Quick, probably stupid question.

[Doward]

I'm trying to find a simple beam calculator that just tells me "for I beam X over span Y with load Z there will be A inches of deflection"

I'm trying to determine what kind of deflection S6 x 12.5 over a 15' span supported @ both ends would have with 3000 lbs evenly loaded.

If it matters, I'm working on designing my loft area. Long story short, I'm looking to design a bridge crane for the front 40' of the RV garage, and thinking I'll see what kind of weight I can handle using S12 x 50 (may go S15, haven't calculated everything just yet, same 15' span and hoping for 5000lbs+), then for the loft area drop to S6 for the steel floor support and build a 2x12 SYP subfloor + cement board underlayment and tile it. The loft will *not* be for storage - it'll have a mini bar / couch / TV as a general "hang out" spot when a race is on.

The bridge crane up front will be about 10' off the ground, then 12/15" up on top of the side beams.

No, this isn't completely thought through yet - still sketching ideas and just trying to find out if my numbers are in the neighborhood of possible Thanks!

 

[jkuro]

Go to your local steel supplier. Most have an engineer on staff who can help you choose the correct beam.

 

[manwithtools]

If I understand you application correctly, I think the deflection would be 0.56858" for the S6 x 12.5 beam with a single point load of 3000 lbs. I used the calculator found here: https://www.omnicalculator.com/construction/beam-deflection

 

[FredWanaker]

just don't end up with a teeter totter if load A is greater than combined counterweight B.

 

[Doward]

Thanks! That link seems to be what I was looking for - I'm still designing at this stage, but wanted to see how strong a 15' span of S6 x 12.5 beams would be as the structural base of my loft area (8' x 15' loft with 16" on center beams is the current thinking).

 

[manwithtools]

Be sure to consider all the live and dead loads for your floor and beam systems. If this is going to have people on it or under it, which it sounds as if it will; it would be good to have an engineer review your calculations.

 

[Doward]

Be sure to consider all the live and dead loads for your floor and beam systems. If this is going to have people on it or under it, which it sounds as if it will; it would be good to have an engineer review your calculations.

Oh yeah, before a single weld happens, this will be thoroughly reviewed with a professional engineer. It'll be storage under it, but people will have access - and clearly the top area will have people.

The cost isn't worth my amateur *** missing something stupid!

 

[CraigStu]

Our house was built using a couple of these.

Metwood TUFF BEAM™ Structural CFS Beam

TUFF BEAM™ Structural CFS Beam is a structural beam designed for greater distances with fewer vertical supports while allowing easy integration of utilities.

www.metwood.com

Last year our SIL was building a garage and he called for info. Whoever he talked to was very, very helpful so I suspect they would help you out also. The builder says he really likes this style because the framers use it just like they would any other multiple 2x sandwiched beam.

 

[Doward]

Our house was built using a couple of these.

Metwood TUFF BEAM™ Structural CFS Beam

TUFF BEAM™ Structural CFS Beam is a structural beam designed for greater distances with fewer vertical supports while allowing easy integration of utilities.

www.metwood.com

Last year our SIL was building a garage and he called for info. Whoever he talked to was very, very helpful so I suspect they would help you out also. The builder says he really likes this style because the framers use it just like they would any other multiple 2x sandwiched beam.

Interesting - I'll put that on the list to check out as well!