Whether you’re working on a residential or commercial project, understanding how to calculate the size of an LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) beam for your construction is essential. These beams provide strong support for structures and are a popular choice for their durability and stability. In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on determining the correct LVL beam size for your project.

1. Determine the load on the beam

Before you start calculating the size of your LVL beam, you must determine the amount of weight it will support, known as the load. This includes both dead loads (e.g., the weight of the building materials) and live loads (e.g., furniture, people). Consult your building plans or consult a structural engineer if necessary.

2. Identify spanning distance

Spanning distance refers to the length between two points where your LVL beam will rest. Generally, these are the points where two walls meet or where columns have been placed for support.

3. Factor in local building codes

Before proceeding with any calculations or selecting materials, consult local building codes to ensure that your project abides by regulations.

4. Choose an LVL manufacturer and their span tables

Some commonly known manufacturers include Boise Cascade, Georgia-Pacific, and Weyerhaeuser. Once you have chosen an LVL manufacturer, consult their span tables to find the appropriate values for deflection limits and design properties.

5. Calculate beam depth

The following formula can be used to calculate the required depth of your LVL beam:

Beam depth (in inches) = [ (span length in inches)/(20) ] * 1.5

For example, if your span length is 180 inches (15 feet), then your beam depth would be:

[ (180)/(20) ] * 1.5 = 13.5 inches

6. Calculate beam width

The following formula can be used to calculate the required width of your LVL beam:

Beam width (in inches) = (total load in pounds) / (height of the beam in inches)

For example, if your total load is 5000 pounds and your calculated height is 13.5 inches, then your beam width would be:

(5000)/(13.5) = 370.37 pounds per inch

7. Consult manufacturer’s design table for proper sizing

Using the span tables provided by your chosen manufacturer, match the calculated values for the LVL beam’s size, depth, and width with those listed in the design table.

8. Verify calculated values with a structural engineer

For a final check, consult a structural engineer to ensure that the selected LVL beam size is adequate for your project.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to calculate the proper size for an LVL beam in your construction project. Ensuring the correct sizing will provide long-lasting stability and support for your structure while adhering to local building codes’ guidelines.