Wood Column size and prescriptive Code

[Apexpredetor]

can anybody point me in the right direction to determine , by prescriptive code, the correct sized column for a deck. I am thinking it will have an unbraced length of approx. 10ft. MY initial reaction is to go with a 6x6, but I want to confirm with NYS residential code rather than blasting out calculations for it.

Thanks all

 

[wannabeSE]

You might see if NYC will accept AWC's DCA 6 - Prescriptive Residential Deck Construction Guide

http://www.awc.org/codes/dcaindex.php

(Note, I don't know if the guide includes 10ft high posts)

 

[Apexpredetor]

Sorry, I'm in NY State, not the City. I looked in there and I didn't see anything about the unbraced length.

 

[wannabeSE]

Now you made me look in the AWC publication. Try the post requirements on page 7 or look at figure 22. Maximum post height is 14' with a kicker/brace 2' from the top of post.

 

[Splitrings]

NDS requires that the slenderness ratio not exceed 50. I looked quick and I don't see anything in the IBC Wood section. Depending on your end conditions, anything smaller than a 6x6 may not be adequate.

 

[smb4050]

Western Wood Products publication Tech Guide 9

http://www.wwpa.org/techguide

has tables for axial load capacity of solid wood columns of various lengths for western wood lumbers. The one I have is based on NDS 2001 and 1998 WWPA grades, but I don't think there are significant changes with current NDS regarding solid wood columns. Appears the wood columns will need to be treated for your application.

 

[Apexpredetor]

NDS.. ahhhh Totally slipped to look there. I was thinking that it must have been outlined in the Residential code that I was blinded.