Standard spans for residential construction
Standard spans for residential construction
(OP)
I'm under the impression that there exist standard tables that define permissible spans for beams of various dimensions.
* Is that true?
* If so, where might they be found?
* What kind of loading & material properties do they assume?
What I'm specifically interested in are things that would apply to a free-standing or partially attached patio cover or shade structure.
* Is that true?
* If so, where might they be found?
* What kind of loading & material properties do they assume?
What I'm specifically interested in are things that would apply to a free-standing or partially attached patio cover or shade structure.





RE: Standard spans for residential construction
RE: Standard spans for residential construction
http://www.southernpine.com/tables/index.htm
http://web.usna.navy.mil/~greg/en442/files/NDS%20Tables.xls
RE: Standard spans for residential construction
http://www.awc.org/calculators/span/calc/timbercalcstyle.asp
RE: Standard spans for residential construction
Our Massachusetts state building codes have tables for floor/ceiling/roof joists that define permissible spans based on wood species and intended use.
I think the town building inspector compared my spans to a table based on the Mass code.
The spans were first limited by stress in the "extreme fiber" (top and bottom joist face). Then, if a drywall finish was to be applied, the deflection at max load was less than span/240 to hopefully keep the drywall from cracking. In the unfortunate case a flat roof is planned I think the deflection was limited with the intention to prevent a run-away load situation from "ponding."
RE: Standard spans for residential construction