2 story house basement beam design...forte software

[jimtheengineer10]

Designing a beam to be installed in a basement for a two story house using forte software.

For the loads should I make the floor live load 80 psf (40 psf + 40 psf) or use two separate loads (each one with a 40 psf live load). The tributary width is the same and the load bearing wall on the 1st floor sits directly on top of the beam in the basement.

 

[jayrod12]

That's a 6 of 1, half dozen of the other type question.

Personally I'm inclined to do it as 2 separate loads, and the weight of the bearing wall as a third. That way if they decide halfway through the design process to put tile flooring or some sort of heavy wall finish I can easily distinguish loads and make the appropriate change.

 

[MacGruber22]

For bookkeeping purposes, keep them separate. It is a good habit to get into. When you need to go back to your calcs in a big project you will thank yourself.

"It is imperative Cunth doesn't get his hands on those codes."