Hi, folks.

Due to some fairly recent changes in building ordinances in my area, any building, city/county that will have electricity has to be approved, permitted and inspected (multiple times).

I am building a simple 24'x24' two story pole framed workshop. In the plans, the ground floor is concrete. Since this is to be a wood shop, I really don't want to stand on concrete all day.

In order to modify the plans and win an approval to add a wood first floor, I need to calculate the total load on the posts (6x6). While this isn't a problem, I simply can't find a table of allowable vertical loads on dimensioned posts. Without those figures, it is impossible to determine if I need additional posts (larger posts or poles are not an option at this point).

Does anyone know of an online resource or a general calculation for loading #2 grade pressure treated posts?

Thanks for your time. David

-- David B (looker@dbtech.net), May 05, 2002

Answers

David; I don't have the answer for you but would suggest you go to the people who will be doing the inspections on your building. They'll be able to tell you. In my experience (at least here in Ontario) they'll want you to use more than is truly necessary, but since it's they who will be inspecting and approving the building when you're done, you'd better do it right the first time, and save yourself a lot of grief later.

Good luck

Russ

-- (imashortguy@hotmail.com), May 05, 2002.

According to the book "Practical Pole Building Construction" by Leigh Seddon, 6" poles should be spaced to carry no less than 6,000 and no more than 12,000 lbs. Add or subtract poles to get to the load target. Beam load is more important.

-- Joe (CactusJoe001@AOL.com), May 05, 2002.

You might find the information you are looking for here American Society of Agricultural Engineers, but it requires a membership fee: http://www.asae.org/standards/index.html

-- BC (desertdweller44@yahoo.com), May 05, 2002.

David

Loading for the posts is determined by spacing, roof load, second floor loading if any which is called live load. Further the daed load must be applied this is loads from the materials themselves.

I would recommend that you contact the lumber company from where you wish to purhase your materials and they can direct you to someone to aid you.

Typically a 6x6 wood pole 8'-0" o.c. will support a roof load and a floor load so as long the unbraced length is not grater then 10'.

Hope this helps

Rutter Architect

-- William Rutter (wrutter@uniontel.net), May 05, 2002.

This site might help:

http://www.shelter-kit.com/BHstuff/bhdims.html

But the lumber yard should carry whatever specs you need. But you might find that you will have to use #1 grade at least for the posts. I know alot of building codes now require the use of #1 for posts and beams.

-- TomK(mich) (tjk@cac.net), May 05, 2002.