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oo1 ,

22 ft unsupported seems like a very long span to me, what's that nearly 7 metres?
Sounds like it's getting into the realm of structural enginneering not diy for me.

If you want to save costs you might think aout a "flitch beam", that's 2 wood beams with a steel plate sandwiched in between - the three components are bolted together every few feet. Easier to join to the timbers then.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWUNd559UQY

I still think you might be more like 10"x2 or even 12"x2 timbers to cover that span if totally unsupported. But might still come in a little cheaper than the i-beam.
Maybe the roof will be very lightweight and no snow weight is expected - but I'm no structural engineer so don't take my word for it.

Other features like corner bracing or canti-leverage, or some other support structure or other feature (like is it the bottom side of a framed gable triangle) might also help.

LVLmight not be suitable, but i think you can get treated "glulam" beams suitable for exterior (covered) use.
https://en.k2-builders.com/what-type-of-glulam-can-be-used-for-exterior/

TheBaldness OP ,

A flitch beam sounds interesting. The problem with 2-by timbers, like 10x2 or 12x2, is their thickness. A 12x2 would drop down 12 inches, and the highest point of my carport is only 8-feet high. In its 16-foot run, it has to drop at least 4 inches in order for water to run off. I can’t be using material as thick as 12x2. That’s why I was considering doubling or tripling some engineered wood. But at that point it seems like steel would be the same cost and better performing. I dunno. Like you said, I may have to talk to an engineer.

oo1 ,

yeah, glulam is probably a non-starter too if there's no height available.
I think you can do triple flitch.

So like : [w]|[w]|[w]
maybe that'd work with 3 2x6s , 2 steels, all boted together.

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