garage structure (beams)
garage structure (beams)
(OP)
I am building a new garage which would like to have a free 24' span. What should I use for the floor joists and what should I use for roof trusses to avoid any center support columns? I could live with a structural wall on the second floor (rooms above) if I had to, but would really like to have an open 24' free span in the garage (first floor) so car work is not impeded by having to work around steel posts. Could someone please tell me what this would require? I'm going to use 2X6 walls for strength and energy conservation (double insulation). Would I be better off with a center "spine" (steel or wood) supporting 12' spans on both sides for the floor? This is my first foray into large construction and any help would be appreciated. I know my way around saws and such well enough, but I'm a piping engineer by trade, so this is new stuff for me.





RE: garage structure (beams)
Software can be downloaded from the web to size the LVL.
http://www.tjm.com/PressReleases/PRNewMicrollamLVL.cfm
http://www.wii.com/StrucjoistDG.pdf
http://www.lpcorp.com/
RE: garage structure (beams)
How are you using the floor above the garage? Is it just a bonus room for storage and could you get by using attic trusses and loosing 5 ft on each side?
Isn't engineering fun? One change or question has a domino effect. Even a thing as simple as a garage with an room above can cause lots of thought.
Good Luck. Keep asking yourself questions so you don't run into trouble. An inquisitive mind is a terrible thing to waste.
RE: garage structure (beams)