Best method to replace load wall

[sbozzer]

What's the best replacement for a 2-story basement load wall (LVL or steel i-beam)? Need to support a span of 20'. Current support structure is 3-14' LVL's and 1-6' LVL. The LVL's are 1.75x12 3100Fb 2.0E beams. Need to keep the height at 12" or less.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Why not just replace or see if steel is cheaper. Keep in mind that wood is not generally allowed to support masonry - except IBC 2009 now does allow it. Also wood must not set on concrete (like a foundation) unless treated or isolated say with steel shims.

BTW - you might want a structural to look at the sizes - just in case someone blew it the first time around!!

 

[sbozzer]

It would be on wood framing. I'm thinking that steel is going to be the way to go. My estimates for supporting LVL members puts me over the 12" height req. My initial steel i-beam estimates point to a w10x30x20' beam, but it's been awhile since I've needed to figure max loads and stresses for a steel beam.

 

[msquared48]

Modifications of this magnitude likely will need a permit, and the stamp of an Architect or Civil Engineer as a minimum, preferably a structural.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

http://mmcengineering.tripod.com

 

[MiketheEngineer]

M^2 is correct