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Civil Engineering/Patio Overhang column Removal

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Expert: Bryan P. Lindsey, P.E. - 3/24/2009


Question

Patio Column Removal
I have a back patio that has an attached overhand from the house.  Currently there are 4 support columns (4x6) about 8 feet apart.  The total length of patio overhang is about 32 feet, so one support column about every 8 feet.  

Can I remove one of the columns, so there is a span of 16 feet in one section.  Should I 45 degree angle support from the top of each beam to the inside of the remaining two post with a 4 foot section of 2x6?  Will the 45 degree angles help in redistributing the weight of the span back to the remaing two post of the 16 foot gap?

Attached is a picture.  I want to remove the middle post in this photo.  That creates a 16 foot span between the remaining two post.  (4th post is not in photo but will remain untouched)

Please email me your thoughts!  Dave

Answer
I think you would see a definite sag in the roof line if you were to remove a support. I am not a structural engineer but that is my opinion. My thoughts are placing a header across the opening to prevent that sag but I would consult a professional such as certified remodeler or a structural engineer.

Bryan Lindsey
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThanks. I was thinking an extra header would be needed. I will check into it.


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Bryan P. Lindsey, P.E.

Expertise

I am an expert in Civil Engineering with a degree form the Georgia Institute of Technology with 12 years experience in the following fields of Civil engineering; Transportation, General civil, Civil site design, drainage, project management and many others.

Experience

I have 12 years experience in multiple fields of civil engineering. I spent the first four years of my career in the transportation industry by being a design engineer for prominent transpotation firm in Atlanta. I moved from there to civil site design and worked as a project manager for the next six years and currently I am the Director of Transportation for same firm.

Organizations
Member of American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE), Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

Education/Credentials
Bachelors of Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1996.

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