max span 6x2 for kids walkway on playhouse

[nickc1]

Hi All

I am planning on building the kids a slightly raised (50cm) playhouse with a walkway, the total distance of the walkway will be 6m, the width of the walkway was going to be about 60cm

I was going to use 4x4 fence posts as supports and then bolt 6x2 joists for frame and lay decking on top, Whats the maximum distance i could go between posts would you advise?

How much further distance would would i benefit from by going with 8x2.

Many Thanks

Nick

 

[CambridgeBrummie]

6x2 joists would span about 3m, 8x2 joists will take you upto 4m, with the proposed loading.

 

[tony1851]

6x2 joists would span about 3m, 8x2 joists will take you upto 4m, with the proposed loading.

.......and what would the proposed loading be for a tribe of kids running up and down the walkway.......?

 

[CambridgeBrummie]

proposed loading be for a tribe of kids

Depends on the number of elephants they are carrying. However I used 1.5kN/sqm for the above, which is highly unlikley to be higher. (17 stone man is 1kN)

 

[oldbutnotdead]

Be wary of your 500mm walkway height- you might need planning permission for it! In fact looking at the planning portal you will need PP- (decking or other raised platforms more than 300 above ground level is not PD).

 

[tony1851]

proposed loading be for a tribe of kids

Depends on the number of elephants they are carrying. However I used 1.5kN/sqm for the above, which is highly unlikley to be higher. (17 stone man is 1kN)

The only reason I wondered about this was that kids have a habit of running and jumping up and down (dynamic loading?); and also being outside the timber and connections would have to be assumed of lower strength than when used internally.

 

[nickc1]

Thanks all, ill play it safe and and go for 8x2 at 3m spans.

Thanks for the heads up regards planning, i see this when googling play houses, i was going to have a chat with our neighbour as it wont really effect them anyways and if they are happy ill stick in an application.

Cheers
Nick