Max Steel Beam Weight

[UnneutralAxis]

I have a situation where I am only allowed 12" to place a steel beam. I'm wanting to use a multiple span to reduce deflection. Dead + Live is around 2k/ft. Spans range from 30' to 20'. Yeah, it's going to be a pretty heavy piece of steel. The type of construction is commercial, but except for these beams is relatively light weight, wood framed. What is the max weight beam you would use to keep the contractor from having to rent some very heavy equipt. for this scenario? Thanks for your input.

 

[msquared48]

I suggest you get ahold of a local Structural Engineer to help you with your problem here.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask

 

[ash060]

If you got at least three spans, I don't see you needing a lot of steel for the load you have.

Assuming it is fully braced or at about 6' c/c (braced) a W12x40 looks like it would handle it

 

[apsix]

It could be worthwhile to contact your local plant hire outlet to find out what light equiment is available.

If you don't want to use any equipment you're probably limited 40-50 lbs(?) per person.

Trying to use a continuous span beam may be counter-productive. Individual single span beams will be easier to manoeuvre than the full length multiple span beam (unless you think moment splices are feasible).

 

[racookpe1978]

"The type of construction is commercial, but except for these beams is relatively light weight, wood framed. What is the max weight beam you would use to keep the contractor from having to rent some very heavy equipt. for this scenario? "

No. YOUR question to the (first, assumed preferred) contractor should be: "What is the maximum weight beam YOU can safely lift to this elevation with YOUR existing equipment?

If that contractor cannot tell you, then YOUR question to the (next) contractor (in line) should be: ""What is the maximum weight beam YOU can safely lift to this elevation with YOUR existing equipment?


(Repeat until you find a contractor who has the right equipment available that can lift that much load that high safely.)