How Do I Calculate the Load Capacity of My Inverted L-Shaped Car Port Post?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the load capacity of an inverted L-shaped carport post constructed with 1/4" thick metal and a concrete base. The user, Ben, has reinforced the structure with a 24" diameter footing that is 5 feet deep, exceeding local code requirements. Concerns are raised about the effectiveness of sonotubes in cold climates due to potential freeze-thaw issues, emphasizing the importance of proper depth for stability. Ben's structure is noted to be robust, with some humor about its potential to support heavy vehicles. The conversation highlights the significance of adhering to building codes and ensuring structural integrity in varying climates.
Bencrx91
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Good day everyone.

I have built a car port post in an inverted L shape and want to calculate the load that it can support.

I think I have “over-killed” the posts enough.
I am curious to see how much weight this structure could hold.

Any way of calculating the load at the area which support the wood beam ?

All metal is 1/4" thick.
Base mounting bolts/rod is 5/8"
All joints are welded with arc-welding @ 7018 @ 1/8" rod.

Concrete base 12" sonotube with 24" footing @ 8" thick.
Embedded re-bar 2 part setup .

See attached pictures.

Thanks,
Ben
 

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Other pics.
 

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Bencrx91 said:
Concrete base 12" sonotube with 24" footing @ 8" thick.
Where do you live?

Where I live - in Canada, Sonotubes are not a good thing. Water seeps down, freezes in the winter and then pushes the concrete straight up the smooth inside of the Sonotube.

And we got to go down 36" - 48".

(Just finished building my own carport.)

http://davesbrain.livejournal.com/2011/11/05/
 
Thanks for the reply Dave, I live near Ottawa, Canada.

I have poured a 24" diameter footing @ 5ft deep then poured the sonotube on top of it with rebar joining the concrete footing and sonotube. Code require 4ft deep, I have 5ft, it should be good.

Sonotube without "base/footings" if not deep enough will be moved out of the soil from freeze and thaw. (i.e. most people do the sonotubes for fences and dig only 24", 2 years after the fence is out of alignment).

Cheers!
Ben
 
Bencrx91 said:
Thanks for the reply Dave, I live near Ottawa, Canada.

I have poured a 24" diameter footing @ 5ft deep then poured the sonotube on top of it with rebar joining the concrete footing and sonotube. Code require 4ft deep, I have 5ft, it should be good.

Sonotube without "base/footings" if not deep enough will be moved out of the soil from freeze and thaw. (i.e. most people do the sonotubes for fences and dig only 24", 2 years after the fence is out of alignment).

Cheers!
Ben

Ah! (Chance were highly unlikely you were anywhere near as far North as I - let alone farther. High five!)
 
Jesoosi Chistoosi - are those four inch square steel tubes? You could park a second car up there!
 
Almost ... 3.5" tubing @ 1/4" in thick.
I know, it's overkill haha, but I would really like to see how much it can support.
A car... or a dump truck ? haha.
 
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