too many variables here, mostly the size of the roof above it (steepness, weight of shingles, tile or slate? etc. You're best to overengineer it. A double thickness (3.5" X 12" or 16" wide) glulam will support a reasonably large roof above it, otherwise a simple double 2x12 would work for a 3/12 -6/12 pitch roof with light grade 30 year shingles.
William A. Chugg has written: 'Glulam' -- subject(s): Laminated wood, Wooden Building
A laminated beam is a beam that is made of thin layers of a material (Called lamina). An example is glulam beams, which are thin layers of wood glued together to make a large beam.
Two alternatives to flitch beams are laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and glulam (glued laminated timber). LVL is engineered from thin layers of wood veneer, providing high strength and stability, making it suitable for a variety of structural applications. Glulam, on the other hand, consists of layers of dimensional lumber glued together, allowing for longer spans and greater design flexibility while maintaining strength. Both options offer effective solutions for supporting heavy loads in construction.
To determine the appropriate beam size for spanning 16 feet under a 35 psf roof load, you would typically consult a span table or structural engineering guidelines. Generally, a glulam beam or a steel I-beam may be needed, with sizes varying based on factors like the beam material and specific load conditions. For a rough estimate, a glulam beam of about 3x12 or a steel I-beam around 8x10 inches could be suitable, but a structural engineer should be consulted for precise calculations and local code compliance.
Microlam (or glulam) is an engineered timber product that is made from layers or wood held together with adhesives. The end product is generally made into lengths or beams that are stronger and less prone to warping and twisting than standard timber products.
For a 20ft span, a typical glulam beam size would be around 5-1/8" x 18-1/2" or 6-3/4" x 15-1/2". The actual size needed may vary depending on the specific load requirements and building codes in your area, so it's recommended to consult with a structural engineer or supplier to determine the appropriate size for your project.
Some advanced timber framing techniques used in modern construction projects include complex joinery methods like dovetail, mortise and tenon, and scarf joints, as well as the use of engineered wood products such as glulam beams and cross-laminated timber panels for increased strength and stability. Additionally, computer-aided design (CAD) software is often used to create intricate and precise timber frame structures.
Plywood: Composed of multiple layers of wood veneer glued together to improve strength and stability. Particleboard: Made from wood particles, sawdust, and adhesive pressed together to create a dense and smooth board. Medium-density fiberboard (MDF): Consists of wood fibers bonded with resin under high temperature and pressure to create a versatile and uniform material. Oriented strand board (OSB): Constructed from compressed layers of wood strands oriented in specific directions for increased strength. Engineered wood: Includes various products like laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and glued laminated timber (glulam) made by bonding wood strands or veneers together to enhance performance and durability.
For a beam run of 20 feet in a basement with an even load from a two-story structure using 2x8 construction spaced 16 inches on center, you’ll need to determine the appropriate beam size and material to support the load safely. Typically, a structural engineer would recommend a beam made of either engineered wood (like LVL or glulam) or steel, depending on the specific load calculations. Additionally, you’ll need to consider factors like local building codes and any necessary supports or footings for the beam. Always consult with a professional for accurate sizing and compliance with safety regulations.
Engineered products are products designed to meet a particular design criteria. Non-engineered products are products that were not specifically engineered for a particular design criteria. The structural wood products industry is a good example of engnieered and non-engineered products. Lumber and heavy timbers are good examples of non-engineered materials that are used in construction. Specifically, lumber or timber is a product that is cut from logs. Lumber is not designed, although we test lumber and have design values that apply to many types of lumber. There exists natural variation in lumber so the way we come up with reasonable design values is test a reasonable size sample of lumber, determine the statistical variation of the test results, then assign a conservative material value to allow it to be used structurally. In contrast, plywood, OSB, I-joists, laminated veneered lumber, parallel strand lumber and glulam are engineered wood products. Those products were designed to be used in certain structural applications. The design of the products was thought out, typically combining a mixture of different smaller layers or materials, combined with structural connectors, typically adhesives, or small nails or screws. These products often use the best properties of the individual products to come up with a better mix. These products often have a higher strength to weight ratio when compared with non-engineered products. Other engineered products include rolled steel shapes, bar-joists, metal decking, reinforced concrete, plastics, composites and fibers. I hope this has been helpful.