I have a ceiling that is 2x10 joists, 16" on centre, 8' long. Can I put a 1100lb compressor onto it?

Question

I need to figure out the max load for this ceiling to determine whether I can move my compressor ontop of an existing room in an industrial setting.

Yes, this is roughly an 8 x 16 room, with the joists running 8' long all along the 16' side. I think I should be OK. Everything I've found on the web is concerned with deflections to mount gyproc or tile....I just want to make sure it doesn't collapse. I thought if there was a civil engineer or carpenter out there that might know off hand if it would be OK, or a good spot to check maximum safe loads. Thanks to those that answered so far!

Answer 1

If the load is distributed well enough, it shouldn't be a problem, however I would be more concerned about the vibration loads that the compressor is going to generate.

I have never ever seen a smooth running compressor, and would never ever think of mounting one of mine anywhere but on a ground floor.

Answer 2

That may require expert inspection and evaluation (especially if insurance and liability are concerns). For example, are the structural members in sound condition and of good material? How are the members supported? What could fail under static load? What could fail under dynamic load (vibrations)? Can the load be spread? Where is the safest installation location? Near a wall rather than at the center of a joist that tends to bend it more? What (who) would be damaged in case of failure (how expensive). Can additional support be provided? Many questions demand local considerations.

Answer 3

That sounds like too much weight to be supported by ONE joist, but if you build a platform which distributed the weight over 4 or 5 joists, you'd probably be OK.

Answer 4

That's a lot of weight, but it depends on how may joists you have in the area and how large the area is.