Wood Framing - Ridge Beam Supports
Wood Framing - Ridge Beam Supports
(OP)
I am trying to figure out how much load I should design ridge beam supports for. Actually, I'm more concerned with the reaction of the ridge beam support on the next framing level below. For wood framed structures with standard rafters, ceiling joists and a ridge beam, our office supports the ridge beams at approximately 11' to 12' spacings. We run the ridge beam support to a wall, float beam or ceiling beam. If you believe that the ridge supports are needed, does anyone have a rule of thumb as to how much load the supports should take.






RE: Wood Framing - Ridge Beam Supports
The supports for the ridge beam need to support the ridge beam loads, so whatever the ridge beam reactions are are what the column(s) support. It's that simple.
It sounds like you might be insinuating a collar tie condition, though it's hard to tell here. A diagram might help.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask
RE: Wood Framing - Ridge Beam Supports
If it is a load bearing ridge beam then the full loads need to be transferred down to the foundation.
If it is not designed as load bearing then it is purely a serviceability and strain compatability issue that needs to be considered.
RE: Wood Framing - Ridge Beam Supports
RE: Wood Framing - Ridge Beam Supports
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask
RE: Wood Framing - Ridge Beam Supports
Agreed.
Eldorado,
Are the ends of your joists tied in against lateral spread?
RE: Wood Framing - Ridge Beam Supports
Generally, I refer to a "structural" ridge beam as one that supports roughly half the load between supporting wall lines (simply stated), such as a vaulted ceiling with no lateral spreading restraints at the plate lines.
RE: Wood Framing - Ridge Beam Supports
Yes, we are thinking along the same lines then. I would just make sure that there are no stiff walls under the ridge beam that may accidentally act as a support.