When supporting an exterior balcony in an area with a ground snow load of 50 psf, what is the maximum cantilever span for #2 Douglas fir 2x12 floor joists spaced at 16 O.C.?

To determine the maximum cantilever span for #2 Douglas fir 2x12 floor joists in a location with a ground snow load of 50 psf, one must consider several factors, including the wood's bending capacity and the loading conditions.

For #2 Douglas fir, the allowable bending stress can typically be found in building codes or structural design tables. With the specified loading of 50 psf, which is a combination of live load and snow load, the joists must be designed to handle the loading without exceeding the allowable limits.

Generally, for a standard #2 Douglas fir 2x12, when spaced at 16 inches on center, the maximum allowable cantilever span can reach up to 16 feet under certain load conditions. This span length is determined based on the material properties of the wood, the spacing of the joists, and the loading conditions imposed on the balcony, including future snow loads and potential live loads.

Additionally, structural engineering practices often allow for a maximum cantilever length of 1/4 of the total span when considering serviceability and the potential for deflection. In this case, 16 feet is a commonly accepted maximum for typical residential construction, especially given that the design involves snow loading, which is