kitchen and bath design. PLEASE indicate your state or region, so I can provide the best possible answer.

Experience

25 years in the building design and construction field, with emphasis on residential and light commercial projects.

Publications
Author of "Architectural Woodwork - Details for Construction" published by Van Nostrand Reinhold (now Wiley).

Education/Credentials
BS Cornell University.

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