I beam maximum span

[Tom Zartler]

First off, thanks for the resource held here in this forum. :P I spent an hour searching for guidence in a task I must do in my basement and wound up here.

I have a 4x8 I beam that spans 23'6'' from a block foundation wall to a block pillar. 11'6'' from the foundation wall stands a post holding up the I beam in the middle of the span. I must move the post 7' further from the foundation wall, or remove it and add a additional I beam. I'm not sure what to do: how to calculate the size of the additional I beam or if it is ok to just move the post.

My house is a 1 story ranch.

[Rich]

I hate to send anyone off without some information but this really should be looked at by an engineer. They will be able to give you the exact span and location of each of the members according to how your home is actually constructed.