Mezzanine Build

[ManiN]

Hi All, this is my first post. I joined and did some reading finding that many of you have gone down this path of needing a solution for storage. I've taken note to a lot of the suggestions and as one member pointed out, no 1 mezzanine is a solution for many shops.

I'm in the same boat where I need to design something that fits my scenario. What I know is that I have a 50x84 pole barn with a concrete pad on one end (where the mezzanine will go). I plan to do attache the ledge side to the existing 6x6s and add internal posts as needed.

Using the AWC tables, I'm shooting for something between 40 and 50# live load due to the gap between the existing posts (around 12'). The tables reveal I can use 2x8 on 16" centers for my floor joists to do this. Another point about the span is since I'm ledgering against gapped beams and not a wall, the ledge board bolted to those existing 6x6s should be a beam with the same properties to span ~12 as well. I found if I do 2X 2x12" boards for the support beams this should be sufficient. Planning to notch the 6x6 to hold up the beams.

Need to finalize my drawing, but I'm fishing for some confidence in interpreting the AWC stuff and also how my joints are as well. I know there's always best practice with that stuff.

Here's some preliminary shots:

Top View design. Needs finalization:

Top View with stuff in it like tables etc.:

Side view with stairs (diff. than design now):

 

[ManiN]

Thanks for the reply!

So something like this on the bracing against the wall?

 

[ManiN]

Updated shot of my design. This is the latest concept.

Spoke with a Civil Engineer buddy and he only had a comment on the beam between the 2 bays at the top of the "L" in that it needs to be double the size to support double the load shared between the 2 bays of joists. This makes sense. His comment on the other beams is that they are sized appropriately at 3x12 and that shared beam would need to be 6x12. Luckily I have a beam in that category already . His final note was to be sure to build the beams correctly by stitching the two 2x12 together with proper nailing. AWC has guidelines on this.

This is a deck guide, but has very useful building construction guidelines:
add the www stuff: essexct.gov/sites/essexct/files/file/file/2012_irc-awc-dca62012-deckguide-1405_2.pdf

One question, does anybody go for permits to do this stuff? I don't even think it's able to permit right? I mean, you'd have to likely do pylons and dedicated posts and all right? Being a garage, pole barn , ag building, not sure there is a worry other than safety myself. Comments?

 

[larry_g]

One question, does anybody go for permits to do this stuff? I don't even think it's able to permit right? I mean, you'd have to likely do pylons and dedicated posts and all right? Being a garage, pole barn , ag building, not sure there is a worry other than safety myself. Comments?

Permitting is very localized. Some areas no, some are very strict. This is why your location is important in your profile. Not getting a permit is no excuse to cut corners.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[ManiN]

I have no desire to cut corners. This will be a safe structure.

WA state. Profile updated.

Ag buildings don't req. a permit, and this is a pole barn with mostly rock floor. Some concrete (where the mezzanine will be). But was mostly unsure about engineered structures. I guess voicing that out, the building itself is, so maybe there isn't an issue at all?

 

[theoldwizard1]

I plan to do attache the ledge side to the existing 6x6s and add internal posts as needed.

Not the best way to do a ledger ! Stick a 2x6 under the ledger down to the floor. MUCH more secure !!

 

[ManiN]

Not the best way to do a ledger ! Stick a 2x6 under the ledger down to the floor. MUCH more secure !!

That’s the plan. In the horizontal view you’ll see 2 of the 2x6 verticals from the floor to support. Too much shear stress otherwise

 

[blkhonda1991]

That’s the plan. In the horizontal view you’ll see 2 of the 2x6 verticals from the floor to support. Too much shear stress otherwise

your "ledger" is not really a ledger if its not continuously fastened to a wall...its acting more like a beam, it should be installed between the existing posts and either hung with hangers or put on posts of its own and should match the size of other beam you sized between your new posts.

 

[rq375]

I have no desire to cut corners. This will be a safe structure.

WA state. Profile updated.

Ag buildings don't req. a permit, and this is a pole barn with mostly rock floor. Some concrete (where the mezzanine will be). But was mostly unsure about engineered structures. I guess voicing that out, the building itself is, so maybe there isn't an issue at all?

You might double check, my pole barn required building, electrical, health, and roadway permits plus additional building and electrical permits for later added mezzanine (WA state)

 

[Bljones2005]

your "ledger" is not really a ledger if its not continuously fastened to a wall...its acting more like a beam, it should be installed between the existing posts and either hung with hangers or put on posts of its own and should match the size of other beam you sized between your new posts.

How do you attach the ledger between the posts?

 

[ManiN]

You could use metal hangers. Or a combination of hanger and fasteners? I ended up just bolting to the face of the outside of the posts with verticals under. So my "ledger" was actually a beam. In the end the entire structure is self supported and fastened to the existing posts for horizontal fixture. Vertical all supported by mezzanine posts. This was all ok but when I filled in the walls between the posts under I had to fill the gap up top and this also didn't allow the 2x wall to assist the mezzanine load (not really needed).

So yeah, if you can find a way to put beams in between the posts then put a ledger board up against those and hang your joists off of that, you'd be better off...

 

[purediesel]

In for info. I'm not seeing pic's though, prob my computer