Laminating own columns requirements

[airman89]

I made the mistake of using 6x6 posts and not framing our Barndominium fast enough and I now have a lot of bent and twisted posts. I have bent/twisted back to a straight position about 28/30 posts but the last two look like twisted bananas and I have soaked them for days on top of rain with no luck.

I asked the building codes if I’m able to go ahead and make some 3ply laminated columns myself and replace those (thinking there probably weren’t building codes against that) and he asked me to go into detail on the columns and says they will need to review it and get back to me. I look for building code requirements for nailing pattern, joint requirements, etc but I don’t see any requirements.

The columns I want to make are 18’ - 3 ply - 2x6 structural columns spaced 8’ O.C. supporting the roof and 1 floor.

Does anyone know where to look for these requirements when it comes to laminating your own columns?

 

[The Cobbler]

I think you'll probably need an engineers stamp to have them approved for use. that will be costly.

 

[Hank11]

If you want them to look like they’re one piece posts, you’re gonna have to start with something wider than six X material. Will the post be painted or are they left bare?

Resorcinol glue is maybe the best answer if you can get a great fit, but you probably can’t. Marine epoxy would be great, but you’re gonna need to start with wood that’s dry. I suppose that you could use KDAT. The result with good craftsmanship will be better than all the other posts. As to weather they’ll meet codes I have no idea. I think it was probably a mistake that you even asked. You can buy laminated posts and you might look into that. They might be expensive but so is any other cure that you’re gonna put together yourself.

 

[airman89]

If you want them to look like they’re one piece posts, you’re gonna have to start with something wider than six X material. Will the post be painted or are they left bare?

Resorcinol glue is maybe the best answer if you can get a great fit, but you probably can’t. Marine epoxy would be great, but you’re gonna need to start with wood that’s dry. I suppose that you could use KDAT. The result with good craftsmanship will be better than all the other posts. As to weather they’ll meet codes I have no idea. I think it was probably a mistake that you even asked. You can buy laminated posts and you might look into that. They might be expensive but so is any other cure that you’re gonna put together yourself.

The posts will be left bare. Yeah I’m thinking I shouldn’t have asked them. I have some 3 ply laminated columns on the south and north side walls that they never asked for specs on. I bought those from a local company. Thanks for the advice. If they need some engineer stamp or something then i guess I’ll go buy more. I’m trying not to because im way over budget on my Barndominium as it is right now.

 

[Hank11]

I have no knowledge of your local regulations and laws, but if you can just go buy more of those laminated posts that you’ve used before sounds like the perfect solution to me.

 

[chinboys]

If you live in an area that has a Menards then they sell this

2 x 6 x 18' Laminated 3-ply Column Prebuilt​

or stop by a big lumber supply yard and speak to one of their salespeople who can order from Weyerhauser's
Parallam® PSL Columns

 

[cgrutt]

Info from above https://cdn.menardc.com/main/items/media/MWTRU012/Prod_Tech_Spec/LamCol903-0101.pdf

 

[pcmeiners]

Just a warning....

Neighbor up the street built his own supports ( assuming with the wrong glue), before he even had all the trusses up an unusually high wind knocked down the entire assembly in November of last year.

 

[jack stand]

I've built my own for years, like over 20.
Maze screw shank nails on the last (3rd) ply with 16d hot dipped and hand nailed for fastening the 1st 2 together. Angle the nails and nail at about 16" centers alternating sides.

 

[giddygoat]

Insurance companies are getting more picky even if you sneak it by the inspectors. I have been with the same company for over 35 years with only one 600.00 claim. A year ago they called and said they need to come out and do a risk assessment, They came out and looked at all the buildings took pictures asking questions, as he left he said we will let you know what we find. I was thinking they just want to have a reason to up the rates. He called after a few days asking about snow load rating on a pole building built back in 2004. We did have the paperwork and was able to prove it exceeded code, he said ok I don't have any recommendations and that very rarely happens. They still upped the rates the next year but less than other companies quotes.

 

[sjvicker]

all of my columns are self built. The engineer spec'ed rows of 10d nails, 3 nails at 12" centers and no but joints closer than 4' to each other.

25psf snow, 90mph wind, exposure C

 

[duneslider]

If this is engineered, you would have to have an engineer's approval that it met the required criteria.

When I built my house we had several bearing posts spec'd as 4x4 or 4x6 and due to framing mistakes couldn't make them work and needed to find solutions and the engineer had to write a letter to allow for making our own with dimensional lumber. In our case they were not glued, just nailed together in a prescribed pattern.

 

[Fixr]

What about just buying more of the 6x6s that were originally used and get them framed in quickly before they can distort?

 

[Hank11]

What about just buying more of the 6x6s that were originally used and get them framed in quickly before they can distort?

Well, that would make too much sense and would not lead to more speculation and minor drama.

 

[manwithtools]

What about just buying more of the 6x6s that were originally used and get them framed in quickly before they can distort?

Well, that would make too much sense and would not lead to more speculation and minor drama.

Solid 6 x 6 treated posts ****, particularly if they are over 14'- 16' in total length. They will want to twist and bow no matter how soon you secure them. Laminated posts are far superior.

 

[walta]

I asked the building codes if I’m able to go ahead and make some 3ply laminated columns myself and replace those.

If the code guy tells you to build something that is not shown in the approved plans, he is putting his job at risk and your life.

The 3 ply laminated columns for sale are engineered products that have been lab tested. Homemade copies might work but they would be crazy to take that risk to so you can save a few dollars.

Walta