I have a wood framed garage that was in built in 1963. The layout of the garage is 26 x 26 with a gable roof(12/4 pitch) and storage area above the joists floored with 3/4 plywood. The garage finished ceiling is 1/2 sheetrock.
The garage was framed with 2" x 6" joists that span the entire 26 feet (from one side of garage to the other) with no connection to the garage door header or house structure other than bridging or cross braces. Needless to say, the ceiling has dropped (or deflected) over 5 5/8 inches in the center.
Recently, I temporarily supporterd the ceiling/joists over their entire span, and installed (2) 1 3/4 x 9 1/4 LVL beams sistered running perpendicular to the joists along the centerline (approx. 13 ft from each wall). Each joist was connected to the LVL with Strong tite Joist hangers and the LVL beam was glued and bolted together along the entire length.
These two LVL beams have a maximum load of 63lbs/ft over a 26 foot span. I have temporarily supported the center of the beam (at 13 feet) with a column to increase the load capacity of the beam to 539lbs/ft (per allowable uniform load tables, 115%Snow, Georgia Pacific)
My question is this, I want to remove the center support column and replace it with a single steel I-Beam (running perpendicular to the LVL, parralel with the joists, just below the finished ceiling) down the opposing centerline of the garage. What size steel beam do I need to carry the load and span the 26 feet?
I have contacted several Structural Engineers in my area and none of them are interested in calculating the requirements for a residential homeowner. I am willing to pay someone for this, but I am quite frustrated with the engineers in my area lack of interest in "small jobs".
Please provide some advice at your convenience.
Best regards,
RBG
Detroit, MI
USA