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Expert: - 9/14/2011


Question
Roger, I want to build a 32x60' dance floor with living quarters above. I am guessing I'll need to figure 40#/sf live, 10#permanent load using cost effective material selection. How can we calculate/design beam configuration and specs?

Answer
Hello Bob,

Typically, the loading on a floor system is broken down into 3 classifications. These are Top-live, Top-dead, and Bottom-dead. Thus, when a loading of 55 psf equates to 40 psf Top-live, 10 psf Top-dead, and 5 psf Bottom-dead. Thus the designation of (40-10-5).  Your construction system will determine the design and maximum loading calculations.

I assume the dance floor is to be unobstructed - no columns.  Assuming that, the span is too long for ordinary wood joists.  Laminated wood beams can be made to span 32 feet but would be costly.  A wood floor joist truss would work.  The wood truss is deeper (ceiling to floor above) than a steel floor joist truss.

My tables indicate that a 40-10-5 load calculation for wood joist trusses to be spaced every 12"o.c.      

Other questions are - is this building on a commercial site or a residential lot?  I suggest you contact the governing building department and find out the restrictions and limitations you must follow.  Is a fire sprinkler system required?  How are you accessing the 2nd floor?  Is there to be an elevator?

I hope this has been helpful.

Roger
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Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

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