Any structural engineers out there?

[fehren2800]

I am trying to find out the allowable load of an American standard I beam with a depth of 12" and a flange width of 5" at a span of 14' with fixed ends.

Thanks.

 

[MAYOR28]

I do aircraft structural, but google is my friend:

http://webstructural.com/beam-flexure/

I'm sure there is someone more qualified, but that should get you started, and it looks user friendly.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Evenly distributed load or worse case, point load, center span?

 

[Nor'Easter]

So many variables...

 

[fehren2800]

Point load in the center

 

[AndyA]

If it's really an "S" beam with a 5" wide flange, then it must be an S12x31.8

Load tables for uniform load, simply supported, over 14 feet shows 42.9k (ASD)
Derating for point load drops you to 21.45k
Uprating for fixed ends puts you back at 42.9k

Will your end connections take the weight?
Will your end connections properly take the bending moment to qualify for the "fixed ends" uprating?
Are your end connections capable of taking side loading, or dynamic loading of whatever you're hanging on the beam?
Will your end connections prevent the beam from twisting? Will you need "anti-twist" bracing at points other than just the ends?
Are your end connections welded or bolted?
How do you know the connection is strong enough? How many bolts? What diameter? What pattern? What thickness of weld? Are you capable of performing a quality weld?

I don't want to be negative nancy, and I wouldn't discourage anyone from attempting a project. Be sure to learn enough to do it correctly before you attempt it.

 

[fehren2800]

It is in fact an S12x31.8

Not going to be supporting anything near that weight. Just looking for a general guide. 4 ton max loading. Thanks.

If it's really an "S" beam with a 5" wide flange, then it must be an S12x31.8

Load tables for uniform load, simply supported, over 14 feet shows 42.9k (ASD)
Derating for point load drops you to 21.45k
Uprating for fixed ends puts you back at 42.9k

Will your end connections take the weight?
Will your end connections properly take the bending moment to qualify for the "fixed ends" uprating?
Are your end connections capable of taking side loading, or dynamic loading of whatever you're hanging on the beam?
Will your end connections prevent the beam from twisting? Will you need "anti-twist" bracing at points other than just the ends?
Are your end connections welded or bolted?
How do you know the connection is strong enough? How many bolts? What diameter? What pattern? What thickness of weld? Are you capable of performing a quality weld?

I don't want to be negative nancy, and I wouldn't discourage anyone from attempting a project. Be sure to learn enough to do it correctly before you attempt it.

 

[Engineering]

If you don't know or are not qualified, I'd highly recommend hiring one on for the calculation. Just remember free internet advise is always accurate and without fault.

 

[fehren2800]

If you don't know or are not qualified, I'd highly recommend hiring one on for the calculation. Just remember free internet advise is always accurate and without fault.

Just thinking about something. Not actually building. If I were I would most certainly contact a qualified person to check my ideas. Thanks.