Embarking on a deck construction project in Ontario? Understanding the provincial building code, particularly the deck beam spans, is crucial for a safe and structurally sound outcome. This guide delves into the Ontario Building Code (OBC) requirements for deck beam spans, providing you with a comprehensive, easy-to-understand resource. Let's dive in.
Understanding Deck Beam Spans in Ontario Building Code
The Ontario Building Code outlines specific guidelines for deck beam spans to ensure they can safely support the intended loads. These spans, measured from the centerline of one support to the centerline of the next, are critical for maintaining the deck's integrity and preventing failures.
Key Definitions and Terms
- Live Load (LL): The force exerted on the deck due to its intended use, such as people, furniture, or snow.
- Dead Load (DL): The weight of the deck structure itself, including the beam, joists, and decking.
- Total Load (TL): The sum of live and dead loads.
- Allowable Span (S): The maximum distance between supports that a beam can safely span based on the applied loads and the beam's material properties.
Calculating Allowable Span for Deck Beams
The OBC provides tables and formulas to calculate the allowable span for deck beams based on the beam's material and the total load. For simplicity, we'll focus on the most common materials: wood and steel.
Wood Beams
The OBC provides allowable span tables for wood beams based on their species, size, and loading conditions. For solid sawn lumber, the allowable span (S) can be calculated using the following formula:
S = (0.12 * b * d^2) / (TL * 12)
Where:
bis the beam's width (in inches),dis the beam's depth (in inches), andTLis the total load per linear foot (in pounds).
Steel Beams
For steel beams, the allowable span can be calculated using the following formula:
S = (M * 12) / (TL * d)
Where:
Mis the beam's moment of inertia (in inches4), anddis the beam's depth (in inches).
Factors Affecting Deck Beam Span
Several factors can influence the allowable span of deck beams, including:
- Beam material and size
- Total load (dead and live loads)
- Spacing between supports
- Loading conditions (uniform, concentrated, or snow loads)
- Beam spacing and orientation (parallel or perpendicular to the supports)
Ontario Building Code Resources
For a comprehensive understanding of deck construction requirements in Ontario, consult the following resources:
- Ontario Building Code (OBC) - Division B, Part 9: Housing and Small Buildings
- Canadian Wood Council's "Wood-Frame Construction Manual for Multi-Unit Residential Buildings"
- Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC) publications and reports
Always verify local municipal bylaws and consult with a professional engineer or architect for project-specific advice.
By familiarizing yourself with the Ontario Building Code's deck beam span requirements, you'll be well-equipped to plan and construct a safe, durable, and code-compliant deck. Happy building!
More Details
Beam/Joist Framing: ... IT IS THE CONTRACTOR'S RESPONSIBILITY TO. ENSURE THAT ALL CONSTRUCTION CONFOMS. TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ONTARIO. BUILDING CODE.
Ontario Building Code span tables A1 & A-8 from Division B Part 9 are provided for floor joists and beams within a building. These tables do not account for ...
Table B: Deck Beams spans. Table C: Footing ... meets requirements of the Ontario Building Code; this will be at the discretion of your local building.
NOT PERMITIED). 2-3" SCREWS. RIM JOIST. Guard Details. -2x. BEAM-----........._. 2 - 3/8"0 ANCHOR -. ~. BOLTS THROUGH THE. -2 x. BEAM. AND PART OF 6 x 6. POST.
Refer to OBC for compliance for lumber other than SPF. BEAM SPANS. Supported. Joist Length. Pier spacing. 6'-0”. 8' ...
above grade and/or attached to the structure, guards (railings) are to comply with the Ontario Building Code 2012, Subsection 9.8. ... Beam Span: 2.6 m / 8'-6”.
The enclosed tables, regulations and schedules are copies of various sections of the 2024 Ontario. Building Code. ... (1) Beam spans apply only where the ...
BEAM SPAN. 150mm MIN. GRADE. MIN. 1200mm BELOW GRADE,__J:,,<,/--____ -,
Use the Ontario Building Code and Deck Construction Drawings Package to ... MORE THAN 1/6 THE JOIST. SPAN. OBC 9.23.9.9.(1). WOOD BEAM AS PER. BEAM SPAN TABLE.
Beam Spans: ... -Cross-bridging shall be fastened with two 57mm (2-1/4") nails at each end. STAIRS. -Stairs shall conform to section 9.8 of the Ontario Building ...
Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code for the design and construction of wood framed decks and ... o Maximum Supported Beam Span means half the sum of beam length ...
01.02.2026 ... Zoning By-law and Ontario Building Code requirements. **If an ... • Size and Spacing: Confirm lumber size and spacing align with approved plans ...
A copy of all approvals is required. BEAM SPANS FOR DECKS. FLOOR JOIST ... Ontario Building Code. Permits are subject to the approval of the Building ...
with their deck project while ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Ontario Building Code. ... span decks are permitted to mix flush and dropped beams ...
of the current amended version of the Ontario Building Code as well as all ... spans on both sides of the beam. *Spruce-Pine-Fir No.1 or No.2 Grade. Bearing ...
01.01.2024 ... Deck Beams and Spans ... abilities carefully: • Do you have a copy of the Ontario Building Code or familiar with span tables required for decks?
... deck in to compliance with the Ontario Building Code (OBC). Q: What size of ... - If 5/4” or composite decking is used, the stringer spacing must match the joist ...
The Ontario Building Code | Spans for Joists, Rafters and Beams ... (1) Except as required in Sentence (2) and Article 9.23.13.10., the spans for wood joists and ...
size is 2x8 as per SB-7 of the Ontario Building Code, but may be required to be larger based on the proposed spans. If SB-7 is not applicable, then 2x6 joist ...
... Ontario Building Code (OBC). Special consideration must be taken if a deck ... Maximum Joist Span*, (ft). 12” on centre. 16” on centre. 24” on centre. Jo.
