Know a Structural Engineer?

[jackthestrat]

Anyone know an engineer who will give a quick estimate of weight bearing capacity of a 2nd story apartment?

I need an estimate of the most weight I could safely fit in the allocated space - I live in the Woburn area.

Any tips would be great, thanks! PM is probably best.

 

[cujo6984]

is there any way to see what you have for floor joists and a span?

 

[jackthestrat]

I don't know how to say this without embarassing myself -

I don't know what either of those two things are.

 

[ldf99]

William Kite
401 272 0240.

 

[Jim Tansey]

What size tank are you thinking about, and will it be located against an outside wall?

Jim

 

[jackthestrat]

Jim -

I was thinking a 90gal with a 30gal sump and all the assorted fixins. It would be against an outside wall on the 2nd story. House was built in the early 1900's and has settled quite a bit.

 

[Greg Hiller]

You might also check with Dennis V. (Denvig on the forum). He's pretty good at doing these type of estimates.

 

[Stimpy]

If the ridge (roof peak) goes front to back then your joists should run left to right. Put it on a side wall, not front or back wall.
Get downstairs, look under the proposed location for a front to back wall under or near the location, this should be a load bearing wall and your all set.

 

[jackthestrat]

Tanks for all the help guys.

 

[ldf99]

You should stat in the basement with jack supports . Find the bearing wall to hold the weight of the tank on the 1st floor and support the load in the basement with Home Depo jacks . Works well we picked a house up 6in on one side with them.
Good luck

 

[denvig]

Looks like it's time to re post this article. It's a long read but worth it.

​

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/aquarium_weight.php ​

 

[paulthomas]

I just re-read it.

 

[Matt L.]

Just an FYI, I'm a licensed Civil Engineer (a PE) in MA.

While I work in the environmental field, I have my license in civil.

I'd have to check what type of assistance I can provide you with if you still need it.

Matt