Can I elevate a bed by 4 inches with PVC and sleep on it?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on elevating a bed by 4 inches using PVC pipe. The user calculated the expected total weight, including mattress and occupants, at 220.92 kg and analyzed the compressive strength of clear PVC, which is 8,300 psi (57,226,508 Pa). The user concluded that the stress exerted on the PVC would be 2,416,334.38 Pa, which is well below the PVC's capacity. However, concerns about dynamic loads and structural integrity were raised, suggesting that alternative methods such as bed risers or wooden blocks may be safer options.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles, particularly force and pressure calculations.
  • Familiarity with material properties, specifically the compressive strength of PVC.
  • Knowledge of bed construction and weight distribution.
  • Awareness of alternative bed elevation methods, such as bed risers or wooden blocks.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the structural integrity of various materials for bed elevation, focusing on wood and metal options.
  • Explore the use of commercially available bed risers, such as those from Honey-Can-Do.
  • Investigate the effects of dynamic loads on bed structures, particularly in households with children.
  • Learn about proper weight distribution techniques for elevating furniture safely.
USEFUL FOR

Individuals looking to elevate their beds safely, DIY enthusiasts, and those interested in furniture design and structural integrity.

Teodyssey
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Hi everyone, it's my first post!

I need to elevate a bed by 4 inches for a while. I did some work on this problem already. Here's all the information I used to reach my conclusion:

expected total weight with mattress and occupants = 220.92200 kilograms
bed weight = 54 kg = 54,000 grams = 119.05 lb
bed dimmensions = 199.4 x 106.7 x 149.9 cm

cross section of the legs = 6.205 cm
radias of the legs = 3.10125 cm
area of the legs = 30.22 cm2
circumference of leg = 19.5 cm (Does not reflect the actual around of metal contacting floor)

Bed image = https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0040V9ZWE/?tag=pfamazon01-20

My original plan was to get PVC and just put the PVC around the legs of the bed. I looked it up and PVC's compression strength and modulus are about =

Clear PVC pipe Physical properties
Compressive Strength psi @75°F 8,300
Compressive Modulus psi @ 75°F 307,000
http://plascowelding.com/pdf2007/PVC&CPVCPipeandFittings/PVC-Clear-Pipe&Fittings/PVC(SCH.40&SCH.80)ClearPipe.PDF

PSI to Pa conversion
8,300 PSI * 6,894.76 Pa/PSI = 57,226,508 Pa
307,000 PSI * 6,894.76 Pa/PSI = 2,116,691,320 Pa

I ran the numbers assuming that I could use the pressure the legs exert as a decent yardstick to approximate how much stress the PVC would have to endure:

220.9220 kg * 9.8 m/s^2 = 2 165.0356 Newtons

2 165.0356 Newtons / 8.96 centimeters^2 = 2,416,334.38 pascals

Now the 8.96 cm^2 figure is based on the thickness of the beds legs which are hollow.

2,416,33.38 Pa < 57,226,508 Pa & 2,116,691,320 Pa

But... I feel like I'm missing something with this. I want to verify my conclusion before going ahead with this.

If my stuff is completely bogus then by all means suggest an alternate method.
 
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We used to prop the box spring up on milk crates.
 
Also you could just try it. If you have total structural failure you will be falling 4 inches. On a mattress.

Try to get tubing that rests flat on bottom of the main frame. Avoid having any lateral or point stress from braces, welds, bolts, etc.

Bricks or wood blocks work as well.

BoB
 
You have only considered the static loads, the dynamic loads may exceed those significantly. You need to consider young ones using the bed as a trampoline.
 
Teodyssey said:
Hi everyone, it's my first post!

I need to elevate a bed by 4 inches for a while. I did some work on this problem already. Here's all the information I used to reach my conclusion:If my stuff is completely bogus then by all means suggest an alternate method.
I think there are better ways to get where you want to go.
http://www.target.com/p/honey-can-do-bed-risers-set-of-4/-/A-15743595?ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=15743595&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=pla_storage+organization+shopping&adgroup=sc_storage+organization&LID=27pgs&KID=61865c98-565d-6bc8-1aa0-00003f2404a4&kpid=15743595&gclid=CODIuNiYwscCFY6EaQod5agJMA
In addition, depending of the size of the PVC, movement on the bed might impart a moment
where the metal leg contacts the PVC and split it open.