Load distribution
Load distribution
(OP)
If I place 4'x8'sheet of plywood on a flat concrete surface then place a 4x8 steel plate on top of the plywood, then place a 72"L x36"W load in center; will the load distribute out to the total sqft to the concrete surface? How much will it distribute?
RE: Load distribution
The actual distribution is somewhere between full distribution and zero distribution.
The actual amount depends on the relative stiffnesses of the concrete, the plywood and the steel plate.
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RE: Load distribution
To add to JAE’s first sentence, the load will certainly not distribute uniformly as (Load)/(4'x8'), a uniform load in lbs./sq.ft. over 32 sq.ft.
In fact, if the base of the load is very stiff (engineering judgement, experience and some calcs. come into play here) the load will distribute fairly well over the base area. Thus, you have (Load)/(6'x3'), a uniform load under the base. So, given the bending of the plywd. and stl. pl. you really haven’t gained much by adding them. You would likely do much better by putting a layer or two of 6"x6" wooden timbers/beams, 3 or 4' wide by 8 or 10' long under the load. Because of their greater stiffness the timbers would distribute the load over a greater area at less cost than the plywd. and stl. pl.
RE: Load distribution
RE: Load distribution
A typical concrete surface is "rough" compared to a typical steel plate. What the plywood will do is provide a somewhat compressible cushion that deforms (a little) to match the concrete's surface contours. Then the steel plate more uniformly distributes load, without overloading "high spots" on the concrete surface.
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RE: Load distribution
RE: Load distribution