I have an old log barn that measures about 17x6.5m. It is 6m in height, and currently, the barn is empty. Now I want to build an open loft in one half that will extend about 7 meters from the short wall. I’m thinking of installing the beams that will support the loft from wall to wall (approximately 6.5m) without any columns underneath.
The idea is for it to be a summer residence with space for 3 beds upstairs. The total area will be about 45m2.
At the local train station, they are tearing up the tracks, and there is now a pile of rails in perfect lengths (~7m each). The question is whether one could use them as beams to support the loft?
Personally, I think it would be an interesting detail. Or is it a crazy idea? Might they flex? It feels like they should be quite sturdy and stable..?
What should one use otherwise? Are laminated beams the way to go? How much space can be between the beams? I saw in a table that the dimensions should be 66x315 if you want a 6-7m beam in laminated wood, does that sound right? What are the formulas/rules for determining the load-bearing capacity of the beams?
The idea is for it to be a summer residence with space for 3 beds upstairs. The total area will be about 45m2.
At the local train station, they are tearing up the tracks, and there is now a pile of rails in perfect lengths (~7m each). The question is whether one could use them as beams to support the loft?
Personally, I think it would be an interesting detail. Or is it a crazy idea? Might they flex? It feels like they should be quite sturdy and stable..?
What should one use otherwise? Are laminated beams the way to go? How much space can be between the beams? I saw in a table that the dimensions should be 66x315 if you want a 6-7m beam in laminated wood, does that sound right? What are the formulas/rules for determining the load-bearing capacity of the beams?
There are online programs on the internet. Search for dimensionering here on the forum and you'll likely find something (I had a dimensionering thread myself, but I can't be bothered to look it up).
Regarding järnvägsräls, that sounds like a fun solution.
Regarding järnvägsräls, that sounds like a fun solution.
Regarding the railway track:
Place a rail on two blocks, one at each end. Measure the distance to the ground at the midpoint.
Hire in thick Tom and his brother, fat Fredde, and place them (250kg) in the middle of the rail.
Measure at the midpoint how much it bends down. Compare this with how much your example laminated beam would bend down with the same load.
/ Fredrik
Place a rail on two blocks, one at each end. Measure the distance to the ground at the midpoint.
Hire in thick Tom and his brother, fat Fredde, and place them (250kg) in the middle of the rail.
Measure at the midpoint how much it bends down. Compare this with how much your example laminated beam would bend down with the same load.
/ Fredrik
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Here you have a calculation program for Glulam and Kerto
http://www.iat.inadire.se/WebLagerbalk/Lagerbalk.aspx
http://www.iat.inadire.se/WebLagerbalk/Lagerbalk.aspx