Removing center post

[bb29510]

go ahead, remove it, you dont need it. that roof structure would be on your pretty little car, within twenty minutes. I hope you can run fast. grab the dog too

 

[jkuro]

Why not just replace the existing beam with one of appropriate size to carry the load, without the post. In the pics, it appears you have plenty of room to do that. Go to your local steel supplier, they will usually have an on-site engineer to help you size the beam. Take all your measurements and photos with you. In my opinion, this looks to be the easiest fix but the heaviest. You will need lots of hands to get the new beam in place. Also, you will have to build a temporary support wall to carry the load when replacing the beam.

 

[Bucko]

Just Spitballing and am by no way an engineer nor do I play one on tv.

One possible idea would be to add a few columns a few feet in from each end that would support a beam added underneath the original. You would loose the headroom and gain another column but it would open up the center of the garage.

 

[strutaeng]

Is that a welded-on splice plate? Do i see a joint in the top flange?

I think I see it now: it does look spliced. The top flange is welded and there's a plate on the web.

It's still doable. I like the idea of replacing the entire beam per previous post. All I see is that beam carrying the ceiling joists? Is that correct? A W10x15 would probably work just fine. The deeper beam can be coped so it can still fit on steel post cap plate.

The existing beam looks like a W8?

 

[billconner]

Using online beam calculator, a W 12x19 would work. Might go up to a W 12x26 I still think if I were doing it, (diy) I'd look hard at a pair of lvls flanking the existing beam as easier for me to acquire and handle, and avoid temporary shoring. Still have the footing issue. 5000# each end is probably a 2 sf footing.

 

[Metal-Marc]

I think OP is now gone. Most likely crushed under a pile of rubbles in his garage.

 

[Renegade1LI]

With money pretty much anything in a house or garage can be done. We lift buildings, changing out a beam is not a big deal, you need to know what size. A temp knee wall on each side, remove the beam and replace with new one, then have lunch. I wouldn’t add a second one, I’d remove the existing and replace with a new one that can carry the load.

 

[05snopro440]

I hope you can. I think if you find a good one, best in this case. Trouble is it's hard to find architects and engineers willing or interested in small residential projects. Very unfortunate. I looked and ended up doing it myself, which for sure means overbuilt.

If you go with a regular structural firm that is likely. However, there are firms that specialize in smaller stuff tat would happily look at it and provide recommendations. Forensic engineering firms are one to try.

This.
The OP is not going to find an engineer to authorize removing that post.

Possibly, but an engineer could suggest modifications in order to be able to remove it and the owner could decide whether it's worth it to them to spend the money.