Microlam Beam Size Calculator
Microlam Beam Size Calculator is the perfect tool for anyone who wants to take the guesswork out of calculating the size of their beam. With its user-friendly interface, this calculator makes it easy for homeowners, builders, architects, and engineers alike to determine the appropriate size for their Microlam beam. Whether you are planning a renovation or building a brand new structure, Microlam Beam Size Calculator provides you with the information you need to ensure that your project is a success. So why leave something as important as your beam size to chance? Give Microlam Beam Size Calculator a try today and rest easy knowing that you have all the information you need to move forward with confidence.
Microlam Beam Size Calculator
Calculate the required size of a Microlam beam for your project.
| Microlam Beam Size Calculator Results | |
|---|---|
| Span Length: | 0 |
| Load: | 0 |
| Maximum Allowable Deflection: | 0 |
| Wood Species: | - |
| Beam Type: | - |
| Required Beam Size: | - |
How to Use the Microlam Beam Size Calculator
The Microlam Beam Size Calculator is a web-based tool designed to assist in calculating the required size of a Microlam beam for a construction project. This calculator is significant because it helps builders, engineers, and architects determine the correct size of a Microlam beam needed for a specific span length, load, maximum allowable deflection, and wood species.
The primary applications of the Microlam Beam Size Calculator are for residential and commercial construction projects, such as building decks, framing roofs, and supporting floors.
Instructions for Utilizing the Calculator
To use the Microlam Beam Size Calculator, users need to input the following information:
- Span Length: The length of the span in feet where the Microlam beam will be installed.
- Load: The amount of weight that the Microlam beam will support in pounds.
- Maximum Allowable Deflection: The maximum allowable deflection of the Microlam beam in inches.
- Wood Species: The type of wood used for the Microlam beam.
- Beam Type: The type of Microlam beam.
The importance and definition of each input field are as follows:
- Span Length: This is the distance between the two points where the Microlam beam will be installed. It is a crucial factor in determining the correct size of the beam.
- Load: This is the amount of weight that the Microlam beam will support, including any weight from people, furniture, or equipment.
- Maximum Allowable Deflection: This is the amount of deflection or bending that the Microlam beam can undergo before it fails. It is typically specified by building codes or engineering standards.
- Wood Species: The type of wood used for the Microlam beam affects its strength and stiffness. The calculator provides options for three types of wood species: Douglas Fir-Larch, Southern Pine, and Spruce-Pine-Fir.
- Beam Type: The type of Microlam beam also affects its strength and stiffness. The calculator provides options for three types of Microlam beams: 2.0E Microllam, 1.9E Microllam, and 1.8E Microllam.
After inputting the required information, the calculator will output the required beam size. The output fields and their corresponding interpretations are as follows:
- Span Length: The length of the span in feet where the Microlam beam will be installed.
- Load: The amount of weight that the Microlam beam will support in pounds.
- Maximum Allowable Deflection: The maximum allowable deflection of the Microlam beam in inches.
- Wood Species: The type of wood used for the Microlam beam.
- Beam Type: The type of Microlam beam.
- Required Beam Size: The size of the Microlam beam needed for the specific span length, load, maximum allowable deflection, wood species, and beam type.
Microlam Beam Size Calculator formula
The Microlam Beam Size Calculator uses the following formula to calculate the required beam size:
Required Beam Size = 3-1/2" x (Section Modulus / (Modulus of Elasticity x 0.90))"
The formula calculates the section modulus required to support the specified span length, load, and maximum allowable deflection. The section modulus is then divided by the modulus of elasticity and a safety factor of 0.90 to determine the required beam size.
Illustrative Example
Let's say you are building a deck that requires a Microlam beam with a span length of 12 feet. The load on the beam will be 5,000 pounds, and the maximum allowable deflection is 1.5 inches. You plan to use Southern Pine as the wood species and a 2.0E Microllam beam type.
Using the Microlam Beam Size Calculator, you input the following values:
- Span Length: 12 feet
- Load: 5,000 pounds
- Maximum Allowable Deflection: 1.5 inches
- Wood Species: Southern Pine
- Beam Type: 2.0E Microllam
After submitting the form, the calculator outputs the required beam size: 3-1/2" x 18".
Illustrative Example Table:
| Span Length (ft) | Load (lbs) | Maximum Allowable Deflection (in) | Wood Species | Beam Type | Required Beam Size |
| 10 | 2,000 | 1 | Douglas Fir-Larch | 2.0E Microllam | 3-1/2" x 11" |
| 12 | 5,000 | 1.5 | Southern Pine | 2.0E Microllam | 3-1/2" x 18" |
| 8 | 1,500 | 0.75 | Spruce-Pine-Fir | 1.8E Microllam | 3-1/2" x 9" |
The Microlam Beam Size Calculator is a powerful tool that helps builders, engineers, and architects determine the correct size of a Microlam beam for a construction project. By inputting the span length, load, maximum allowable deflection, wood species, and beam type, users can quickly calculate the required beam size. This calculator ensures that the Microlam beam can support the required load and comply with engineering standards and building codes. With the Microlam Beam Size Calculator, constructing safe and reliable structures has never been easier.
