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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of elevating a bed by 4 inches using PVC pipe. Participants explore various methods, structural considerations, and potential risks associated with this approach, including static and dynamic loads. The conversation includes both practical suggestions and technical calculations related to the strength of materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents detailed calculations regarding the expected weight and stress on the PVC, comparing it to the material's compressive strength.
  • Another participant suggests using alternative methods such as milk crates or bed risers available for purchase, indicating that there may be simpler solutions.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes the need to consider dynamic loads, particularly from children jumping on the bed, which could exceed static load calculations.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential for structural failure if the PVC is not adequately supported or if lateral stresses are introduced.
  • One participant mentions the risk of the PVC splitting if subjected to moments from the bed's movement, depending on the size of the PVC used.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions, with some suggesting alternative methods while others focus on the technical aspects of using PVC. There is no consensus on the best approach or the adequacy of the proposed calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of considering both static and dynamic loads, as well as the specific structural properties of the materials involved. There are unresolved concerns regarding the adequacy of the calculations and the potential for failure under certain conditions.

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.