structural engineer help

[goldie lox]

is there anyone who can help me with a metal beam sizing question

 

[laser3kw]

depends on the question
(tell us more)

 

[pcmeiners]

Likely the most vague question so far this year. Do you really expect to get a satisfactory answer with NO specifics; personally I sent out my crystal ball for cleaning so reading your mind is out of the question.

 

[silvrbreez]

For a really really rough approximation, you could generally start with sizing a steel beam to span roughly one foot per half inch of beam depth (assuming a wide flange section). For example, a W12 would be good for about a 24 foot span and might even be good for more depending on the loading.

The uniform loading and application will play into the final beam sizing (depth and wt/ft), but that's a rough ball park to get you started thinking.

 

[jav]

to expand- there's lots more to it. You need to know the span as well as all expected live and dead loads. You'll also need to know what deflections your locality permits (for live, dead and cumulative loads). You'll also have to address the support system for the beam.

Keep in mind there are multiple options for the same beam... IE W12x14,16,19,22 all the way to 136#. The second number depicts the weight per foot of the beam but also defines the beams cross section.

There's 36Ksi and 50Ksi beams. Sometimes it make more sense to go to a taller beam of a lighter weight as the section modulus is higher and the cost is lower. The ultimate weight of the selected beam needs to be integrated in to the calcs; You'll need to evaluate loads beyond live and dead such as unbalanced, torsional and wind... it gets pretty involved and usually requires an engineers stamp to be approved by most municipalities.

I am an engineer (electro-mechanical) but not a licensed structural engineer. I had to have my own beam stamped by a licensed structural engineer. If you have a specific question I can try to help but understand- the advise isn't something you could use to build with and would be for informational purposed only.

 

[Bluedodge]

I can help you out.
Make it pretty strong.

 

[silvrbreez]

to expand- there's lots more to it. You need to know the span as well as all expected live and dead loads. You'll also need to know what deflections your locality permits (for live, dead and cumulative loads). You'll also have to address the support system for the beam.

Keep in mind there are multiple options for the same beam... IE W12x14,16,19,22 all the way to 136#. The second number depicts the weight per foot of the beam but also defines the beams cross section.

There's 36Ksi and 50Ksi beams. Sometimes it make more sense to go to a taller beam of a lighter weight as the section modulus is higher and the cost is lower. The ultimate weight of the selected beam needs to be integrated in to the calcs; You'll need to evaluate loads beyond live and dead such as unbalanced, torsional and wind... it gets pretty involved and usually requires an engineers stamp to be approved by most municipalities.

I am an engineer (electro-mechanical) but not a licensed structural engineer. I had to have my own beam stamped by a licensed structural engineer. If you have a specific question I can try to help but understand- the advise isn't something you could use to build with and would be for informational purposed only.

Great elaboration!

I am a licensed PE specializing in civil & structural and can help with quick questions if needed. Depending on whether or not you need a building permit for the work you're doing, you may need to have a PE licensed in your state design (or at least review) and stamp a drawing of the proposed beam. Some states require specific structural PE to perform calcs for building permits.

 

[matt_i]

I'm not sure how any cross-section numbers can even be thrown out without knowing the loading...late last night I was thinking of building a 3 ton bridge crane system in my shop spanning 24 feet. That's vastly different from a 24 foot span holding the dead weight of 12 trusses and a shingled roof.

tl;dr its a troll post.

 

[shelteredV]

Man, you guys are way nice. A question like that would get you flambasted big time at the joints I hang out at.

 

[Maddog10]

I'm not a structural engineer, but this should work... Get two if you want to be safe.

 

[sberry]

I erected a couple monsters like that in a power plant.

 

[goldie lox]

seems to be a lot of people that can help me out.

i need to span a 30ft distance with only a flat roof resting on the top of the beam and it will be in the middle with 15 ft of ceiling extending outwards. i plan on having only two supports at each end of the beam. i am looking at a w18x50 beam but i can get a I18x70.
will the w beam be good enough or will i have to get the I beam

 

[Falcon67]

I'm a tech guy and can't even get Android Beam to work half the time.