Beam Load Calculation help

[davetulk]

I have an opportunity to pick up an I beam of craigslist.

The specs are:

ASTM A36 Steel
. Yield = 36,000 psi
. Galvanized (no rust)
. W10X30 Wide Flange
. Flange with 6 mounting holes on one end
. Flange Width = 5 3/4"
. Depth = 10 1/2"
. Web Thickness = 5/16"
. Length = 22' 2"

Anyone here know what kind of load I could hang from the center of that beam? looking to use across my shop as a hoist supported on both ends with columns

Thanks in advance.

 

[sberry]

Without looking it up I would say almost 2 T

 

[davetulk]

Thanks for the feedback.

2 ton would be enough for my needs... They want $500 for it...but I have no idea if that is a decent price or not.

 

[spy604]

Real quick calculation with a 5x Safety factor says on a 20' span you can load it up with 3880# in the center.

 

[sublimate]

Not a particularly good price. New beams sell for ~$1/lb or less.
That beam would be $600-$650 new (not galvanized).
If it's exactly what you need, fine, but otherwise you can order the exact length & size you need and probably save.

The above is for a plain steel beam. I don't know how much galvanized adds to the cost, or even if you want that feature. I think a trolly won't roll as well on a galvanized beam and you won't want to weld on it either. Only if this were going outside would I consider galvanized, and even then I'd probably just paint plain steel.

 

[davetulk]

Thanks for the help guys.

it will be indoors and galvanized is not needed for sure. Thanks again for the education. The search continues

 

[averagehack]

Sublimate is certainly correct on pricing depending on what you really need as far as a beam and span.
As to loading the beam mentioned -- the answer is…of course…"it depends".
If you simply pinned each end on top of post then you would only be rated for around 2k. Add a bit more support and bracing on the ends and Spy is correct at around 4k.

But if you were to have completely fixed ends and continuous bracing, that beam could go all the way to 25k.
Of course then you need to start thinking about flange strength and …
In other words, you should define what you need to span and lift. Plan on welding end plates on it and fixing the **** out of the ends. More bracing mid span is incredibly helpful if you can.
With that information you can define what beam you really need and probably save money.
And – If you are a hack like me then be conservative, mindful and careful on every lift and remember that often the week link is not the beam itself.

Average

 

[davetulk]

Thanks average.

I want to Span 23' and support at least 2 tons. My plan would be to place steel columns on the ends with 45 degree brace to the beam. On the floor rest on horizontal steel plate with 2 45degree braces to the left and right of the vertical support. Basically stationary gantry.

Any suggestions on beam size? The trolly would travel about 20' between braces on the beam.

 

[Danno1]

.


Dave,

Do a Google for "Beamboy". It's a freeware calculator for beam deflections and stresses.


.

 

[motoretro]

"Simplified Engineering for Architects and Builders" by Parker/Ambrose is a must for determining these questions. It was the college text book for my "Elements of Structural Design" class.
Motoretro