Is it feasible for a glulam/LVL beam to span 24 feet if anchored into a concrete wall or would it require a center vertical steel post?

Posted By Lbear on 14 Jul 2016 01:14 AM
Is it feasible for a glulam/LVL beam to span 24 feet if anchored into a concrete wall or would it require a center vertical steel post?

It depends on what it is holding up, what is the load per lineal foot ?
I have used gluelams for greater than 24 ft , but again depends on the contributory load, They do not necessarily need to be pocketed, I have also used hangers off concrete or SIP walls

Posted By cmkavala on 14 Jul 2016 07:44 AM

Posted By Lbear on 14 Jul 2016 01:14 AM
Is it feasible for a glulam/LVL beam to span 24 feet if anchored into a concrete wall or would it require a center vertical steel post?

It depends on what it is holding up, what is the load per lineal foot ?
I have used gluelams for greater than 24 ft , but again depends on the contributory load, They do not necessarily need to be pocketed, I have also used hangers off concrete or SIP walls

Which do you prefer or is it more of an aesthetic thing (exposed hanger vs hidden pocket)?

20 psf Snow load
20 psf Live load
10 psf Dead load

Posted By Lbear on 14 Jul 2016 05:23 PM

Posted By cmkavala on 14 Jul 2016 07:44 AM

Posted By Lbear on 14 Jul 2016 01:14 AM
Is it feasible for a glulam/LVL beam to span 24 feet if anchored into a concrete wall or would it require a center vertical steel post?

It depends on what it is holding up, what is the load per lineal foot ?
I have used gluelams for greater than 24 ft , but again depends on the contributory load, They do not necessarily need to be pocketed, I have also used hangers off concrete or SIP walls

Which do you prefer or is it more of an aesthetic thing (exposed hanger vs hidden pocket)?

20 psf Snow load
20 psf Live load
10 psf Dead load

if the beam is left exposed then a pocket, if it get covered , then it really doesn't matter
so you have part of the information now to determine the tributary load , you need the span of the roof (or floor)being supported

Lbear, I would prefer a glulam with camber instead of an LVL for that span and load. E-mail me if you want to know more.

Posted By Alton on 14 Jul 2016 09:10 PM
Lbear, I would prefer a glulam with camber instead of and LVL for that span and load. E-mail me if you want to know more.

They spec'd out a 5.5" x 13" GluLam beam to span the distance. GluLams look better exposed anyway vs a LVL

If the beam does NOT run the span of the roof slope (2:12 shed roof) but runs perpendicular to it. How does the roof SIP sit on the beam since it doesn't lay flat on it?
I assume the beams cannot be put on a 9 degree angle to match the roof pitch.

In the below pics the beam runs the span of the SIPs so it's a non-issue but what happens if the beams run the opposite way?

No the beams need to be plumb, if there is is a wedge shaped gap it can be filled in with a wedge shaped piece of wood .............or can use an over sized beam and bevel the top

Posted By cmkavala on 19 Jul 2016 04:20 PM
No the beams need to be plumb, if there is is a wedge shaped gap it can be filled in with a wedge shaped piece of wood .............or can use an over sized beam and bevel the top

Chris, Otherwise the beam has to run the slope but a 35 foot long beam is not a feasible option, right?

Posted By cmkavala on 19 Jul 2016 04:20 PM
No the beams need to be plumb, if there is is a wedge shaped gap it can be filled in with a wedge shaped piece of wood .............or can use an over sized beam and bevel the top

What kind of wedge does it have to be?

Might be hard to find a wedge that size.

Posted By Lbear on 21 Jul 2016 01:26 AM

Posted By cmkavala on 19 Jul 2016 04:20 PM
No the beams need to be plumb, if there is is a wedge shaped gap it can be filled in with a wedge shaped piece of wood .............or can use an over sized beam and bevel the top

What kind of wedge does it have to be?

Might be hard to find a wedge that size.

Maybe, I'm not understanding your question or the situation ? if the beam is running with the slope of the roof then you would also slope the beam underneath, however you would not set a beam out of plumb side to side(tilt) or it would loose its strength

Posted By cmkavala on 21 Jul 2016 06:54 AM


Maybe, I'm not understanding your question or the situation ? if the beam is running with the slope of the roof then you would also slope the beam underneath, however you would not set a beam out of plumb side to side(tilt) or it would loose its strength

If the beam is NOT running with the slope, I have to use a wedge to make up the difference between the glulam and the roof sip space, correct?

Running with the slope is better/easier but the other option (wedge), does it reduce strength or support of the roof SIPS?