16' tall 2x6 walls?

[Coloshaver]

I submitted plans for my 30' x 50' building to our local building dept for a permit. My drawings show 2x6 walls 16' tall. I had a message on my machine Friday PM from the building dept saying walls over 10' need to be "engineered". Has anybody run into this? What do "engineered" walls look like? More bracing? Different anchor bolts?

I plan to call them first thing tomorrow morning, but in the mean time, your experience would be much appreciated. Thank you!

 

[bonacker]

Not familiar with your exact building codes, but an issue is that snow load combined with dead load causes walls that high to bow out. Therefore, "engineered" walls will have additional components to resist the load. Similar situation is collar ties in an attic but wall will have additional studs (spacing or doubles, etc). You will need a structural engineer to draw it up and stamp it for the building department to approve your project. Good luck.

 

[trbomax]

I built a storage building in ohio that way ,and more recently, my sons shop. Both were 16' 2x6 stud walls on 2 courses of block,so that a full 8-o loft could be buit in one area. Building dept wanted every 3rd stud doubled and 45 deg. braceing let in all around. In addition, the exterior had to be sheeted with a min. 1/2" plywood. We used 5/8" t-111 and glued it. Inspector liked it.

 

[bmfenn]

With the engineering costs, it might be easier to have whomever pours the foundation to lay 8 courses of block, and then 8' 2x6's over that. But make sure to run that past the building dept first.

 

[wssix99]

The problem is with the slenderness of the 2X6's. As you lengthen the stud, it gets weaker because the middle can tend to "kick out." Once that happens, the stud can fail. Your local codes are probably written to a certain length. After that, the plans will probably need the stamp of a licensed engineer confirming the strength of the wall.

You can test this effect by pressing on both ends of a yard stick. Then have someone support the middle of the yard stick (so it doesn't bend) and you'll see its a lot stronger. Your engineered wall will probably just need blocks inserted between the studs every so often to keep the wall strong.

 

[dlenkewich]

I've knoticed that walls over 10' in my area are being built with 2x8's or Timberstrand now-a-days.

 

[IDASHO]

2x6 will be fine, so long as the sheer paneling is sufficient.

Hell I went 12' with 2x4 for my garage.

 

[yzair]

Go with double 2x6 stitched every 12" or 3x6 and block it solid @ 10-12'

 

[yzair]

Also once you go to dbl 2x6 or 3 x6 they will want you to go to 3x6 btm plate

 

[ibedayank]

Coloshaver have you thought about a polebarn? And then use spray foam insolation?

 

[ibedayank]

2x6 will be fine, so long as the sheer paneling is sufficient.

Hell I went 12' with 2x4 for my garage.

What is fine is what the inspector says if fine. That is who will pass or fail it.
Norther colorado can and has gotten 4 feet of snow in one storm that is a HEAVY load on the roof.

 

[JSBriggs]

"engineered" means you have to have an engineer look over the plans and put his stamp on them. He will call for a specific blocking and nailing pattern to ensure that structrial strength of the wall. Those specifics will need to be followed to pass inspection.

It might be less expensive build one 8' wall on top of another.

-Jeff

 

[yzair]

He won't be able to build two 8' ft walls.. in engineering it's called a hinge affect.

 

[blkhonda1991]

"engineered" means you have to have an engineer look over the plans and put his stamp on them. He will call for a specific blocking and nailing pattern to ensure that structrial strength of the wall. Those specifics will need to be followed to pass inspection.

It might be less expensive build one 8' wall on top of another.

-Jeff

stacking 2 wood framed 8' walls is probably not going to pass muster either