Looking for opinions on my build layout

[gte]

I currently have a block built detached garage building. I want to expand on it, for use with my hobby of automobiles.

It's 42x28 (outer dimensions) and 8 feet high, with a 4:12 pitch roof.

I'm looking to expand upon it, I'd like to make it 24 feet high (16 feet for the first floor and 8 feet for the second floor) and 42x66 (outer dimensions). I'll have some pictures below to make this a little easier to picture in ones head.

Since I already have a usable existing ~1200 block, I'd like to make the entire first floor all 8x8x16" cinder block. It's going to leave me to need an approximate 3558 blocks for the above ground portion/first floor. I'll need approximately 51 cubic yards of concrete for the floor. It's going to have 6" thick concrete floors, as I'll be installing lifts on it. I'm open to different flooring ideas, instead of just bare concrete.

I do not want any poles or beams in any locations, so I'm guessing I'll need some pretty stout I beams, on top of the block for the storage room above it. I'd also like to use metal trusses (2:12, non attic) and put them 4' on center with 3/4 plywood. Has anyone used metal trusses instead of wooden? They are going to have to span 45 or so feet and so metal seems like a much better option?

What else should I consider, or consider revising when building this? I saw the part about the radiant heat, and I think that's an awesome idea, I just don't know if I can afford that.






Cliffs: located in MD
Looking for help with:
metal trusses
flooring material
floor drainage options
Ibeam design or options
garage doors (one is 10x10, the other 10x20)
design ideas for heating
design ideas for air lines
design ideas for lighting
design ideas for things to do now, because they can't easily be done later



http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/2322/garagelayout1jb1.jpg


http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/8859/garagelayout1aui0.png

[John Larson]

Neat looking project. Hopefully somebody will chime in.

[gte]

Update, I found a place in Delaware that does steel trusses

All-Span Inc.
Fax: 302-349-41 A P W
9347 All-Span Dr., Bridgeville DE 19933 888-567-77 302-349-40

It was 15k for steel trusses and only 9k for wooden, so it looks like I'll be going with wooden.

[gte]

I would also like information on floor joists, I don't really understand what they are when you start combining letters, and also what the max different widths joists can span. As well as types of steel I beams, etc

[John Larson]

A lot of that stuff is way over my head. Most of the letters that I hear involve how the beams are put together. Some look like really thick plywood and others are wood fibers that all point the same direction and are then pressed and baked. It all has to do with weight ratings that each one can withstand. What seems to be common is taking the specs that you need (span, spacing and weight rating) and combining them with your restrictions (budget, codes and available space) to figure out which ones will suit you best. Most engineered span (trusses and joists) manufacturers have a certified engineer onsite that will take all of those variables and give you a product design that will fit your needs.
They need to be able to withstand local conditions like earthquakes, snow and wind along with structural stresses and the enginner will be able to calculate that.
I got a lot of good info from my local hardware store contractors desk. They deal with ordering those type of products all the time and should be able to help educate you.
Hope this helps!
John

[Calvin]

Has anyone used metal trusses instead of wooden? They are going to have to span 45 or so feet and so metal seems like a much better option?

I understand what you are wanting to do and it is doable, BUT you may want to check loca code in your area as to the use of wood and a garage and /or business of this type. With a building that size and then combine cars and wood, code MAY require that the roof and any trusses, floor joist be made from steel other than wood. Other than that it sounds like the size of a building only I can dream of having.