L stands for the span of the beam in feet.
Roof load beam span.
F stands for the beam s fiber strength in bending which depends on the species of wood.
An essential part of planning a patio roof or gazebo project is determining the number size and spacing of rafters beams and posts according to the loads they will carry.
Standard 2 by 12 beams on 16 inch centers are used to span 15 feet.
50 psf x 14ft 700 pounds per lineal foot.
15 psf x 14ft 210 pounds per lineal foot.
Tables providing size selections for various beam spans and loading combinations for southern pine dimension lumber and southern pine glued laminated timber are available for the following applications.
For the initial calculation f can be estimated at 1 000.
You can also use the wood beam calculator from the american wood council website to determine maximum rafter and joist lengths.
Window door garage door headers supporting roof loads only.
Fill in the parts of the formula that are already known.
910 pounds per lineal foot.
Use the span tables below to determine allowable lengths of joists and rafters based on size and standard design loads.
Window door garage door headers supporting roof wall floor loads.
The total load is 4 000 pounds.
In the example the beam spans the 10 foot width of the roof.