Determining the appropriate size of beam for a 22-foot span is crucial in ensuring the safety and structural integrity of any building or structure.
The size of the beam needed to span 22 feet will depend on various factors, including the type of beam, the load it will bear, and the spacing of the beams.
In this article, we will discuss some of the key considerations that should be taken into account when determining the appropriate size of beam for a 22-foot span.
What size beam for a 22 foot span?
For a 22-foot span, the beam should be at least 12 inches deep and 16 inches wide. The actual size may vary based on load, span type, and design criteria. For example, an LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) beam of around 4×12 or 6×12 inches, with proper support, may handle spans over 22 feet.
22-Foot Span Beam Size Chart:
| Material | Beam Size | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Reinforced Concrete | 10″×20″ | RCC Beam |
| Wood | 3-2×18 | Lumber/Wood Beam |
| Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) | 10-12″ GLULAM | LVL Beam |
| Steel | ISMB 350 or UB 350×140 | Steel I-Beam |
Different Types of 22 Feet Span and Their Beam Size
RCC beam size for 22 feet span
The beam size for 2 to 3-story buildings will be 10′′ 20′′. The width of the beam is 10 inches and the depth of the beam is 20 inches.
It should provide 4 nos of 12mm bar at the top and 4 nos of 16mm bar at the bottom of the beam.
The clean cover of the beam will be 25mm and the concrete mixing ratio is (1:1.5:3) following M20 grade.
Steel Beam Size For 22 Feet Span
Following a general thumb rule, the size of a steel beam for 22 feet span will be 350×140 or 14’’X5.5’’.
This size is applicable to any type of steel beam, whether it is an I beam, w beam, universal beam, rolled steel joist, or hot rolled section.
Under normal load conditions, it is a standard, ideal, and suitable-sized steel beam for 22 feet.
Wood beam size for a 22-foot span
The wood beam for a 22-foot span will be 2×14 and you should place it 16 inches apart from the middle whether it is for projects, residential buildings, or construction.
LVL beam size for a 22-foot span
The size of the LVL beam or GLULAM will be 10’’ or 12’’ deep and 3’’ wide for 22 22-foot span following the thumb rule.
For a 22-foot span, you will need 10-12′′ GLULAM, and you can use 214 lumber, placing 16″ apart from the center if you use it as floor joists for residential buildings or other projects.
The basic principle of beam design
A beam is a load-bearing structure that transfers all the live and dead loads, and the structural load comes from the RCC slab to the column through the development length.
The size of a beam is usually determined by the length between two supports and the load that comes on it.
This structural member is also related to shear forces and flexural stresses.
The dimension of a beam is controlled by various types of shear stress and shear forces.
The beam also loads the bending moment developed on it, and its moment-carrying ability depends on its depth.
The beam is usually constructed with reinforced concrete along with reinforcement steel. The other materials used to make a beam are:
- Timber
- Wood
- Laminated veneer lumber
- Glulam
How To Measure The Size Of A Beam?
For the RCC beam, the right depth of the beam is measured based on the experience, the amount of maximum bending moment, and the basis of the wall width under the beam.
>> What size I-beam for 32 ft span?
The width and depth of the beam
The width of the bream should be good enough to offer rebars with enough side cover and spacing between the long bars.
After calculating the effective depth of the beam depending on the bending moment, it needs to determine the overall depth.
By adding an effective cover with the calculated effective depth, you’ll get the overall width of the beam.
There are different types of beams, including:
- Continuous beam
- Cantilever beam
- Overhanging beam
- Simply supported beam
- Lintel beam
- Primary beam
- Fixed beam
- Secondary beam
For the dimension of a beam, you can go with the standard size of the RCC beam, which is 230mm x 230mm (9″ x 9″).
The depth of the beam varies depending on the span size and the load applied to it.
The Process To Determine The Beam Size For A 22 Foot Span
You can determine the beam size by following two methods, and they are:
- IS 456:2000
- Thumb rule method
IS 456:2000
To design the minimum RCC beam size for two or three-story buildings, the recommendations are:
- If it is a cantilever beam, the span length to effective depth ratio is 7
- If it is a simple supported beam, the span length to effective depth ratio is 20
- If it is a continuous beam, the span length to effective depth ratio is 26
Thumb rule method
The rules to determine the depth and size of beams are:
For 1 foot of beam span, the depth of the beam will be 1 inch.
So, if the span length of your beam is 22 feet, the depth of the deem will be 22 inches and the width of the beam will be 11 or 12 inches.
Which type of beam is best for a 22 foot span?
There are many types of beams that could be used for a 22-foot span. Some options include:
Wood beam
Can be made from different types of wood, such as oak or pine; typically stronger than man-made materials.
Metal beam
Often made from steel or aluminum; these beams are often used in construction because of their strength and durability.
Concrete beam
A common choice for bridges or other structures where weight bearing is an issue; concrete beams can be very strong and durable.
The best type of beam for a 22-foot span will depend on the specific needs of the project.
If weight bearing is not an issue, a wood beam may be a good choice.
If the project needs to be very strong and durable, a metal or concrete beam may be the best option.
FAQs About Beam Size For 22 Foot Span
What Are The Consequences Of Using A Beam That Is Too Small?
If you use a beam that is too small, it could fail under the load that it is supporting. This could lead to serious injury or property damage.
What Are The Consequences Of Using A Beam That Is Too Large?
Using a beam that is too large will not cause any structural problems, but it will be a waste of material. It will be more difficult to install a beam that is too large.
Can I Use A W-Beam Or An I-Beam For My 22 Foot Span?
Yes, you can use a W-beam or an I-beam for a 22-foot span. You will need to calculate the proper size for the beam. Please refer to our article on beam sizing for more information.
Do I Need To Use Beam Support When Spanning 22 Feet?
No, you don’t need to use a beam support when spanning 22 feet. You may want to use one for added stability.
How Do I Know If The Beam I’m Using Is Strong Enough?
The best way to know if the beam you’re using is strong enough is to consult with a structural engineer. They will be able to help you select the proper beam for your project.
Final words
Determining what size beam is for a 22-foot span requires a huge number of considerations and calculations.
It means you should consider the type of beam, the amount of shear force, the bending moment, and different types of load.
But you can cut down all the research and calculation time simply by going with the recommendation through the thumb rule.
So consider the material of the beam you will use and construct the right size based on its recommended size.
