Header Sizing

[bmiller310]

I'm building a post and beam construction barndominium. The interior 36' will be 20' high to the eave. There will be a shed roof attached to the interior walls on 3 sides of the house. Shed roofs are 14' outside the posts. So basically the house will resemble an old horse barn where the middle is higher than the sides. Originally I wanted to build the "interior" which will be post and beam, and then later add on the shed roofs. I've decided to build it all at once. I will be setting 8x8 posts at 16' O.C. for the length of the 80' building. I plan to use a Boise Cascade LVL to span between posts. Basically I want to put a double LVL at 48' then 32' to get my 80'. Obviously I would alternate the splice and make sure they land on my posts. I've ordered the "barn style" metal rafters that will be set 10' O.C. for the length of the 80'. So my load will not be balanced it would be more of a point load every 10'. I plan to diagonal brace my 8x8s to the beam approximately 4' from the posts on each side. When I use the BC Calc software on the BC site, it will only let me choose a single member with a span of 16'. Anyone have any experience with this type of building? Currently I plan to buy a 1-3/4" x 16" LVL and double it. So it would be 3-1/2" thick. Will this size LVL work? Snow load would be limited. Usually only get 1" of snowfall a year. Pitch is 5/12. Using metal roofing and 2x6 purlins.

 

[TheCommish]

Look at the AWC DCA 5 document for pole buildings. You may depending on the code requirements in Georgia, may have to hire a structural engineer. BTW no matter what you call the building is is a single family dwelling and should meet all the appropriate codes for that type of dwelling.

 

[bmiller310]

Look at the AWC DCA 5 docum for pole buildings. You may depending on the code requirements in Georgia, may have to hire a structural engineer. BTW no matter what you call the building is is a single family dwelling and should meet all the appropriate codes for that type of dwelling.

Thanks for the reply. I've looked at the AWC DCA5 but it seems rather vague. I'm looking for something a little more specific.

Yes it's basically a single family home with a large garage. I just tried to use some other language so that everyone could picture my building.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

You need to hire a licensed structural engineer.

 

[tbz]

Welcome Bmiller310,

Please understand this is a building code forum, not an engineering or design forum, and your question though phrased as a would this meet code, is more this is what I would like to do, can someone help me with the design for compliance.

I wish you luck with your endeavor, but your questions need to be brought to a local engineer with a lic. in your state.

They are going to be the one to ask the question to your question and provide a competent answer, hopefully.

I designed and drew my current home that I am still waiting to build, but when it came to the beams and headers, I too used the online BC Calculator, and then sent my design to an engineer for final review to make sure it was going to be done correctly. And I review and see these items weekly in the plans I go through.

I can only suggest put down on paper what you want and then hire and let the engineer tell you what you need to do for what you want.

The cost of the engineering review is peanuts to the overall cost of the structure you are intending on building.

Good luck.