How to Convert 180 Ton to kN/m?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the conversion of 180 tons to kN/m, highlighting the incompatibility of these units. Participants clarify that tons measure mass or force, while kN/m represents a force per unit length. The correct approach involves converting tons to kilonewtons (kN) and then dividing by the length of the bridge to obtain the required kN/m value. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding unit compatibility in engineering calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of force and mass units, specifically metric tons and kilonewtons.
  • Basic knowledge of engineering principles related to load calculations.
  • Familiarity with bridge design and load distribution concepts.
  • Ability to perform unit conversions and apply formulas in engineering contexts.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the conversion of metric tons to kilonewtons using the formula: 1 ton = 9.81 kN.
  • Study the principles of load distribution in bridge engineering.
  • Learn about the calculation of dead loads and live loads in structural design.
  • Explore engineering software tools for load analysis and unit conversions.
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, particularly civil and structural engineers, students in engineering disciplines, and professionals involved in bridge design and load analysis will benefit from this discussion.

Laurine
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Hello,

can anyone help me to convert 180 ton to kN/m ?
Which formula can you use to convert this?

Thanks!
 
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You can't convert tons to kN/m. kN/m represents a force distributed over a length, while tons can either be an absolute force (or mass).

e.g., 1 metric ton = 1000 kg, while the ton in imperial units is 2240 pounds force (or 2000 pounds force for the so called short ton).
 
Welcome to PF!

I'm sorry, but those two units are not compatible. You can convert tons to kN (google will tell you how), but there is no distance in the first number to convert to meters.
 
Laurine said:
Hello,

can anyone help me to convert 180 ton to kN/m ?
Which formula can you use to convert this?

Thanks!
Hi Laurine. Perhaps you could explain why you would like to do this conversion? --- then someone could help by examining the lead up to this question.
 
NascentOxygen said:
Hi Laurine. Perhaps you could explain why you would like to do this conversion? --- then someone could help by examining the lead up to this question.
Hi everyone,
thanks for the reactions!

Well, we need to discribe the forces on a bridge. In one of the formulas, we need the dead load of the deck. I can only find the selfweight in tons, but the formula demands the unit [kN/m].
So I guess it would be correct if I convert tons in kN and than divide this by the total length of the bridge?

Kind regards
 
Can you post that formula here?
 
NascentOxygen said:
Can you post that formula here?
I'm sorry for my late anwer, but I've found the answer to my question. Thank you!
 

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