removing support column

[ROCONNELL]

I need to remove a column in my basement. It is in the middle of a 16ft span of (3) 2x10s. (2) of these 2x10s break at this column and one goes the whole 16ft. There are (2) floors above this basement. The floor directly above is mostly open floor, (dining room, living room). To clearify that, the floor above has a supporting wall that comes in 4ft onto the 16ft span from one end. I ordered (2) 1/4 inch steel plates, 8 inches wide X 16ft long, with holes every 2ft, staggered, to sandwich the existing center beam. How do I know if if this will be enough? Should I add (2) more 16ft 2X10s before the steel? Do I need to shorten the span? How much? Should I have ordered 1/2 inch steel? I need to move on, but I'm getting "cold feet." Please help.

 

[MrStohler]

Contact a structural engineer to review the problem BEFORE THE COLUMNS ARE REMOVED.

The engineer should go to the house to establish the configuration of the house from a structural point of view: how many stories, roof pitch, use of each story, if there is an attic for storage, areas of the tributary areas, etc. Only after performing this task would it be appropriate to calculate the required plate size.

Be aware that a flitch plate (what you proposed) might be strong enough to carry the loads but it could be flexible enough to cause cracking problems and problems with door swing.

Also, have you checked with your building department to find out if this may be done. There is at least one community in my area that requires a post every 10 feet (?) no matter how strong the beam is.

 

[ROCONNELL]

Thank you Mr. Stohler for your quick reply and expert advice. I think I will do just that.

 

[ROCONNELL]

Thank you Mr. Stohler for your quick reply and expert advice. I think I will do just that.