I Beam Load

MITCalc is an excellent program that calculates loads in beams and columns. I use they quite extensively and is relatively inexpensive. You an change to see what is required, and has a wide selection of standard material

http://www.mitcalc.com/

try this for all your load calcs.http://ask.reference.com/related/I+Beam+Load+Span+Chart?

o=102545&qsrc=121&l=dir I'm curious what your beams will rest on assuming you're avoiding a central column?

Go with bigger I beams anyway. Gives you some play if you ever need to hang anything from the under side eg pipe racking, ladders, motorbike frames, hoarded krap.... and the mandatory V8 engine hanging on a chain block (spiders have to make their webs somewhere...part of the green initiative).

If adding a column below is a real bind why not support the centre of the beam from above? To gusset plates at each end of the top of the beam fix two lengths of 4" box section angled to form a triangle above the beam. From the gusset plate at the apex of the triangle drop a wire to a fixing point on the centre of the beam. Tension the wire with a turn-buckle. The 4" box section will be in compression, the wire will be in tension and structurally you will have a complex beam that will take more load before deflection becomes a problem. Get somebody competent to design the gusset plates and size the wire.

Information given by you is not sufficient, please provide following:-

1. Load/sq. m

2. Cantilever support.

3. How beam is supported in the ends?.

4. Total load to be stored.

My suggestion would be to consult local civil engineer to provide you detailed design. Also he will guide you if any permissions are required from local authorities.

Thanks guys,

Looks like I need to re-phrase a bit. Beams to be supported by on ends by shop structure, not an issue here, the structure is built to handle heavy loads.

An empty space like this in a shop will be filled with as much crap as possible and quite likely will in fact have stuff hung underneath.

Might be best just to ask what is the maximum weight the 10"x 25.4# beam can handle in its center of the span length given (32') .

Not much, it surpasses maximum deflect (Relative Beam Deflection %) at 7 lbs so I used 6 lbs using a W10X26 beam. (I see that I had 1/8lb per in of continuous loading, Item 17) I would have taken that out if I would have caught it in time, or used a more realative number.)

See below

Thanks Phoenix, so I will support this from overhead as it seems.

GA

32' is a pretty long span for that size beam.

If I can find more time, I'll run other profiles. (Box Tube, or channel)

Also, if you can give me some loads, I see how many supports (minimum) and the reactions. to give you an idea.

Oh, and btw,......

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