Architecture/Support Beam

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Expert: - 1/11/2005


Question
Richard,

I have a steel I beam (in the basement) running the length of my house. It has 3 suppot posts set aprox. 8 ft apart. I wanted to move 1 of the support posts about 4ft. causing one of the spans to be 12ft., would this be a problem?

My house is about 50 yrs old, 1 1/2 story cape. Foundation is in great shape basement is dry and walls are poured concrete.


Answer
Edward:

Thanks for your question, but I can't do structural analysis in this forum - too many variables!

You should contact someone in your area who can see the beam in person.  I'd suggest calling local builders for references.

Wish I could do better for you!

Richard Taylor, AIA
Richard Taylor Architects, LLC
www.rtastudio.com

Architecture

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

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Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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