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Effective length - wood beam

Effective length - wood beam

Effective length - wood beam

(OP)
Ok, this is a very specific one for those of you who have worked in wood alot: I am calculating the maximum bearing capacity of a double wood top plate (SPF #2). I am using the 2005 NDS, Chapter 3.3 Bending Members-Flexure.  For the Beam Stability Factor CL the slenderness ratio is required (RB). In order to calculate this I need to determine the effective length of my beam.  The values given are based on a simple span beam, whereas, the double top plate is in three span conditions. I am assuming 4ft sticks for the beams and uniform loading.  Since the effective length is based on Euler theory, how does one account for multi-span conditions in determining the effective length? Or, is it acceptable to use the given tabulated values, since the top plate will be fastened to the studs and I can assume pin-pin end conditions?   Any suggestions or insight will be greatly appreciated.  

RE: Effective length - wood beam

Isn't your double top plate bending about its weak axis?  Per NDS 3.3.3 CL = 1.0

 

RE: Effective length - wood beam

(OP)
JAE,
Ummm, yes it is. Ok, duh, I missed that part. There are days when I wake up and feel like the dumbest man on the planet and there are days when I confirm it. Thanks.  

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