Using a 14-inch deep beam that is 1-3/4 inches wide can extend the span to over 30 feet. For example, a 2.1E 2800 LVL beam measuring 1-3/4 inches wide by 7-1/4 inches deep can span up to 16 feet, while a 9-1/2-inch deep beam can span up to 20 feet, and an 11-7/8-inch deep beam can span up to 26 feet. How to check for maximum span?ĭetermining the maximum span for any beam, including LVL beams, involves considering various factors such as load, stress, location, purpose, and dimensions. For heavier loads, increasing the depth to 11-7/8 inches nearly doubles the allowable total load compared to that of the 9-1/2-inch LVL. In residential construction, it’s common to use a double or triple ply 9-1/2-inch deep LVL beam to span 16 feet in most building situations. When using wider engineered beams with doubled, tripled, or quadrupled ply, the allowable load per linear foot significantly increases for the same thicknesses. With a depth of 9-1/2 inches, the total allowable load increases to 132 plf, while for 11-7/8 inches, it rises to 257 plf, and for 14 inches, it reaches 414 plf. For instance, using a single 2.1E 3100 beam that measures 1-3/4 inches wide by 7-1/4 inches deep, the total allowable load when spanning 16 feet is 58 pounds per linear foot (plf). The required size of an LVL beam to span 16 feet depends on the total load requirements and the beam’s rating. What size of LVL beam is best for 16 feet span? As the span increases for each width and depth, the minimum bearing length also changes accordingly. Similarly, a 11-17/8-inch beam should have 3.8 inches and 9.4 inches, respectively, while a 14-inch beam needs 4.7 inches and 11.8 inches.įor a 7-inch wide LVL by 16 to 24 inches deep, the minimum bearing length is 5.5 inches at the ends and 13.8 inches on intermediate posts. For instance, a 1-3/4-inch by 9-1/2-inch deep beam spanning 6 feet requires 2.8 inches at the ends and 7 inches on intermediate supports. When using wider or thicker LVL-engineered beams, the minimum bearing length also increases. However, the intermediate minimum bearing length is 3.8 inches at 9 feet, 3.1 inches at 10 feet, and 3 inches for all spans 11 feet or longer. For spans of 9 feet or greater, it decreases to 1.5 inches at the ends. If spanning 8 feet, it reduces to 1.8 inches at the ends and 4.6 inches on intermediate supports. Therefore, it’s essential to refer to the manufacturer’s specifications or the structural drawings for accurate information.įor example, the minimum bearing length for a 7-1/4-inch deep and 1-3/4-inch wide LVL wood beam spanning 7 feet or less is 2 inches at the ends and 5 inches on intermediate supports. It also differs between the ends and intermediate supports. The minimum bearing length, or the part of an LVL beam that sits on supports, varies depending on the beam’s depth and span. It’s crucial to review the rule of thumb calculations and those provided by other methods with a certified professional before moving past the planning stage. Therefore, depending on load parameters, a wider beam may be more suitable. Increasing the beam’s width while maintaining the same depth can support greater weight. Thus, for a 16-foot span, the LVL dimensions would be 3-1/2 inches wide by 9-1/2 inches deep. The width should be 1/3 or 1/4 of the LVL beam’s depth. For instance, if the span is 16 feet (192 inches), the depth should be 9.6 inches or 9-1/2 inches. While a single-ply 14-inch deep LVL beam may suffice, a 9-1/2-inch deep 2 or 3-ply would be considerably stronger and offer more clearance.Ī general guideline for determining the depth of an LVL beam is ‘the depth should be equal to the span in inches divided by 20’. Based on these criteria, choose the appropriate beam width and depth required for the span. Manufacturers often offer span charts based on various construction criteria, such as one or two stories, beam span, carrying span, beam usage, placement, and live, dead, and/or total loads. The depth and span of the beam influence the minimum bearing length, emphasizing the need for accuracy. If there are intermediate supports spaced equally, affecting the beam’s span, this also impacts the beam size.
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