Post Capacity Charts, Where to Get?

[goldenfab]

Title says it all, IRC and many other places have charts for common dimensional lumber used for rafters and floor joists. I am looking for the same type of tables but for axial loading i.e. being used as a post or column.

I have found various calculators and charts online but nothing the I feel is cite worthy for something like referencing on building plans to be approved. I see NDS has the equations and design values for different wood species. I have an engineering background (just non-architecture related) and am comfortable doing these types of calculations. I am wanting to keep things simple on the plans I am working on and not need to get anything sealed by an engineer by referencing a credible source for bearing capacity for a few post I plan to use.

Thanks,
Adam

 

[goldenfab]

I ended up going to my local lumber yard and they had an engineer review my plans and added a few pages to the plans for the engineered portions and stamped it so I'm all set. I sure thought there would be a credible source for something like a column load table like there are for floor joists and rafters in the IRC code but have not found any.

 

[firebirdparts]

I think it’s limited by buckling, so they can’t really give you a table. To dependent on how it’s installed. The pure crush strength is huge.

 

[matt_i]

I think it’s limited by buckling, so they can’t really give you a table. To dependent on how it’s installed. The pure crush strength is huge.

This is it.

LVL tables typically have "bearing length" which hints at the number of posts one needs for a given span & style of loading.

Keep in mind an 8-10 ft wall is just fine at 16" OC even with 2nd story loads considered, but you get to 12 ft wall height and you need center blocking to prevent buckling, despite the same "bearing area" of the posts.

 

[Jlbc212]

Besides the load placed upon the post, buckling (as others have wrote) depends greatly upon the height of the post. Bracing, such as provided by a wall or angled braces, effectively shorten the length of the post. All these must be factored into the size calculation.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Keep in mind an 8-10 ft wall is just fine at 16" OC even with 2nd story loads considered, but you get to 12 ft wall height and you need center blocking to prevent buckling ...

The exterior sheathing is considered "adequate" in place of blocking and wind bracing for a 8'-10' wall in residential construction, assuming you follow the designated nailing schedule.