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Structural Engineers- wood joist loading-?
I need help finding out if the floor in the building I work at is capable of supporting a restaurant.
I know an engineer should be hired, but my boss is an architect who thinks he knows.
The question comes in two parts-
1- 2 1/2" x 12" (actual) joists on 16" centers, 16' 6" long, made of 100+ yr. old western wood (presumably San Francisco area lumber). Is it suitable for a 100 lbs. sq ft. load?
2- If a wall (theoretically non load-bearing, but floor to ceiling, with two floors of apartments above) were put on the floor, parallel to the joist, would the joist underneath it need to be reinforced?
If it makes any difference, the flooring will be 4" x 4" ceramic tile.
3 Answers
- Anonymous8 years ago
there are building codes and engineering design hand books that give average values
you need to know the span and the floor weight loading per SQ foot
ceramic tile is heavy and has to be subtracted from the allowed weight
the upper story load has to be supported by walls Not the floor span
- 8 years ago
Refer codes, and yes reinforcement is necessary. Upper floors need columns and load bearing walls.
LBC of 12.5" x 12" SF Lumber (L/b > 10), is around 65 lb/sft. To avoid flexure, use FoS 3.
Source(s): BS
