Timber beam
£50.00 – £150.00
Description
Timber beams
Timber beams may be used as a feature to create character in a new building or to replace an existing beam in an older building. They are often used to support floors. The main thing to remember is that timber is considerably weaker than steel (by a factor of around 30). Therefore there are circumstances where timber is just not a practical option, because the beam sizes would be so large that they would not be obtainable.
Sometimes for large beams, reclaimed timber is more suitable than new ‘green’ timber. Reclaimed timber is generally stronger and less likely to shrink (providing it has been properly stored). If the timber beams are supporting a floor and they are exposed, then they also need to be designed to provide the necessary degree of fire resistance. This is achieved by allowing for a degree of ‘sacrificial’ timber.
Our structural calculations for a timber beam includes a fire resistance assessment where required.
We need the following information to design a timber beam
the span of the beam
the distance between the adjacent supporting walls at right angles to the beam (ie the length of the joists spanning onto the beam)
details of the floor construction
whether the beam will be exposed
Design information
All design work is carried out in accordance with BS5268.
The calculations provided will be suitable for Building Regulation approval.
