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Notes for Table 3-10
A. Gluelam bending unit stresses equal 100¿the member’s combination symbol (i.e., 20F, 22F,
24F, etc.). Example: the bending unit stress of a 20F gluelam=100¿20=2,000 lb/in- 2.
B. For timbers seasoning in place, multiply allowable stresses for Select, No. 1, and No. 2 grades
by 0.85.
C. Allowable bending moment for plywood is for grade C-C (plugged) or better in direction of 8 ft
length only. Bending strength ú grainÅ 0.81 fb í to grain.
D. Allowable compression and tensile strength of plywood are often combined as fct =allowable
compressive/tensile strength, lb/in 2 .
Example: fct of Douglas fir C-C (plugged) plywood= 690 lb/in 2 .

3.D.1.a. Vertical Shear

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In wood beams, vertical shear is usually maximum through a
vertical section located at the face (not the center) of each support.

Example: If a symmetrically loaded construction grade 6¿12 in. nom. Douglas fir Larch
beam has a maximum end reaction of 30,000 lb, what is its unit stress in vertical
shear? Is the beam safe?
3D1a 1 Rectangular sections: Vv = 0.67 fv b d … ½
2 Circular sections: Vv = 0.59 fv d
Vv = end reaction (total vertical shear), lb. V=30,000 lb.
fv = max. unit stress in vert. shear for species and grade of wood, ? lb/in 2 .
From Table 3-10, fv for const. D.F. Larch=900 lb/in 2 .
b = minimum width or diameter of vertical shear plane, in. From Table 3-
11, actual width of 6 in. nom. timber=5.5 in.
d = min. depth of vert. shear plane, in. This includes notches.
From Table 3-11, actual depth of 12 in. nom. timber=11.5 in.
30,000 = 0.67 fv x5.5¿11.5 …
fv = 708 lb/in 2
708 fv = 900 ã OK

3.D.1.b. Horizontal Shear

In wood beams, horizontal shear is typically maximum through a transverse section
located at the horizontal axis of each span.

Example 1. If a uniformly loaded 6¿12 in. nom. construction grade Douglas fir Larch
beam has an end reaction of 30,000 lb. and is 12'-6" long, what is its unit stress in
horizontal shear? Is the beam safe?

3D1b 1
Rectangular sections: Vh = 0.5 fh b Lh … ½
2 Circular sections: Vh = 0.5 fh d Lh
3 Connections: Vh = fh b Lh
Vh = vertical shear end reaction, lb. Vh =30,000 lb.
fh = max. unit stress in horizontal shear for species and grade of wood, ? lb/in 2 . From
Table 3-10, fh for const. D.F. Larch=95 lb/in 2 .
b = width or dia. of horiz. shear plane, in. Nom. beam width=5.5 in.
Lh = length of horizontal shear plane, in. In symmetrically loaded beams,
Lh =0.5 L. 0.5 L=0.5x12'-6"=75 in.
30,000 = 0.67xfh x5.5x75 …
fh = 109 lb/in 2
109 >fv = 95 NG

Example 2: A Douglas fir rafter is connected to a 6 x 8 in nominal Douclas fir tie

beam as shown in Figure 3-29. If the rafter’s horizontal vector componenet is
5,400 lb in compression. How far should the tie beam extend beyond point D to
be safe in horizontal shear?

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3D1b3 Connections: Vh = fh b Lh
Vh = horizontal shear load, lb. Vh =5,400 lb.
fh = safe unit stress in horizontal shear for species and grade of wood, lb/in 2 . From
Table 3-10, fh for Douglas fir=95 lb/in 2 .
b = breadth or width of horizontal shear plane, in. From Table 3-11, 6 in. nom.=5.5 in.
Lh = length of horiz. shear plane, ? in.

5,400 = 95 x 5.5 Lh …
Lh = 10.3 in.

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3.D.1.c. Moment
In moment calculations for wood beams, clear spans are usual-ly
measured from centers of supports and never nearer than 1™ in.
from the support’s inner face. If standard lumber widths and thick-nesses
are not employed, advanced understanding of stress patterns
within the section is required for accurate design. In flat roofs, wood
beams should pitch at least ¡ in/ft (™ in/ft is better) down to at least
one edge. Otherwise, install tapered rigid insulation or other
construction above.

Example 1. What is the maximum bending moment for a beam of unseasoned No. 2
grade Douglas Fir South if its span is 16 feet and supports 3,600 lb? What is the beams
optima width and depth?

Step 1. Find the beam’s maximum moment, then its section modulus.
3D1c1 Ä= Mmax = fb Sx
Ä= applicable moment formula from Table 3-5. For uniform load, single span, supports
free (assumed), use M1
Mmax =0.125 W L.
Mmax =maximum moment of applied load, ? in-lb
W = weight of uniform load, if any, lb. W=3,600 lb.
P = weight of each point load, if any, lb. Not applicable.
L = length of span, in. 16'-0"¿12 in/ft=192 in.
fb = safe unit stress in bending for species and grade of wood, lb/in 2 . From Table 3-10,
fb for Douglas fir South=1,150
lb/in 2 ¿1.38 for No. 2 grade¿0.85 for unseasoned (seasoned in place). Ú fb
=1,150¿1.38¿0.85=1,350 lb/in 2 .
Sx = section modulus of beam section, ? in 3
(two equations, two unknowns ã first find Mmax , then Sx )
1. Mmax = 0.125 W L = 0.125¿3,600¿192 = 86,400 in-lb
2. Mmax = fb Sx ã 86,400 = 1,350 Sx … Sx = 64.0 in 3
Step 2. From Table 3-11 select the section moduli of standard lumber sizes that³64.0 in
3 , then list their sectional areas. The beam with the smallest area is the economical
section.
Nom. size, in¿in. Section modulus, in 3 C-S area, in 2
4¿12 ...................................... 73.8 .................. 39.4 ... ½
6¿10 ..................................... 82.7 .................. 52.3
8¿8 ....................................... 70.3 .................. 56.3
Economical section is 4¿12

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Example 2. In the example above, what is the beam’s bending stress 2 in below
its top?

Step 1. Find the beam’s actual unit stress in bending.

3D1c1 Mmax = fb Sx
Mmax =maximum moment of applied load, in/lb. From previous example, Mmax =86,400
in/lb.
fb = unit bending stress for species & grade of wood, ? lb/in 2
S = section modulus of beam section, in 3 . From previous example,
S for 4x12 in. nom. section=73.8 in 3 .
86,400 = fb x73.8 … fb = 1,170 lb/in 2
Step 2. Find the beam’s stress due to bending 2 in. from its top.
3D1c2 0.5 fba d = fb da
fba = unit stress in bending at point a of beam section, ? lb/in 2
d = depth of beam, in. From Table 3-11, 12 in. nom. d=11.3 in.
fb = maximum unit stress in bending, located at top and bottom of
beam, lb/in 2 . From Step 1, fb =1,170 lb/in 2 .
da = distance from beam’s neutral axis to point a, located 2 in.
below top, in. From Fig. 3-30, da =(11.3/2)–2=3.63 in.
0.5 fba x11.3 = 1,170x3.63 …
fba = 752 lb/in 2

3.D.1.d. Deflection
Deflection is often a more serious consideration in wood beams than steel or concrete
because today’s wood joists, beams, and girders commonly have sheetrock finishes
applied directly to their undersides, which can easily develop cracks along their taped
seams if the structure above is subjected to excessive deflection. In cantilevered wood
beams, maximum deflection on top of the structural members directly above their
supports can inflict similar cracking in the finished floors in the rooms directly above.

Example 1. What is the maximum deflection of a 4x10 Douglas Fir Larch beam with a
uniform load of 180 lb/lf on a 16 feet span? If the beams ubnderside is a plaster ceiling,
id the deflection allowable?

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Step 1. Compute the beam’s maximum deflection.
3D1d1 Îmax = Ÿ² ðÎ L
Îmax = maximum deflection due to applied load, ? in.
Ÿ = applicable deflection formula from Table 3-5. For uniform load, single span,
supports free, use D1ã Îmax =0.0130 W L 3 /E I.
W = total weight of any uniform load, lb. 180 lb/lf¿18.0 ft=3,240 lb.
P = weight of each equal point load if any, lb. Not applicable.
L = length of span, in. 16 ft¿12 in/ft=192 in.
E = modulus of elasticity for species and grade of wood. From Table 3-10, E for Douglas
fir Larch=1,500,000.
I = moment of inertia of beam section, in 4 . From Table 3-11, I for 4x10 in. nom.
section=231 in 4 .
ðÎ = coefficient of allowable deflection. From Table 3-7, ð Î for beam with plaster ceiling
on underside=0.00278.
Îmax = 0.0130 x 3,240 x 192 3 /1,500,000 x 231 ² 0.00278 x 192
0.862 in. ² 0.534 in. ã NG

Example 2. What is the maximum span for 3-inch nominal double tongue and groove
Douglas Fir decking if it supports 55 lb/ft2 and the decking span pattern is alternating
spans (see figure 3.29)?

3D1d3 ðsp W L 3 = E t 3
ðsp = span pattern coefficient, as shown in Fig. 3-32. ð sp =0.13 for simple spans, 0.156
for random spans, 0.046 for alternate spans, and 0.054 for double spans. Here ð sp
=0.13.
W = total weight of load, 55 lb/ft 2
L = maximum length of span, ? in.
E = modulus of elasticity for species and grade of wood. From Table 3-10, E for Douglas
fir=1,100,000.
t = thickness of decking, in. t=3 in. nom.=2.5 in. 24 x 13 x 55 L 3 ² 1,100,000 x 2.5 3 …
L ² 46.4 in.
Note: This equation is for Îmax =1/240 L

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3.D.1.e. Bearing Area
The minimum width of a wood beam’s bearing area is 1™ in. and
the minimum length is 2 in. However, a bearing length of 3™ in. is
much safer, and compliance is usually easy.

Example. If a 6 x 10 girder of construction grade Southern Pine has an end

reaction of 3,340 lb, what is the required length and width of its bearing area at
this support?

3D1e P = ba bb fc sin â

P = total end reaction, 3,340 lb

ba = breadth or width of beam above bearing area, in. From Table 3-11, width for 6¿10
in. nom. section=5.5 in.
bb = width of support below bearing area, ? in. b²3.5 in.
fc = safe stress in compression ú to grain for species and grade of wood, lb/in 2 . From
Table 3-10, fc for Southern pine, construction grade=405 x 1.00=405 lb/in 2 .
â = angle of intersection between beam and support. As most such intersections are
90°, assume =90° sin 90°=1.00.
3,340 = 405 x 5.5 x bb x 1.00 …
bb = 1.50 in.  3.50 in.

3.D.1. f. Lateral Support

In order that a beam will not rotate, it requires lateral support at prescribed intervals
along its span depending on its ratio of depth to span. Such bracing should be evenly
spaced along the span, at its ends, at points of any major concentrated loads, and at
cantilever supports. Because wood is slightly stronger in compression than tension, the
bottoms of wood beams are more susceptible to lateral support failure than the tops.
High crowns, prominent cambers, tapered top edges, and arched profiles also increase
a beam’s tendency to fail laterally.

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Example. What lateral support is required for a 2 x 12 nominal rafter that is 17
feet-4 inch long?
3D1f r=d/t
r = ratio of beam depth to thickness, nom. dimensions, ?
d = depth of beam, 12 in. nom.
t = thickness or width of beam, 2 in. nom.
r = 12/2 = 6
From Fig. 3-33, at a d/t ratio of 6, bracing is required at maximum 8 ft intervals and top
edges must be held in place

3.D.2. Floor & Roof Systems

3.D.2.a. Lightweight Wood I-Joists

These are lightweight wood I-beams with webs of usually 3 /8 to ™ in. plywood and
flanges of 1™ in. thick laminated lumber that are 1™ to 3™ in. wide. They are lighter
and more structurally uniform than solid wood joists, usually have no camber, and are
best for sloping and flat roofs. Typical live load deflection limit is L/480, connectors are
usually metal fasteners, web stiffeners are required under point loads and over
supports, they cannot support load-bearing walls, and they are usually uneconomical at
depths exceeding 18 in.
Lightweight I-joists are typically used in residential and light commercial construction,
and they are really the only economical roof framing for super insulated homes. The
design sequence below may also be used for the total design of any wood beam.

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Example. Lightweight I-Joist are to be used for the roof of an apartment complex in
Jacksonville, FL. Because they can span the building’s 24 feet width and their depths
allow plenty of eave-to-peak air circulation in this warm humid climate. If the roof pitch
is 2/12, its insulation is fiberglass batts, the wall under the peak id 11 fee-4 inches tall,
and the design wind load = 150 mph, size this structure.

Step 1. Find the maximum bending moment for each joist.

3D2a Mmax = Ä
Mmax = maximum moment of span due to load, ? in/lb
Ä= applicable moment formula for load, from Table 3-5. For uniform load, single span,
supports free (typical for wood beams) use M1 ã Mmax =0.125 W L.
W = total load on each joist, lb. W=(unit live load+unit dead load) x joist spacing x joist
length. From Table 3-3, unit live load for 2/12 pitch roof=20 lb/ft 2 . Typical unit dead
load for residential roofs and floors=20 lb/ft 2 (dead load for commercial occupancies is
based on type of occupancy as listed in Table 2-6). Typical I-joist spacing=12, 16, 19.2,
or 24 in. o.c.
Try 24 in. as this allows snug fitting of standard batt insulation and requires less joists
than 16 in. o.c. L (horiz. pro-jection)= 24.0 ft. W=(20+20) x 24/12 x 24=1,920 lb.
L = length of span, in. L=24 ftx12 in/ft=288 in.
Mmax = 0.125 x 1,920 x 288 = 69,100 in/lb

Step 2. Select a trial section based on the member’s maximum moment.

Mmax = fb Sx
Mmax = maximum moment for each joist, from Step 1, 69,100 in/lb
fb = safe unit stress, 1,200 lb/in 2 –lateral load stress allowance (let this=100 lb/in 2 ).
Then fb =1,200–100=1,100 lb/in 2 .
Sx = section modulus, ? in 3 . Solve for this value, then from Table 3-11 select
lightweight wood truss with next highest Sx . 69,100 = 1,100 Sx … Sx ³ 62.8 in 3 From
Table 3-11, use 3™ x16 in. flange x 7 /16 in. web (Sx ³63.2 in 3 )
Step 3. Investigate the trial member for safe lateral load.
fn A ³ s h P
fn = lateral load unit stress allowance, from Step 2, 100 lb/in 2 .
Here, solve for actual fn , then compare with allowable fn .
A = C-S area of I-joist, in 2 . From Table 3-11, A3.50 x 16 =15.4 in 2 .
s = I-joist spacing, ft. 24 in.=2.0 ft.
h = height of wind load area, ft. h=0.5 x 11'-4"=5.67 ft.
P = unit wind load, lb/ft 2 .
P=0.004 × 2 =0.004 x 150 2 =90 lb/ft 2 . fn x15.4 ³ 2.0 x 5.67x90
… fn = 66.3 lb/in 2 ã 3.50¿16 is OK
Step 4. Investigate the trial member for safe vertical shear.
V =³ 0.67 fv A
V = I-joist end reaction, lb. V=0.5¿1,820=910 lb.
fv = safe unit stress in vertical shear, use 800 lb/in 2 for I-joists
A = C-S area of I-joist, in 2 . From Step 2, A=15.4 in 2 .
910 ² 0.67 x 800 x 15.4 ² 8,250 lb ã OK
Step 5. Investigate the trial member for maximum deflection.
Îmax = 0.0130 W L 3
/ E I ² 0.00208 L
L = length of span (horizontal projection), from Step 1, 288 in.
Îmax = maximum deflection of trial member, ? in.

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W = total load on beam, from Step 1, 1,180 lb
E = modulus of elasticity, use 1,500,000 for I-joists
I = moment of inertia, in 4 . From Table 3-11, I3.50¿16 =634 in 4 .
0.0130 x 1,180 x 288 3 /1,500,000 x 634 ² 0.00208 x 288
0.39 ² 0.60 ã OK
3.D.2.b. Flat Trusses

These trusses have parallel (or nearly so) top and bottom chords of wood separated by
webs of dimension lumber, plywood, or diagonal struts of tubular steel. Popularly used
for floors and flat roofs in small commercial buildings, they are feasible where depths
exceed 12 in., spans exceed 17 ft, extensive utility networks are run through their
depths, possibility of renovation exists, and where live loads are uniform and fairly
light. Typical spans range to 50 ft, depths to 22 in. for floors and 48 in. for roofs,
optimal depth-to-span ratios are 0.07 to 0.09, and typical spacing is 12, 13.7, 16, 19.2,
and 24 in. o.c. Maximum duct dimensions run about 0.6 depth, live load deflection is
usually limited to 1/240 span, and lateral bracing is required over all supports, under
point loads, and at uniform intervals along spans. Gluelams make good girders for
interior supports of continuous flat trusses.

The chief advantages of flat wood trusses are quick construction, nailable struts and
chords, large open spans, and flexible planning above and below the span. The
architect typically sizes these members by using tables in manufacturers’ catalogues,
or by specifying their out-line details and sending the specs to the manufacturer.

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3.D.2.c. Gable Trusses
These are pre-engineered lightweight wood trusses with sloping top chords. They are
widely used for gabled roofs in residential and small commercial, industrial, and
agricultural buildings. They are most feasible where spans are between 17 and 60 ft,
total loads are less than 60 lb/ft 2 , roof pitches range between 2/12 and 7/12,
possibility of renovation in the spaces below the trusses exists, and large voids within
the trusses are acceptable. Their chief advantages are clear open spans, relative ease
of construction, quick close-in, and nailable struts and chords. The companies that
make them have their own professional engineers who design the structure, so all an
architect usually needs to know is the outline (not the chord configuration) of the
desired truss as described in the general ‘spec’ sheet in Table 3-12.
These specifications vary slightly with each company. Spaces within gable trusses
cannot be used for storage or other functions related to occupancy unless designed
specifically to

do so.

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3.D.2.d. Gluelams
These structural members are made of £ or 1™ in. wood lami-nae
glued with high-strength adhesive. Beams are economically fea-sible
for spans of about 16 to 100 ft for roofs and 14 to 40 ft for floors.
Allowable stresses are based on normal duration of load.

Example: a 5-1/8 in Douglas fir 24F gluelam of 1-1/2 inch lamination carries 960 lb/lf
on a 28 feet span. What is its depth for wet conditions of use?

Step 1. Find the beam’s minimum depth due to bending moment.

3D2d Mmax = µ = 0.167 fb b |d 2 ã|t
µ= applicable moment formula from Table 3-5. For simple beam with uniform load,
use M1 = 0.125 W L.
W or P=weight of applicable load, lb.
W=960 x 28.0=26,900 lb.
L = length of span, in.

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 28 ft x12 in/ft=336 in.
fb = safe unit stress in bending for species, grade of wood, andconditions of use, lb/in 2 .
From Table 3-10, fb for Douglas fir, 24F,
wet conditions of use=100 x 24 x 0.80=1,920 lb/in 2 .
b = breadth or width of beam section, in. 5 1 /8 in.=5.13 in.
d = depth of beam section, ? in.
t = thickness of lamination, 1™ in.=1.5 in.

0.125 x 26,900 x 336 = 0.167 x 1,920 x 5.13 x||2 ã|1.5

d = |26.2ã|1.5 = 27 in.
Step 2. Investigate for vertical shear. For rectangular sections,
Vv = 0.67 fv b d
Vv = total load, from Step 1, 26,900 lb
fv = safe unit stress in vertical shear for species, grade of wood, and conditions of
use, ? lb/in 2 . Solve for this value, then compare with fv from Table 3-10, which for
Douglas fir 24F
gluelam,
wet conditions of use=1,000 x 0.88=880 lb/in 2 .
b = breadth or width of beam, in. 5 1 /8 in.=5.13 in.
d = full depth of beam, from Step 2, 27.0 in.
26,900 = 0.67 fv x 5.13 x 27.0
fv = 290 lb/in ²  880 ã OK
Step 3. Investigate the beam section for deflection.
Îmax = Ÿ² ðÎ L
Îmax = maximum deflection of span due to load, ? in.
Ÿ=applicable deflection formula from Table 3-5. For simple beam with uniform load,
use D1 ã 0.0130 W L 3 /E I.
W = weight of load, from Step 1, 26,900 lb
L = length of span, from Step 1, 336 in.
E = modulus of elasticity for species, grade of wood, and conditions of use. From Table
3-10, E for Douglas fir 24F gluelam,
wet conditions of use=1,700,000 x 0.83=1,410,000.
I = moment of inertia of beam section, in 4 . From Table 3-6, I of rectangle,
axis of moments thro’ center=0.083 b d 3 .
Thus I=0.083 x 5.13 x 273=8,380 in 4 .
ðÎ = coeff. of allowable deflection. From Table 3-7, ð Î for beams with no plaster or
drywall ceilings on undersides=0.00416.
L = length of span, in. 16 ft¿12 in/ft=336 in.
Îmax = 0.0130¿26,900¿336 3 /1,410,000¿8,380 ² 336¿0.00416
1.12  1.40 ã OK

3.D.3. Columns

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Wood columns are usually designed by first estimating the size of the cross-section,
then investigating the trial section under its full equivalent load. Bending moment due
to beam advantage rarely reduces a wood column’s load capacity because wood beam-
to-post connections are usually nonrigid. Even if the joint is made rigid by diagonal
bracing, the brace raises the column K factors and shortens the effective length of the
support, which usually cancels any moment developed in the joint due to beam
leverage. However, considerable moment may develop in a wood column due to
eccentric loads, wind loads, and other lateral loads. The most efficient wood column
section is a circle, then a square.

Example: A timber post shown in Figure 3-37 has a load of 16.6 kips arriving
from above the beams; the end reactions of the four beams intersecting the
column are 7.2, 2.4, 7.2 and 4.2 kips; and the post absorbs a maximum wind
load of 0.6 kips through any one beam at a time. If the post id 10 feet- 8 inch
high and is no. 1 Fouglas Fir Larch, what is its economical section?

Step 1. Make a preliminary estimate of the column size.

3D3 V Å =ðt fc b 2
V = total vertical load on column, lb or kips. Here use kips.
V=16.6+7.2+2.4+7.2+4.2=37.6 kips.
ðt = trial complication factor. Try between 0.20 and 0.60, depending on eccentric loads,
lateral loads, column K factors, etc. The more complicated the situation, the lower the
value. As the loads seem a little larger and more eccentric than aver-age,
try ðt =0.35. If one is adept at estimating this factor,
Step 1 may be all that is necessary for preliminary design.
fc = safe unit stress in compression parallel to grain for species and grade of wood, lb/in
2 . From Table 3-10, fc for Douglas fir Larch no. 1 grade=1,150 x 1.09=1,250 lb/in 2 or
1.25 kips/in 2
b = trial width of square section, ? in.
37.6 Å 1.25 x b x 0.35
2

b = 9.27 ã try 10 x 10 in. nom. whose b = 9.5 in.

Step 2. Find the column K factors from Table 3-8. A load or force acting along the X
axis acts about the Y axis, and vice versa.
K about X axis:
Top Rotation: As top of column is continuous from above the beams to below, it is
rotation fixed in both axes. Top Translation: As top is braced laterally in each direction
by beams on each side, it is translation fixed in both axes.
Base Rotation: As bottom of column is non-integral with the construction below, it is
able to form a hinging action with its base in either direction; thus it is rotation free in
both axes.
Kx : Top is rotation fixed, translation fixed; bottom is rotation free.
From Table 3-8, Kx =0.80

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K about Y axis:
All end conditions are the same as in the X axis ã Ky =Kx =0.80.
Step 3. Investigate the column’s slenderness ratio.
L / b ² 50
L = clear unbraced length or height of column, in. 10'-8"=128 in.
b = minimum width of square or rectangular column section, in.
From Step 1, b=9.5 in.
128/9.5 = 13.5 ² 50 ã OK

Step 4. Find the trial section’s design load.

Vd = Va +Ky Vx +Kx Vy +Ky Vex ( ex A / Sy )+Kx Vey ( ey A / Sx )

Vd = total design load on column, ? lb or kips. Use kips.

Va = axial load from above column, lb or kips. 16.6 kips.
Ky = column K factor about Y axis, from Step 2, 0.80.
Vx = column load in X axis, lb or kips. 7.2+7.2=14.4 kips.
Kx = column K factor about X axis, from Step 2, 0.80.
Vy = column load in Y axis, lb or kips. 2.4+4.2=6.6 kips.
Vex = eccentric load on column in X axis, lb or kips. If loads on
each side of column are equidistant from vertical axis, Vex =
load on one side–load on other side=0. Vex =7.2–7.2=0.
ex = eccentricity of load in X axis, in. ex =1+0.5 bx . From Step 1,
b=9.5 in., so ex =1+0.5¿9.5=5.75 in. For round wood
columns, e=1+radius, in.

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A = area of trial section, in 2 . From Table 3-11, A of 10¿10 in. nom.
section=90.3 in 2 .
Sy = section modulus of trial section about Y axis, in 3 . From Table
3-11, Sy for 10¿10 in. nom. section=143 in 3 .
Vey =eccentric load on column in X axis, lb or kips. If loads on
each side of column are equidistant from vert. axis, Vey =load
on one side–load on other side=0. Vey =4.2–2.4=1.6 kips.
ey = eccentricity of load in Y axis, in. ey =1+0.5 by . As column is
square, ey =ex =5.75 in.
Sx = section modulus of trial section about X axis, in 3 . As trial
section is square, Sx =Sy =143 in 3 .
Vd = 16.6+0.80¿14.4+0.80¿6.6+0+0.80¿1.6¿5.75¿90.3/143
Vd = 38.1 kips
Step 5. Compute the moment due to wind load against the column.
a. Load acts against top of column: M = P L … ½
b. Load acts against length of column: M = 0.50 W L
M = bending moment of column due to lateral load, ? in-kips
P = concentrated load against top of column, kips. Wind load acts
through any one beam against top ã P=0.6 kips.
W = uniform load against length of column (i.e. floor/floor height
of facade area (vertical projection)¿width of facade area
between 2 columns¿unit wind load), kips. Not applicable.
L = clear unbraced length of column, from Step 3, 128 in.
M = 0.6¿128 = 76.8 in-kips
Step 6. Investigate the trial section regarding combined compression
and bending in both axes:

( Vd / A fc )+(Mx / Sy fc )+(My / Sx fc ) ² 1.00

Vd = total design load on column, from Step 4, 38.1 kips.
A = area of trial column section, from Step 4, 90.3 in 2
fc = safe unit stress in compression parallel to grain for species
and grade of wood, from Step 1, 1.25 kips/in 2
Mx = moment of column side load in X axis, in-kips. As moment M
computed in Step 5 acts against only one side of column at
one time, set M=Mx or My , whichever has highest S; then
other moment=0. As Sx =Sy , set Mx =76.8 in-kips and My =0.
Sy = section modulus of section about Y axis, from Step 4, 143 in 3
My = moment of side load in Y axis. From above, My =0.
Sx = section modulus of section about X axis, in 3 . Unnecessary.
(38.1/90.3¿1.25)+(76.8/143¿1.25)+0 ² 1?
0.34+0.43 = 0.77 ² 1 ... seems a little low
Try next smallest size (8¿10 in. nom.) and repeat Steps 2 to 6:
0.43+0.80 = 1.23 not ² 1 ã NG
Ú economical section = 10¿10 in. nom.

3.D.3.a. Tapered Columns

Beam Load Formulas Page 29 of 48

Example: What is the effective width of a tapered wood post that measures 10 x 12 in
at the bottom and 6 x 8 at the top?

3D3 ax
X axis: dex = dx_min +0.33 (dx_max –dx_min )
dex = equivalent dimension of tapered column in X axis, ? in. For square and round
columns, X axis=Y axis.
dx_min = minimum dimension of tapered column in X axis, in. In X
axis, minimum dimension of 6 and 10=6 in.
dx_max = maximum dimension of tapered column in X axis, in. In X
axis, maximum dimension of 6 and 10=10 in.
dex = 6+0.33 (10–6) = 7.32 in.
3D3ay Y axis: similarly, dey = 8+0.33 (12–8) = 9.32 in.

3.D.3.b. Stud Walls

A stud wall is a row of slender wood posts sheathed with a thin wood diaphragm that
lowers the studs’ unbraced lengths in the direction of their least dimension, which
greatly increases their loadbearing capacity and imparts a bracing action to the total
assembly. A stud wall’s structural requirements are described in Table 3-14, which is
adapted from the Uniform Building Code.
Stud wall sheathing is typically 4¿8 ft sheets of plywood, which are slightly stronger
when the long side is vertical. When thus used, this diaphragm should be at least 15 /32
in. thick, because anything less does not satisfy the required slenderness ratio for wood
compressive
stresses of L/d²50, L being the plywood’s ‘unbraced length’ at a 45° angle between two
studs 16 in. o.c. and d being the plywood’s thickness. If wood diagonal braces are used
in stud walls, they must be at least 1¿4 nom. continuous floor-to-ceiling length, let into
top and bottom plates and all intervening studs, and angled between 45° and 60° from
horizontal.
Three general kinds of connectors are used to fasten sheathing to studs: 6d common or
galvanized nails, 1 5 /8 " sheetrock screws, or panel adhesive. The latter two are used in
critical situations when short lengths of wall have large openings, such as picture
windows
and garage doors, which require diaphragm edges to be fastened firmly to supports.

Beam Load Formulas Page 30 of 48

3.D.4. Bracing

Two kinds of bracing are commonly used in wood construction today: plywood
sheathing for light wood framing (discussed in Sec. 3.D.3.b. above), and diagonal wood
bracing for timber construction. In the latter, short wood members are usually placed
at 30-60° angles near the ends of beams and the tops of their post supports. Such
bracing eliminates rotation in the joint, which increases the support’s K factor and
shortens the effective length of both beam and support.
For example, if a 20 ft barn beam is connected to 45° braces only 2 ft in from each end,
the beam’s maximum moment decreases by 36%. Where wind and/or torsion loads are
severe in wood framing, shear walls may be required. These may be located at the
periphery of the plan where torsion moments of inertia are greatest, or at interior
locations where they can gather loads from both sides. Such walls must be built as
follows:
Ø The angle between the wall’s base and a diagonal from opposite
corners in each floor-to-ceiling height must not exceed 60°.
Ø Framing must be sheathed with minimum £ in. C-C (plugged) structural
grade plywood (1 1 /8 in. is better).
Ø All sheathing must be glued-and-screwed to all studs and plates.
There are many methods of bracing wood structure, both with sheathing on light wood
framing and diagonal bracing of timbers as well as combinations of the two. Some
conceptual possibilities are suggested in Sec. 3. C.3., Bracing.

Example 1: A two-Storey timber frame building near Boston has a shop with a two-car
garage door on the first floor and an office on the second. The 44x24 feet building is 20

Beam Load Formulas Page 31 of 48

feet tall from ground to eave and its roof rises 6 feet higher. As plywood sheathing is
inadequate due to the large garage door, lateral wind load is to be resisted by diagonal
bracing at the building’s corners. How should the braces be designed? Vv for the
Boston area is 35 lb/ft.

Step 1. Determine the location and number of braces to resist the load in each floor.
One solution: install 45° compression No. 1 grade Douglas fir braces in each end wall at
corners B, C, E, and F, as shown in Fig. 3-38. The total number of braces is 8, with 1
brace resisting the wind from each side at each end of each ceiling.

Step 2. Compute the wind load resisted by each brace on each floor.
Here this load is calculated only for the upper floor braces. The equation below includes
forces due to wind moment and wind shear.
3D41 Vw h = vw ww (h+hp ) (1.5 h+0.5 hp )
Vw = lateral wind load resisted by each brace, ? lb
h = height of floor in which brace is installed, 10 ft
vw = max. unit wind load for local area. For Boston, vw =35 lb/ft 2 .
ww = width of wind load area resisted by brace, ft. Here ww =half
the length of building=44/2=22 ft.
hp = height of any part of building (parapet, roof, etc.) projecting vertically above upper
end of brace, ft. As peak of roof projects 6 ft above second floor, hp =6 ft.
Vw x10 = 35x22 (10+6) (1.5x10+0.5x6) = 22,200 lb

Step 3. Size each brace. Say the ends of each brace are located 3'-0" from each
corner, as shown in Fig. 3-39.
Vw = fc A cos â
Vw = lateral wind load resisted by brace, from Step 2, 22,200 lb

Beam Load Formulas Page 32 of 48

fc = safe compression stress of brace according to species and grade of wood, lb/ft 2 .
From Table 3-10,
fc for No. 1 grade Douglas fir=1,150 lb/ft 2 x1.38=1,590 lb/ft 2 .
A = minimum sectional area of brace, ? in 2
â = angle of diagonal brace to horizontal member above, 45°
22,200 = 1,590xAxcos 45°
A = 19.7 in 2 = 4x6 in. nom. OK (A=19.3 in 2 )

Example 2: a THREE-STOREY RESIDENCE OVERLOOKING THE Pacific in Big Sur,

California, requires shear walls to resist onshore winds of 100 mph. If the house’s long
side faces the sea and the shear walls are 20 feet apart, id the following construction
adequate: 2-storey shear wall boundary framing of 6x8 in nominal structural Douglas
fir, inner framing of 2x8 in nominal studs 16 inch o.c., glued-and=screwed sheathing of
2-4-1 T&G Douglas Fir plywood (1-1/8 in thick) on one side, length = 8 feet, clear floor-
to-ceiling height = 9 feet?

Step 1. Compute the maximum wind load against each shear wall.
3D42 Vw = 0.004 A× 2
Vw = max. wind load against end of each shear wall, ? lb
A = area of wind load surface (vertical projection), ft 2 . A=shear wall
spacing¿maximum story height=20'-0"x(9.0+11.5 in.
floor thickness=9.96 ft)=199 ft 2 .
× = maximum wind speed, mph. ×=100 mph.
Vw = 0.004 x 199 x 100 2 = 7,960 lb

Step 2. Compute the compressive strength of the shear wall, then compare this value
with the maximum wind load found in Step 1.
Vc = 2 fct (I H t 3 ) 0.25 cos 2 (tanÚ H /L )
Vc = compressive strength of shear wall, ? lb

Beam Load Formulas Page 33 of 48

fct = safe compressive/tensile strength of plywood, lb/in 2 . From Table 3-10, fct of
Douglas fir C-C plywood=690 lb/in 2 .
I = moment of inertia of boundary framing, in 4 . As the 6x8s’ least dimension is aligned
with the shear wall axis, actual size is 8x6 in. nom. From Table 3-11, I for 8¿6 in.
nom.=104 in 4 .
H = maximum clear story height of shear wall, in. 8'-0"=96 in.
t = thickness of shear wall sheathing, in. 1 1 /8 in. on one side=1.13 in. The wall would
be less eccentrically designed if it had equally thick sheathing on both sides.
L = length of shear wall, in. 8'-0"=96 in.
Vc = 2 x690x(104x96x1.133)0.25 xcos 2 (tanÚ 96/96) = 7,560 lb.
7,560 not ³ 7,960 ã NG
By installing £ in. plywood on each side and recomputing,
Vc = 9,350 ³ 7,960 ã OK

Step 3. According to the Rule of Redundancy, braces are required at each corner of the
boundary framing. A good design is flat A36 steel angles on each side of each corner,
at least 2 bolts in each leg plus one at the corner or fulcrum, the bolts and legs
centered on the axes of the intersecting members, the angles on each side acting as
one brace, and the bolts acting in double shear, as shown in Fig. 3-40d.
As the wind load creates a shear force between the top member of the frame and the
tops of the vertical members at each end (a similar resisting force exists at the
bottom), the force resisted by each corner brace equals half the wind load, or
8,000/2=4,000 lb.

Step 4. Find the force resisted by each bolt in each leg. Try 2 bolts of equal dia. 6 in.
and 12 in. from fulcrum A, with a bolt at A.
Vc = ˜ Vb
Vc = lateral load resisted by each brace, from Step 3, 4,000 lb ˜ = no. of braces in wall,
2 units
Vb = lateral load resisted by each bolt in each brace leg, ? lb
4,000 = 2 Vb … Vb = 2,000 lb

Step 5. Size the bolts. From Table 3-17 find the smallest bolt at 7™ in. length (the
thickness of the boundary frame) and double shear íto frame that resists a load of
2,000 lb. ã 5 /8 in. dia.

Step 6. Size the angles. Each leg is a cantilever whose ‘support’ is the other leg at
fulcrum A, whose width is the angle’s thickness, whose depth is the angle’s width, and
whose loads are the bolts along its span (see Fig. 3-40d). By trying an angle thickness,
find its width
by the moment formula
Vb L1 +Vb L2 +…+Vb Lz = 0.167 fb b d 2
Vb = lateral load resisted by each bolt, from Step 4, 2,000 lb
L1 = length of angle leg from fulcrum to bolt 1, 6 in.
L2 = length of angle leg from fulcrum to bolt 2, 12 in.
… Lz = length of angle leg from fulcrum to each subsequent bolt, in.
Only two bolts ã not applicable.
fb = safe unit stress in bending for type of steel, lb/in 2 . From Table 3-19, fb for A36
steel=24,000 lb/in 2 .

Beam Load Formulas Page 34 of 48

b = thickness of angle leg, in. Try ¡ in. on each side. Total
b=0.25x2=0.5 in.
d = minimum width of angle leg, ? in.
2,000 x6+2,000x12 = 0.167 x 24,000 x 0.5 d 2
d ³ 4.23 ã 4.25 in. OK

Beam Load Formulas Page 35 of 48

Beam Load Formulas Page 36 of 48
Example 1. What is the safe withdrawal strength of four 16d common nails toe-nailed
through a top plate into a 4 x 4 cedar post?

3D5a1 V = ˜ fv
V = total load transmitted from member to support, ? lb/lf
˜ = no. of nails carrying load, 4
fv = safe strength of each nail carrying load, lb. From Table 3-15, safe strength of 16d
common nail into cedar=48 lb; then:
As nail is driven into end grain ................. multiply 48x0.67
As nail is driven at angle ..................... multiply abovex0.83
As nail is withdrawal .... multiply abovex0.33/in. penetration
Assume 2 in. penetration ......................... multiply abovex2

fv =48x0.67x0.83x0.33x2=18 lb
V = 18x4 = 72 lb

Example 2: A row of 2¿8 in. nom. deck joists are nailed to a 3x12 girder as shown in
Fig. 3-41. If the 2¿4 sill plate supports each joist’s end load of 420 lb at 16 in. o.c., what
is the required spacing for 16d common nails holding the sill plate to the girder? All
lumber is pressure-treated No. 1 grade Southern pine.

3D5a2 12 fv = V S
fv = safe strength of each nail carrying load, lb. From Table 3-15, safe lateral strength of
16d common nail into pressure-treated No.1 Southern pine=107¿1.20=128 lb.
V = total load transmitted from member to support, lb/lf.
V=4 lb per 16 in. o.c.=420x12/16=315 lb/lf.
S = maximum spacing between nails carrying load, ? in. o.c.

12x128 = Sx315 …
S = 4.87 in. o.c.

Beam Load Formulas Page 37 of 48

3.D.5.b. Screws & Lag Bolts
These connectors have a variety of heads and a threaded shank that tapers to a point.
They are inserted perpendicularly to the grain or nearly so by turning, but never into
end grains. Penetration of the threaded portion about 7 diameters into hardwoods and
10 diameters into softwoods develops approximately their ultimate tensile strength.

Example 1: A 40 in. railing is connected to a wood deck by 2x3 in. nom. balusters 10
in. o.c. as shown in Fig. 3-43. If the rail resists a horizontal force of 125 lb/lf and the
balusters are fastened by lag bolts to a 3¿12 in. nom. girder 1™ in. from its top, what
size bolts should be used? All lumber is const. grade Southern pine.

Step 1. In Fig. 3-43, take moments about point A.

3D5b H a1 = R a2
H = horiz. force against each baluster, lb. If force against rail=125 lb/lf and balusters
are 10 in. apart, H=140¿10/12=104 lb.
a1 = length of moment arm from center of rail to point A, in. From Fig. 3-43,
40+1.25+11.25=52.5 in.
R = resisting force of each lag bolt in girder, ? lb
a2 = length of moment arm from center of each lag bolt to point A. From Fig. 3-43,
11.25–1.5=9.75 in.
104x52.5 = Rx9.75 … R = 560 lb
Step 2. Compute each bolt’s minimum diameter and length.
R ˜ = 1,800 L ß 1.5 d 0.75
R = resisting force of lag bolt in girder, from Step 1, 560 lb
˜ = no. of connectors in structural member. As each baluster is held by one lag bolt,
˜=1.
L = length or penetration of connector, in. As length of bolt should develop full
thickness of girder, L=3 in. nom.=2.5 in.
ß = specific gravity of wood species. From Table 3-10, ß for Southern pine=0.59.
d = minimum diameter of connector, ? in.

Beam Load Formulas Page 38 of 48

 560x1 = 1,800x2.5x0.59 1.5 xd 0.75
d = 0.179 ã 3 /8 in. dia.
Lag bolt size = 3 /16 in. dia.x2 5 /8 in. penetration
Note: Each bolt requires a large-diameter fender washer against the baluster’s outer
face to prevent failure by punching shear.

Example 2. A 3¡ in. long hook for holding a hanging potted plant is screwed 2 in. into
the bottom edge of a 2¿10 in. nom. red cedar greenhouse rafter. If the hook’s shank
has a similar diameter and threads as a standard no. 10 wood screw, what load will it
support?
What load will the hook support if it is screwed into the rafter’s side?

Solution. From Table 3-16, find ‘cedar’ in wood species group A, then in column A read
down to the withdrawal strength alongside “wood screw, no. 10.” The answer is 63
lb/in. penetrationx2 in. penetration= 126 lb. If the connector is screwed into the rafter’s
side, from
Table 3-16 multiply the above value by 1.40 ã 126x1.40=176 lb.

Beam Load Formulas Page 39 of 48

3.D.5.c. Machine Bolts
A machine bolt has a head, nut, shaft, and washers. The head may be square or
hexagonal, the head’s maximum diameter equals 1.5 the shaft diameter, and the nut
should be the same size and shape as the head. The shaft is usually threaded to about
‹ its length and has a blunt tip, and the washers may be fender washers (these
disperse the head’s clamping power over a wider area of the held member) or lock

Beam Load Formulas Page 40 of 48

washers (slit or distorted rings whose springiness when com-pressed keeps the bolts
from loosening). Each bolt has five relevant diameters: head, shank (dia. of the shaft’s
unthreaded part), root of threads (minimum shaft dia. from valley-to-valley of threads),
crest of threads (maximum shaft dia. from peak-to-peak of threads, which determines
the washer hole), and tap drill (dia. of the hole drilled in the structural member for
inserting the bolt).

Beam Load Formulas Page 41 of 48

Example: Two 3¿6 in. nom. corbels are installed on each side of an 8¿8 in. wood post
to support 4 beams whose end reactions are 7.4 kips each, as shown in Fig. 3-45a. If all
wood is Douglas fir South No. 2 grade and these brackets are held to the post with 6
bolts, how long is each corbel and what are the sizes of its bolts?

Step 1. Find the load on each bolt.

3D5c V = ˜ v
V = total shear load on connection, lb. V=4 beamsx7.4 kips each=29.6 kips or 29,600
lb.
˜ = no. of bolts in connection, 6 units
v = shear load carried by each bolt, ? lb
29,600 = 6 v … v = 4,930 lb
Step 2. After determining the type of connection (single or double shear), length of
bolt, and direction of load (ú or í to grain), select the bolt diameter from Table 3-16.
a. Single or double shear: Shear planes on both sides of post ã double shear.
b. Bolt length: In double shear connections, specified length is for the portion of the
connector that is imbedded in the main member of a joint. Depth of main member is 8
in. nom. Ã from Table 3-11, depth of 8¿8 in. nom. wood section=7.5 in.
c. ú or í to grain: Direction of grains indicate load is parallel to grain.
In Table 3-16, begin on the left with bolt length, move to the right through double
shear, then ú to grain, to the first number that exceeds the bolt load of 4,930, then
read up ã bolt dia.=7 /8 in.

Beam Load Formulas Page 42 of 48

Step 3. Compute the length of the shear planes in the corbel. The beam loads are
transmitted to the bolts through the shear planes in each corbel as shown in Fig. 3-45b.
V = ˜ fh t Lh
V = load on each corbel, lb. V=load of beams on each side of post=2¿7.4=14.8 kips or
14,800 lb.
˜ = no. of shear planes in corbel, 2 units
fh = safe stress in horizontal shear parallel to grain for species and grade of wood, lb/in
2 . From Table 3-10, fh for No. 2 grade Douglas fir South=90¿1.00=90 lb/in 2 .
t = thickness of corbel, in. From Table 3-11, t of 3¿6 in. nom. wood section=2.5 in.
Lh = minimum length of horiz. shear plane in corbel, ? in. This includes only the shear
plane and not the bolt holes within. In Fig. 3-45b, Lh =length of equal segments 1+2+3.
14,800 = 2x90x2.5xLh … Lh = 32.9 in.
Step 4. Compute the total length of the corbel.
L = Lh +˜ (d+0.125)+4 d
L = minimum total length of connection, ? in.
Lh = minimum length of horizontal shear plane in connection, in. From Step 3, Lh =32.9
in.
˜ = no. of bolts in shear plane, 3 units
d = diameter of each bolt, from Step 2, 7 /8 in.=0.875 in.
L = 32.9+3 (0.875+0.125)+4¿0.875 = 39.4 in.

Beam Load Formulas Page 43 of 48

Beam Load Formulas Page 44 of 48
3.D.5.d. Stamped Metal Fasteners
These connectors are usually made of zinc-coated sheet steel, and their many shapes
may be used to strengthen almost any wood framing joinery, from mudsill anchors to
rafter hurricane ties. Perhaps the most popular are joist hangers, made for 2x6s to
6x16s and small gluelams. Their allowable loads are based on the number of nails in
the face flanges and safe shear strength of each. The formula below includes a flange
factor but also assumes that the held member’s deflection² 1 /8 in.

Example: If a 4¿10 girder of Douglas fir is connected to headers at each end by 18 ga.
face-mounted joist hangers, what load can each hanger carry if it has 10 nail holes in
its flanges and N10 nails are used?

3D5d V = ð f + fv ˜
V = joist end reaction on stamped metal hanger, ? lb
ðf = flange factor, lb. If face flanges fit over top of header, ðf for 18 ga. steel=580 lb, 16
ga.=840 lb, 14 ga.=1,230 lb, 12 ga.= 2,020 lb. As face-mounted hangers have no top
flanges, ðf =0.
fv = safe shear strength of each nail or screw, lb. fv for N10 nail (1 in.¿9 ga.)= 92 lb; N16
nail (2™ in.x8 ga.)=134 lb; N20 nail (2™ in.x6 ga.)=145 lb; #8x1¡ in. screw=76 lb.
Here fv =92 lb.
˜ = no. of nail holes in part of fastener attached to support or part attached to member,
whichever is less. Here ˜=10 units.
V Å 0+92x10 = 920 lb

3.D.5.e. Hinges

The size of a hinge is measured by its pin length, flange thick-ness and width, and
length of its screws. With heavy or much-used doors, use larger sizes than computed
below. With heavy-duty hinges (ones with thicker flanges and longer screws), slightly
smaller than
computed sizes may be installed.

Example: The entrance door to a community medical facility is 1£ in. thick,

42 in. wide, and 96 in. tall. If the door is solid core, how many
hinges should it have and what size should they be?

3D5e 1
Hollow core doors: L Å 0.04 (h w t)0.63
2 Solid core doors: L Å 0.06 (h w t)0.63
L = total pin length of hinges, whether 2 or 3 per door, ? in.
h = height of door, in. h =96 in.
w = width of door, in. w =42 in.
t = thickness of door, in. t =1£ in.=1.75 in.
L Å 0.06 (96x42x1.75)0.63 Å 15.9 in.
2 or 3 hinges: If L ³ 7 in. ã 2 hinges
If L ³ 7 in, ³ 10 in. ã 2 or 3 hinges
If L ³ 10 in. ã 3 hinges … ½
15.9/3 hinges = 5.32 ã 5™ in. standard or 5 in. heavy duty hinge
As this is a much-used door, consider using 6 in. std. hinges

Beam Load Formulas Page 45 of 48

3.D.6. Oblique loads
When any two wood structural members meet at an angle other than 0 or 90°, the
minor member acts as an oblique load. When timber trusses were popular, such
connections were common and each had to be designed according to the Eight
Stresses. But today, such construction is largely replaced by factory-built lightweight
trusses whose diagonal joinery is pre-engineered, leaving the modern designer with
little more to do than select from a catalogue a truss that carries a given load for a
given span. Still, architects and engineers may occasionally need to design custom
connections for diagonal wood members.

Example: The base of a 4 in. nom. Douglas fir Larch construction grade rafter sloping at
a pitch of 5 in 12 meets a tie beam of similar lumber as shown in Fig. 3-46. If the rafter
supports 6,600 lb, intersects the tie beam 2'-0" from each end, and the 4 in. nom. tie
beam is 16'-0" long, what is the beam’s minimum depth? How should the rafter and tie
beam be connected?

Step 1. Find the oblique load’s horizontal and vertical components.

3D6 a Horizontal: H = _ P h(h 2 +v 2 ) 0.5_
b Vertical: V = _ P v _(h 2 +v 2 ) 0.5
H = horizontal weight component of oblique load, ? lb
V = vertical weight component of oblique load, ? lb
P = oblique load, 6,600 lb
h = horizontal dimensional component (run) of oblique load â, 12
v = vertical dimensional component (rise) of oblique load â, 5
a. Horizontal: H = 6,600x12/(12 2 +5 2 ) 0.5 = 6,090 lb
b. Vertical: V = 6,600x5/(5 2 +12 2 ) 0.5 = 2,540 lb

Step 2. Compute the allowable stress at the face of the notch. The equation below is
Hankinson’s formula.
fc fp = fa (fc sin 2 â+fp cos 2 â)

Beam Load Formulas Page 46 of 48

fc = safe unit stress in compression ú to grain for species and grade of wood, lb/in 2 .
From Table 3-10, fc for Douglas fir construction grade=1,150 lb/in 2 .
fp = safe unit stress in compression í to grain for species and grade of wood, lb/in 2 .
From Table 3-10, fp for Douglas fir construction grade=385 lb/in 2 .
fa = safe unit stress at face of oblique load, ? lb/in 2 . Face of notch should be í to axis of
major member.
â = angle between direction of load and axis of support,
°. 5 in 12 pitch=tanÚ 5/12=22.6°.
1,150x385 = fa (1,150xsin 2 22.6°+385xcos 2 22.6°)
… fa = 889 lb/in 2
Step 3. Compute the beam’s minimum depth at the notch.
P 2 = fa b dn (P+V)
P = oblique load, 6,600 lb
fa = safe unit stress at face of notch, from Step 2, 889 lb/in 2
b = breadth or width of wood, in. 4 in. nom.=3.5 in.
dn = min. depth of notch, ? in. d is í to axis of rafter.
V = vertical component of oblique load, from Step 1, 2,540 lb
6,600 2 = 889x3.5xdn (6,600+2,540) … dn = 1.53 in.
Step 4. Compute the rafter’s minimum total depth. In the equation below, the
expression P a (L–a)/L is the bending moment for a point load located at any point on a
simple beam.
P a ˜(L–a) = 0.167 fc b L (dr –dn ) 2
P = point load on the beam, lb. As the load at the notch equals the rafter’s vertical
component, from Step 1, P=2,540 lb.
a = distance of load from nearest end of beam, in. 2’-0”=24 in.
˜ = no. of load conditions on the beam. As a similar load is at other end of beam, ˜=2.
L = total length of beam, in. L=16’-0”=16¿12=192 in.
fc = safe unit stress in compression parallel to grain for species and grade of wood,
from Step 2, fc =1,150 lb/in 2
b = breadth or width of wood, in. 4 in. nom.=3.5 in.
dr = minimum total depth of beam, ? in.
dn = minimum depth of notch, in. From Step 3, dn =1.53 in.
2¿2,540¿24 (192–24) = 0.167¿1,150¿3.5¿192 (dr –1.53)2
... dr = 14.1 in. ã 4¿16 in. nom. tie beam or equal
How should the rafter connect to the tie beam? One method is by large bolts with
a fender washer on top and cast iron flanged washer on the bottom (see Fig. 3-47a).
But this hardware is hard to find today. If the members are no wider than 4 in., a more
modern approach is to glue-and-screw plywood gussets onto each side of the
intersecting members (see Fig. 3-47b). The glue should be PL400, the screws standard
sheetrock screws or better at maximum 6 in. o.c., and the gussets C-CX structural
grade plywood or better. The relation between thickness of structure, thickness of
plywood on each side, and length of screws is given below.
Thickness of structure Thickness of plywood Length of screw
2 in. nom. ........................ ™ in. ............................. 1 5 /8 in.
3 in. nom. ........................ 5 /8 in. ................................ 2 in.
4 in. nom. ........................ £ in. ............................. 2™ in.

Beam Load Formulas Page 47 of 48

Beam Load Formulas Page 48 of 48