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Chappy
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# Posted: 2 Aug 2024 03:53pm - Edited by: Chappy
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Hello,
First post!
I live in an area where we don't need permits, or to follow code to build my small 16X16 camp. To ensure safety, I bought a plan online, and it seems sound, but I'm concerned because we have a 60psf live snow load (I imagine 15 psf for the cabin (dead), but if we round it up for safety, then 80 psf total!
16X16 cabin, steep roof (selected puposely), not looking for precise, willing to "overbuild", but concerned with "headroom".
The plan calls for 2PLY (2X12) LVL ridge beams. Should I bulk this up, or should be "ok"? Willing to provide more information, having difficulty understanding the metrics online, engineers are limited (and busy) in my little city.
I will also have a tie in the form of a loft... Very similar build to the one below, only with a bit more PSF due to my environment... The loft structure will be tied via another LVL beam which I am not concerned about...
https://www.small-cabin.com/forum/2_10353_0.html
Comments? Calculations? Thanks!
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ICC
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# Posted: 2 Aug 2024 08:03pm - Edited by: ICC
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Quoting: Chappy To ensure safety, I bought a plan online,
The quality and suitability of construction plans is not guaranteed by being sold online. It is more or less the same as buying a hammer or screwdriver online. Quality is assured more by the designer, the manufacturer, the 'brand'. There are many examples of many products of dubious heritage being sold online. It's 'caveat emptor' (let the buyer beware). I had to get that thought out of the way, first.
Quoting: Chappy The plan calls for 2PLY (2X12) LVL ridge beams
That would normally be listed as 2 - 1-3/4" x 11-7/8", maybe an even 12". LVL are sold by actual dimensions unlike sawn lumber. But there is also a 'normal' thickness of 1.75" used throughout the industry. The other dimension is most often referred to as width and can vary. Depending on the dealer they may or not be carried in "1/4" sizes as 11-1/4" as the industry norm is not to mix engineered wood and sawn lumber in the same section. So many suppliers try to not stock a width that could be a direct replacement for sawn lumber. LVL can also be custom ordered to size.
Does the plan specify an E-value for the LVL? That is the modulus of elasticity. LVL's are made in a range of "E" and that can make a huge difference in load carrying ability.
Is there a snow load limit stated on the plan?
LVL size is normally calculated for a specific required load and span distance.
What is specified for the size, type and grade of the beam end supports? Planned foundation and footing for the load support columns?
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Chappy
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# Posted: 3 Aug 2024 02:29am
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Thanks for the response. I initially bought the plan as a learning excercise, not stuck to it. I contacted the drafter and he said "go see an engineer"  .
I know there are e'values on LVL, but suppliers in my area don't list them. Thanks for this, once I put my hands on a good plan, will ask specifically to the suppliers to ensure compliance.
I appreciate your response, learning everything I c can before I put a shovel to the ground...
Sooo... I'll check the rest of the forum, but anyone know where I can get 12-16x16 structural plans l, including a loft?
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ICC
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# Posted: 3 Aug 2024 12:47pm
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Quoting: Chappy anyone know where I can get 12-16x16 structural plans l, including a loft
Not I. The plans you have may be okay structurally. If you have pdf files you could upload them here.
Thr IRC is a useful code book. Solid info but not an instruction manual. Structures built to code will be sound and safe. The primary focus of the foundation, floor, wall and roof is structural and safety. Standards are a minimum and a good start and safety check. There are tables and lists of things that work. Illustrations of assemblies; walls, floors, roofs, ....
IRC
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ICC
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# Posted: 3 Aug 2024 12:57pm
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There is also a span calculator for rafters and joists here... https://awc.org/calculators/span-options-calculator-for-wood-joists-and-rafters/
Mobile versions are available
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ICC
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# Posted: 3 Aug 2024 01:03pm
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These calc. works well. They were made by a carpenter I have met. They're not certified engineering tools but able to supply useful info.
http://timbertoolbox.com/
The column and beam calcs are good to sizing sawn lumber components
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Brettny
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# Posted: 3 Aug 2024 07:57pm - Edited by: Brettny
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If your doing a loft why not put a post in the middle? Then your really dealing with two 8' spans and may not need an LVL at all. Not to mention you wont be trying to hoist two huge LVL beams 16' in the air.
Or you could just skip the ridge board all together and use wall ties. Your half doing that anyway with the loft floor joists.
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Chappy
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# Posted: 3 Aug 2024 08:28pm - Edited by: Chappy
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Wow! What a useful forum. Thanks everyone. I cleared the woodland and realized that a smaller cabin is actually better suited to the land 12X16 it is!. As far as the 8 foot span "loft support beam" ... Yes please. I see no reason not to do this. I do want half the cabin to be cathedral though... Because...
.. I like lofts... Always have... I'll test if I need LVL if I do that! Again... THANKS! leaning a lot! Started clearing the lot today!
I don't want to share the plan out of respect to the provider, he will reimburse me.
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Brettny
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# Posted: 4 Aug 2024 11:12am
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Are you building this your self?
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Chappy
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# Posted: 4 Aug 2024 11:18am
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Yes.
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Brettny
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# Posted: 4 Aug 2024 08:27pm
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Have you built anything before? I wouldnt really go by plans off the internet even if theres no codes where your building. Useing span charts you can figure out floor joist, roof rafter and header sizes. The rest is easy as far as a plan.
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Chappy
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# Posted: 4 Aug 2024 08:47pm
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As stated, the real goal of purchasing the plan was for learning. I was hoping they would make sense to me as they were purchased from a canadian (snow) supplier, and it was the model I wanted... I'm just building the pad/ base this year (pressure treated which I will over/winter).. Building beyond that will only occur next year, giving me a winter to drink coco while exploring charts, consulting builders etc (was in a beautiful home made log structure today!)etc.
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Chappy
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# Posted: 4 Aug 2024 08:48pm
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I've built sheds, but nothing like this...
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gcrank1
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# Posted: 4 Aug 2024 08:50pm
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The 'so called plans' can be helpful to visualize what you think you want overall and floorpan, etc.. beyond that any real construction info, like lumber dimensions, spans, etc need to be checked against real accepted building practices.
It is armchair research and waayyy better than getting it wrong.
Be dbl sure that you do the site prep, base and 'foundation' work right or it will haunt you forever.
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Chappy
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# Posted: 4 Aug 2024 08:52pm
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Doing a 6 inch stamped gravel pad, on which I plan to "overbuild" beams.
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