Support post for I-Beam

[kkurko]

I am in the process of finishing my basement and am curious about moving / removing the support post for an I-beam. My house is only three years old and I belive the builder went overboard with support posts. I have some friends that have removed their posts and experienced no sag in the I-beam.

I know the size of the I beam comes into play, but generally, how far can it safely span before requring a post (I can provide exact specs. if needed)? I have a two story colonial and right now, the I-beam sets atop two posts and the foundation wall. I would like to remove the center post which would then leave a span of approx. 15 feet between the foundation wall and the end post. Will this work?

[Rich]

If you have something like a W12x26 you would probably be alright. Anything less than that and I would be concerned spanning 15'. I would have to do some math to give you exact spans and also the size of the existing beams and columns.

[jjcold]

I have this question, also. I'm having a house built, and visited the site today. they just installed the floor joists, no decking yet. I don't know the exact size of the joists, they are the "silent floor" type of engineered I beams. In fact I believe that is the brand name. I think they are 12" in depth. their is only one center beam supporting the middle, a span of 15 and 1/2 feet. the I beams are one piece across the entire length, in other words, 31 feet long. that seemed like a long span to me, but I guess it's okay.

[Rich]

Depending on what series the joists are and what on center spacing you have will depend on if it's acceptable. I'm looking at TJI (TrusJoist McMillan) catalog and their weakest TJI at that depth (11-7/8") at 24" o.c. will span 15'.. one step up from that and it will span 17'1". So I would say, unless your contractor is using the cheapest method, you're alright by TJI's guidelines.