Joists for 30' x 35' open floor plan?

[Jared117]

Hi,

Glad I found this site! Thank you in advance to all of the professionals providing free advice!

I am drawing up plans for a 30' x 35' two story building. Bottom floor is going to be a workshop, second floor is going to be living/theater area. I would like to keep my workshop open. However, from the small bit of knowledge and reading I have done I know that a 30' span is way too large for wooden joists. My question is, what are my options? And what are the cost differences between my options? I have attached a picture of the floor plan I intend to have.

Untitled

• Jared117
• 23 Aug 2012
• 1

Thanks for any help!

Jared[/img]

 

[jeds]

Your only option really is to divide the room with steel beams and then timber joists between the beams. Not knowing US code you'll need somebody local to do the calculations for you.

 

[^woody^]

Use timber I-beams

 

[chickenlips]

I'd have a look at ITW Alpine's website(s), they are huge over in the US


http://www.itwbcg.com/
http://www.alpeng.com/

Both of them are from the same group Illinois Tool Works. They are over in the UK, but no where near the size as in the US.

They should be able to direct you in the right direction

 

[RonnyRaygun]

Use timber I-beams

Can you get I-beams that span 30'?

I would have thought that Metsec lightweight trusses (or US equivalent) would be a good option.

 

[chickenlips]

Use timber I-beams

Can you get I-beams that span 30'?

They can be bought in lengths over 13mts, but span wise will only clear 7.2mts (ish).

FloorTrus (or similar) would be the way to go, there is no limit to depth in design only in manufacture. Thats if you want timber components
And its available in the US