I have a ranch home in Wisconsin built in 1966, it has a red steel I-beam running down the center (6"wide X10" high X1/4-3/8thick" thick) of the home 60' long with no splice. The beam only supports a single level above, with Douglas Fir floor joists running from the outside walls to the beam about 12' long. The beam is supported on both ends by being embedded in the poured concrete wall, and there are 6 solid steel posts spaced evenly. My question is, how many support posts are actually needed to hold up the beam and support the weight? From what I have seen in newer homes there are fewer posts, and it appears the compenents used in this home are of a much heavier gauge.
Thx Jim
Thx Jim