What is the Max Load Capacity for a 6x6 Lumber Post in Canada?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on determining the maximum vertical load capacity of a 6x6 wooden post, specifically in the context of Canadian standards. Participants explore various factors affecting load capacity, including material properties and safety considerations, while addressing the needs of a personal project rather than a professional or academic requirement.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in finding Canadian lumber standards and seeks guidance on maximum load capacities for a 6x6 post.
  • Another participant suggests consulting the Council on Forest Industries (COFI) for relevant information and mentions the variability of properties based on timber type and grade.
  • Specific compressive strength values for different types of wood are provided, indicating ranges for Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, and Eastern White Pine.
  • A participant questions whether the original poster intends to apply a safety factor or is seeking the maximum allowable load capacity, noting that the capacity can vary significantly.
  • It is suggested that for maximum design load, a value of 400 psi could be used, equating to approximately 12,000 lbs, but emphasizes the need to consider allowable stress values.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the maximum load capacity, as various factors such as wood type, safety factors, and specific conditions are discussed, indicating multiple competing views and uncertainties.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific Canadian standards referenced, the variability in wood properties based on type and grade, and the need for safety factors in load calculations.

blimkie.k
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This should be a pretty simple but I am having trouble finding the right information.

For a 6x6 wooden post for now well say 12' above the footing I need to determine the max load vertical load it can take before it fails. I live in Canada so was looking around Canadian lumber standards and stuff like that for span and load charts but can't seem to find them. I'm hoping an engineer can't link me to something.

I have a Canadian handbook of steel construction which provides everything fro steel so I need something like that but I don't want to go out and buy another 150 dollar textbook.

And no its not for school or work related its a personal project I am going to be doing on property my mother owns.
 
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I have some american standards tables, but properties vary widely depending upon the grade and type of timber:

Southern cypress, douglas fir,eastern hemlock,southern pine,redwood,eastern spruce.

American dressed lumber actual size is 5.5 x5.5 section properties available, max tensile stress, max horiz shear, max compressive stress, youngs modulus - if we can narrow the timber choice down a bit, or send me a PM with an email address so I can scan the table to it.
 
The compressive strength of (wet to dry)
Douglas Fir is 1300 - 1700 psi
Hemlock, Western is 1300 - 1650 psi
Pine, Eastern white is 960 - 1200 psi

note: if the 6x6 is more than 20 feet stabilizing becomes necessary to avoid bending moments.
 
Are you planning to apply your own safety factor or are you really looking for the maximum allowable load capacity? The capacity of a 12' tall 6x6 post varies greatly as described above. For maximum design load you should be safe using 400 psi, that's about 12,000 lbs. But you need to add up the loads based on values that go with your allowable stress. S
 

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