Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Load calculator

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pw1972
05-10-04, 09:13 AM
Does anyone know of a tool that can help me calculate load for a deck design? I searched google pretty hard with no luck. I basically want to enter deck dimensions, size of wood I'm using and the desired load I can handle and have it spit out post spacing, etc....

Either that or can someone give me a quick refresher on how to calculate load? I knew I should have paid more attention to statics in college!

pw1972
05-10-04, 10:47 AM
After quite a bit of searching I found this. Hopefully some others can find it useful too.

http://www.awc.org/calculators/span/calc/timbercalcstyle.asp
GregH
05-10-04, 11:16 AM
I often fool with projects and will find this info usefull.

Here is the link for rafters:

http://www.awc.org/calculators/span/reversecalc/reversecalc.asp

diy.com tip: To eliminate the url tag in forums where codes are not turned on you can uncheck "automaticaly parse links" at the bottom of the page.

pw1972
05-10-04, 05:08 PM
Ok, I punched in my numbers and it's saying that I can use 2x8 southern pine if I put my posts every 8' apart(ledger against house and then 8 posts), and then have my joists 16" apart.

Does that sound correct for 100 live and 20 dead on a 16x24 deck?