Coordinate floor systems with the plan

Planning workflow

1. Map conceptual bearing lines, beams, columns, stairs, shafts, and large openings.
2. Choose a provisional span direction and reserve depth for the assembly and services.
3. Overlay rooms above and below to expose dropped beams, columns, and route conflicts.
4. Submit geometry, loads, products, and site conditions for structural design.

Formula or decision logic

A clear span is the unsupported distance between verified supports, not the room width by default. Compare candidate span directions by maximum clear span, opening conflicts, continuity, service zones, and support consequences below. Do not select member sizes from a generic maximum-span value detached from species, grade, load, spacing, and conditions.

Worked planning example

A 16 by 24 ft room could be framed across the 16-foot direction, but a stair opening interrupts one support edge and a kitchen island creates a concentrated load above. The overlay reveals those constraints; an engineer or accepted prescriptive design determines the actual members and connections.

Limitations and review boundary

• No structural capacity or vibration calculation is performed.
• Product span tables apply only under their stated conditions.
• Fire, acoustic, moisture, and service penetrations affect the final assembly.

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