Ceiling Joist span with HVAC in attic

[Uncle Bob]

2006 IRC, Table R802.4(2) CEILING JOIST SPANS: Uninhabitable attics with limited storage, live load 20 psf, Dead Load 10 psf.

# 2 Douglas Fir, 16 inch ceiling joist spacing, 2" X 8" ceiling joists, Maximum ceiling jost span is 18' 9".

------------------------------------------------------------------

Inspection of SFR framing:

Uninhabitable attic with HVAC in attic above one end of ceiling joist span. # 2 Douglas Fir, 2" X 8" ceiling joists with 16" joist spacing, and span of 16 feet. (Have no plans because plans are not required in jurisdiction)

Inspector fails inspection and tells builder to double ceiling joists below HVAC unit.

Anyone know how to justify failing this framing inspection?

Is this requirement in the 2006 (or any) other IRC?

If doubling ceiling joists is not in the IRC; iis this an Engineered requirement?

No it wasn't me, ;D

Uncle Bob

[Uncle Bob]

Thanks for all the help?

Uncle Bob

[kzq]

Hi Bob,

Sounds like a short cut decision. Probably would be more appropriate to ask for documentation of the weight of the unit and then make a decision on the point loading that's being added to the joists.

Bill

[Uncle Bob]

Thanks Bill,

I found the furnace weights 161 lbs.; and covers a little less than 4 sq ft; which is about 38 psf.

I have had Engineers require double ceiling joist; but, this persnikety old man is not going to tell a builder anything that ain't code. So, I'm just writing "overspaned ceiling joists"; because it's beyond the prescriptive code.

Some of the furnaces are in mid-span; and some near the end of the span; so, for me they need an Engineer.

Uncle Bob

[kzq]

Good choice Bob! You know better'n I that it's best to let them tell you how they will comply. I've been giving advice, I shouldn't, for years just because I can't believe they can't figure it out themselves.

Case in point: Anchor bolts correctly set but top of wall too low by 1/2". I'm the framer and I want the walls to start off at the correct grade. Solution: Shim and dry pack the plates! No problem only now the anchor bolts wont accept a washer and nut without a counterbore. Standard Inspector response: "Epoxy bolts with Special Inspection" when coupling nuts and machine bolts would do just fine at one thousandth the cost.

Bill