Building Homes or Extensions/removing support post

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Expert: - 8/27/2008


Question

church beams
I have a two story building. On the first floor there are like 8 post that run from the front to the back of the 30x100 feet long open space room. I want to remove them and try to replace them with some beams that can go from side to side with 2 more beams against the wall to serve as a bed for the ceiling beam. Is that possible ?

Answer
javier, all things are possible, but sometimes not practical.  YOu have posts/columns about 12' apart carrying some kind of beam overhead.  The center beam would need to be replaced with a deep enough beam to carry its own weight plus the weight of thw overhead load.  In order to do this, the beam would need to get deeper and deeper.  In order to clear span the total 100 feet would take a beam so deep to be impractical.  It would be possible to add beams acrdoss the 30 foot dimension to carry sections of beam under the bearing structure.  YOu need the services of a structural engineer to determine the loads involved and properly size the beams and bearings.

Dan Griffin

Expertise

I can answer almost all questions related to the total construction process. My expertise is in commercial construction, though I can field most any residential question. I have hands on experience in concrete, heavy equipment, masonry, all phases of carpentry, interior finishes, and I am fairly strong in mechanical and electrical.

Experience

I have over 20 years experience as a commercial carpenter and commercial construction superintendent. I have another 20 years experience in facility management for a major school district.

Organizations
My favorite hobby for he past 12 years has been singing bass in a The OkChorale men's barbershop chorus and the Mature Moments quartet.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Bachelor's degree in English and Math. I have completed many continuing education hours in the building trades. I hold a Master Carpenter card from the AGC, Associated General Contractors.

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