[rickmccormick]

I am building a house slab on grade. The dimensions of the house are 50 x 28, which would require a 30 foot truss. I live in Omaha, NE and we do get snow on occasion. My question is this: I want to keep a real open floor plan, so will I need an interior load bearing wall(s)?

Thanks in advance,

Rick

[talaniman]

Load bearing beams or columns are just as good.

[ballengerb1]

It all depends on your local building code. A 30 truss, properly designed and built, can easily support a building you describe. On the other hand do you really want a 50 x 28 open box with no walls?

[joypulv]

I would buy the NE building code online or CD. I would also run it buy your local building inspector, who is going to need plans and specs anyway, and might be happy to offer the answer (or might require an engineer stamp). And third, many lumber yards have a resident expert who can help. You can do a lot with laminated beams, and their supplier of them might do the calculations.

[ma0641]

My log home is 28 X 50'. 7/12 scissor truss with 13' peak, metal roof, occasional snow in North GA mountains, have had 6" on it. A flat truss may act differently. Only walls are parallel to trusses separating sleeping areas. 13 years with no issues.