I have a partial basement under my house, in this area, the 2"x6" joist are spaced 16" centers with the area being 17.5'x17.5'.
I'm considering placing a cross support, perpendicular to the joist run, of 4"x3"x
.250" rectangular tubing, supported at each end. I recognize the level of flex as a load increases. Have considered placing 2 tubes side by side, welded together as one, to run the span. This would create a 4"x6" support with a 4" drop from the joist.
How much would this increase the resistance to flex and would the welds need to be continuous the full length of the beam or could it be a 6" weld spaced 6" between welds, top and bottom with welds offset of the gaps.
I wish to set up a king size water bed in the room above.
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Thank You for all your replies and input.
The house was built in 1919, so current code and use were not of thought when constructed.
Upon reviewing current wood floor joist load limits for what is constructed, the MAX span should be 8' to 9' for a common dwelling use.
I was hoping to support the existing floor without losing head clearance and maintain a full open area. Thank you for bringing to light I have been dreaming.
I came across the 4x3x.250 at no cost and wise to incorporate it into the support of the above room with the intend use.
Plan B: Again using 2 4x3x.250, welded together, with support at both ends and 2 vertical supports giving 4 equally spaced points of support. This is to placed at the center of the 17.5 span, perpendicular to the joist run.
In welding the tubing together, it creates a central web able to take a much higher load to flex, (this is my perception, I'm not an engineer) with the 2 outer side acting under normal flex loads. Or would it purely act as, 2 equal rectangular tubing placed side by side and the load equally distributed between the 2 pieces?
Rectangular Tubing as a Floor Support; Plan B
Re: Rectangular Tubing as a Floor Support; Plan B
