Calculating max load of storm shelter

[rimmer2300]

Easy question

Have a 5ft x 5ft x 5ft structure made from 3/8 carbon steel AISI 1018 I think

What is the max load this thing can take? What's the formula?

Stress=F/A

F=Stress*A?

Do I use the Modulus of Rigidity? Elasticity? Where can I find these values?

thanks

 

[Travis_King]

It's just a box? No, you can't just use sig=F/A...that is for loads on a surface. For structural integrity you have to get into a bit more work. Especially if it is a frame

 

[rimmer2300]

Yes it's just a box

3/8" Steel welded up to connect the walls

Any suggestions where I can find the correct formulas?

Been a while since college and can't remember where all that stuff is

thanks

 

[zainisan]

I think you should put some figure how you apply the load, is it bending, torsion, tension or compress. Different situation will have different formula.

 

[Travis_King]

My suggestion. Overbuild. Don't worry too much about the load calcs. If it is well built and overbuilt, you should have no worries. I doubt you are going to settle for a 20% factor of safety, so why not reinforce all the walls and ceiling and gusset your corners and make that baby unbreakable?

 

[nvn]

rimmer2300: There is not really an easy formula. I assumed there is a compressive load, P, evenly distributed over the top surface of the box. I currently got a maximum allowable load of P = 80.9 kN. Therefore, it currently appears the box will resist a compressive load of at least 80.9 kN.