Framework with angle steel

[cameron83]

Hello all,

Im looking for some help with the construction of a frame out of angle steel. We are constructing a wakeboarding slider for the local club and chose a steel frame as this will be around for a long time. It will be the same general shape as the one in this picture:

http://www.wakeworld.com/Galleries/GetImage.asp?GalleryID=266&ImageID=19

It will have a steel frame, coolroom panelling across the bottom for floatation, ply sides and a wood/pvc sheeting surface. The main steel framework that i need help with is the trangular body which is approximately 10m long without the up and down ramps.. Im not sure the best way to join the angle steel where it would meet in three directions and how much reinforcement it would require.

Any help would be greatly appreciated with this project.

Regards,

Cameron

 

[Goahead]

It is not clear if the three directions are orthogonal or at different angles. An explanation or a sketch would help.

http://www.welding-advisers.com/

 

[cameron83]

Ok sorry heres a picture of the basic framework im stuck with.. Wanting to use angle steel for its strength so I can use less of it (saving weight), but not sure how to join it and if this is the best way to go about it..

http://forums.wakeboarder.com/viewtopic.php?p=774848#774848

(Just scroll down the bottom to the white and black picture.. the red joins are what im stuck on..)

 

[zcp]

At a quick glance, I would consider joining the front and back angled surface frames with 45 deg angle joints (like a picture frame) and butt welding (watch the root opening). Then the horiz pieces could have one leg of the angle trimmed to fit inside the frame and be fillet welded on the inside.

Another option is having someone machine you a corner block with the angles that would accept some countersunk fasteners.

As I look at this a third time, I am a little concerned about your long runs on the angled surface frame under the possible impact load of the boarder. May want to consider rect. tube or an eggcrate structure. Watch the corrosion aspect as well.

Since your sponsor is spending some money on having this made, you may want to spend a little on having an engineer design it for you. Let me know if I can help.

ZCP

http://www.phoenix-engineer.com