How does an end notch in a ceiling beam affect deflection calculations

constructionframingrooftimber-framing

We have a ceiling beam that is a standard 4×8 over 12 feet.

Let's stipulate that is properly sized for the weight load over that span.

But, what if, in order to place that beam, we need to notch it a bit on the very end: so it is a 4×6 for 2 inches where it rests on the post, but is then 4×8 the rest of the (unsupported) span.

I assume the deflection is now greater than when it was 4×8.

But is it degraded all the way to the deflection of a 4×6 ? Or is it somewhere inbetween ? This only happens on one end – on the other end, it is a full 4×8.

If it's somewhere inbetween is it … just a bit weaker than a 4×8 or just a bit stronger than a 4×6 or … ?

Thank you.

Best Answer

A notch in the end of a beam does not affect the strength (or deflection) of a beam, unless it’s more than 1/4 th the height of the beam (or joist) at the ends out to the face of the bearing point. (See Code ICC R502.8.1)

Code does not allow notches in middle 1/3 span and Code allows 1/6 th depth of beam in the last 1/3 rd span at each end of beam.

In fact, in your case, you could probably cut the whole end of the beam off where it’s notched and it would not affect it structurally. (That size beam needs about 2” of solid bearing, depending on the grade and species.)