LVL side load
LVL side load
(OP)
I have only dabbled in wood design so my question may be relatively simple. Location USA code IRC 2003.
I recently visited a house were I was responsible for the design of some steel beams and columns. While on site, I noticed an extremely large LVL that was extremely long. The house was still under construction and there were no supports visible but there were a few uninstalled columns present at the site.
The LVL was made of of 4 individual LVK's laminated together. I noticed no bolts only nails and screws. The floor joists framed into each side of the LVL using face mounted hangers.
Question, in my dabelings with wood design I seem to remember that side loading a LVL made up of four members was not allowed per the mfr. (I was using BC at the time). Is this standard for all mfr?
I recently visited a house were I was responsible for the design of some steel beams and columns. While on site, I noticed an extremely large LVL that was extremely long. The house was still under construction and there were no supports visible but there were a few uninstalled columns present at the site.
The LVL was made of of 4 individual LVK's laminated together. I noticed no bolts only nails and screws. The floor joists framed into each side of the LVL using face mounted hangers.
Question, in my dabelings with wood design I seem to remember that side loading a LVL made up of four members was not allowed per the mfr. (I was using BC at the time). Is this standard for all mfr?





RE: LVL side load
One could make the case that since it is being framed from BOTH sides then only two plies carry each of those loads and this would be acceptable.
I allow that - assuming everything else falls in line - but I do reduce capacity (increase of SF) a bit. Just so I feel comfortable.
RE: LVL side load
As the load is coming from both sides. You could look at them as two doubled beams or a single and triple beam depending on the load distribution. In this case the center connections would need to transfer enough load the keep the deflection of all four ply's the same. Be sure to check the unbalanced condition for the load transfer.
As for the connection if the ply's are 2" or less wide you can use the Simpson SDS25600 (STRONG-DRIVE SCREWS) which are 6" long from each face to insure that the center ply's are properly connected.
Garth Dreger PE
AZ Phoenix area
RE: LVL side load
Consider asking the LVL manufacture or reviewing there guide.
RE: LVL side load