Beam supporting motor...

[jimtheengineer10]

My client is looking to install some motors on top of some existing steel beams to lift a platform for plays. There are two 15"-42# I beams spaced 16" apart. There are three sets of beams like this with 2x12's @ 24" o.c. spanning from one set of beams to another. There are also 1-1/8" x 4" slats on top of the 2x12's. I plan on determining the max weight the beams can handle but before I start doing the calcs do you think I have to take any kind of vibration or anything else into account? Thanks.

 

[Teguci]

You'd probably want a couple diagonals in there to prevent scewing of the platform. As for the lift itself, not sure what you need.

 

[steellion]

Fatigue could be a factor for beams supporting motors. The AISC manual covers this issue.

 

[rb1957]

motor torque (particularly failure case)

 

[MiketheEngineer]

I usually go the other route - know the motor and analyze the strcuture. See how "much" you have left in the design - since it sounds as if it already built.

I worry a lot about vibrations working loose any connections. Address this.