Weight bearing loads for steel beams
Weight bearing loads for steel beams
(OP)
I manage a scrap yard and sell steel beams (typically 8w x 21lb. x 30ft. long) Customers are always asking me HOW MUCH WEIGHT CAN THIS HOLD? I cannot answer them. Is there a chart or some way to figure this out? For example if one is adding a second storey to an existing structure, and they have dimensions of the area to be added, they ask how much can this beam hold and/or how many beams would they need to span this area. I usually tell them to check with their architect or an engineer. I would like to be able to answer them here if possible. Anyone have any answers?






RE: Weight bearing loads for steel beams
RE: Weight bearing loads for steel beams
26 ft unbraced length allowable total moment is 13.5 kip
The design process for a steel beam can be summarised as follows:
a) Determination of all forces and moments on critical
section
b) Selection of UB or UC
c) Classification of section
d) Check shear strength; if unsatisfactory return to (b)
e) Check bending capacity; if unsatisfactory return to (b)
f) Check deflection; if unsatisfactory return to (b)
g) Check web bearing and buckling at supports or
concentrated load; if unsatisfactory provide
web stiffener
h) Check lateral torsional buckling; if unsatisfactory
return to (b) or provide lateral restraints
i) Summarise results
RE: Weight bearing loads for steel beams
RE: Weight bearing loads for steel beams
As you can see due to all of the above and much more, engineers on this forum can not say how much a w8x21 or any other beam can carry.
RE: Weight bearing loads for steel beams
RE: Weight bearing loads for steel beams
RE: Weight bearing loads for steel beams
Thank you for your addition