My home is a 2 story colonial. The basement dimensions are 28' x 32'. There are (4) 2" x 12" wood beams nailed together with 2 lolly columns. The beams rest on the concrete block exterior walls. Approximately 9' is a lolly column, then 9' to the 2nd lolly column, then 9' to the exterior wall. I would like to move one lolly column 5' so that there is an open span of 14' from the exterior wall to the lolly column. One major issue is that the wood beams are not staggered. They separate at the lolly column that I intend to remove. A possible solution given to me is to sandwich the wood beams with 3/8" x 12" x 20' steel plate bolted together with (2) 8" bolts every 12" to 14" apart. I am going to add (2) 2" x 12" x 16' wood beams nailed together with a lolly column for additional support. Please comment on my possible solution. Please also comment on if I should remove the concrete flooring
under the new lolly columns and add footings. I know this is a energetic project, but any comments you could offer would be greatly appreciated.
under the new lolly columns and add footings. I know this is a energetic project, but any comments you could offer would be greatly appreciated.