How much weight will a typical 8' 2x4 wall support?

DTL1 · Aug 31, 2012

Does anyone know where I could find these calculations?
16" oc, plywood ext sheathing, drywall interior

overanalyze · Aug 31, 2012

That's an odd question..probably more than you can throw at it...why?

PrestigeR&D · Aug 31, 2012

.....:blink:

B,

Dirtywhiteboy · Aug 31, 2012

PrestigeR&D said:
.

....:blink:
B,

ohiohomedoctor said:
It is believed that the original lock ness sightings were in fact swimming elephants. Who knew elephants could swim?

Man there are no elephants in Scotland:no:

Brutus · Aug 31, 2012

Actual weight? Or what can it support?

I bet your local code book will have specs on this kind of thing.

Builder Butch · Aug 31, 2012

I think it is around 3000 lbs per linear foot of equally distributed down load. Lots of factors involved like point loads and keeping joist within
5" of stud, nailing patter of sheathing and drywall.

Builder Butch · Sep 7, 2012

Correction #3000 lbs per sq foot which will put a 2x4 wall around 1100 lbs per linear foot equally distributed load. Its been 25 years since I graduated Engineering school so I'm rusty. I still recommend it be engineered so all the variablescan be considered.

world llc · Aug 31, 2012

doug fir? hem fir? type of sheeting? nail pattern?

ohiohomedoctor · Aug 31, 2012

Builder Butch said:
I think it is around 3000 lbs per linear foot of equally distributed down load. Lots of factors involved like point loads and keeping joist within
5" of stud, nailing patter of sheathing and drywall.

That sounds like alot.

knucklehead · Aug 31, 2012

I will take a stab at this

Do you mean 8' tall or 8' long?

Either way I think it might surprise you. One way or the other . I used a 2x4 block with my floor jack the other day to lift a whole front end of a 68 chevelle, and it was only about 2' long!

sunkist · Aug 31, 2012

Before we figure out what the wall can support, Lets see whats supporting the wall, sand, granite, mud?. :thumbsup:

knucklehead · Aug 31, 2012

That is true. It is only as good as the foundation

ohiohomedoctor · Aug 31, 2012

knucklehead said:
I will take a stab at this

Do you mean 8' tall or 8' long?

Either way I think it might surprise you. One way or the other . I used a 2x4 block with my floor jack the other day to lift a whole front end of a 68 chevelle, and it was only about 2' long!

Thats a good point. I have used 2xs to jack up very heavy walls and floor systems before.

world llc · Aug 31, 2012

according to the loc-ness chart, it's 350

TimelessQuality · Aug 31, 2012

If you give him 350, he'll just keep coming back...

ohiohomedoctor · Aug 31, 2012

world llc said:
according to the loc-ness chart, it's 350

It is believed that the original lock ness sightings were in fact swimming elephants. Who knew elephants could swim?

ohiohomedoctor · Aug 31, 2012

Dirtywhiteboy said:
Man there are no elephants in Scotland:no:

Can you prove that?

sunkist · Aug 31, 2012

Nesse is alive and well, Living in LOCH NESS, But i think the man wants to know the compression factor on a unbraced 2x4, We still need to know the brand of wood?.

ohiohomedoctor · Aug 31, 2012

sunkist said:
Nesse is alive and well, Living in LOCH NESS, But i think the man wants to know the compression factor on a unbraced 2x4, We still need to know the brand of wood?.

You need to know much more than that, like for starters what is he actually looking for?

Also what about circuses and freed wild pet elephants?

sunkist · Aug 31, 2012

Ok did some quick calcs:thumbsup: Useing the national design specification for wood constuction, (nds) The compresssion factor a 2x4 stud made of the same wood used in the caber toss, Is 2 mature scotish elephants, Both elephants need to be on top of the caber 2x4 stud to prove me correct,

The stud remains unbraced. :laughing:

Dirtywhiteboy · Aug 31, 2012

Right when I think he's yanking our chain here it is:blink:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/4779248.stm

and for the question,,elephants in Scotland?
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Are_there_elephants_in_Scotland

rjconstructs · Aug 31, 2012

There probably is some factor engineers use but I don't know it. I just imagine, on average, it is a surprising amount of weight.
Several variables determine a walls ability to carry a load like intersecting walls.

se1 · Sep 7, 2012

Using Woodworks Sizer software... ONE 8' tall 2x4 SPF(S)#2 stud can safely carry a live load of 1100# with 1" eccentricity, continuously braced in the weak axis direction.

No stamp, no guarantee. Hire an engineer.

Red Adobe · Sep 7, 2012

plumb and level would be a factor as well as quality of lumber and fastners.

Then therss always how many and how big of holes the turd herders and sparkys put into the wall......some of the walls I have seen might as well be made with 1x2s

greg24k · Sep 7, 2012

2x4 studs 1.28 LB per SF
1/2 inch plywood 1.42 LB per SF
1/2 inch sheetrock 2.08 LB per SF

How much weight will a typical 8' 2x4 wall support?

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