I Beam Size for 50,000# Tank: Get Help Now!

  • Thread starter Thread starter dondolittle2
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Beam Deflection
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the appropriate size of an I Beam to support a tank weighing 50,000 pounds. Participants explore the structural requirements and safety considerations involved in the project, with varying levels of expertise and assumptions about the context of the inquiry.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests help in calculating the size of an I Beam for a tank weighing 50,000 pounds, providing dimensions for the frame and supports.
  • Another participant questions the request, suggesting that the original poster may lack the necessary knowledge to safely undertake the project.
  • A different participant emphasizes the importance of understanding the application and safety implications, recommending consulting a licensed professional engineer.
  • Some participants express frustration with perceived condescension in responses, arguing that the original poster deserves constructive feedback rather than criticism.
  • One participant interprets the original post as a request for help from someone inexperienced, highlighting the potential risks involved in the project.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of details regarding load application, beam connections, and structural integrity, which are crucial for determining the appropriate I Beam size.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the tone and appropriateness of responses, with some advocating for a more supportive approach while others emphasize the seriousness of the inquiry and the need for caution. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific size of the I Beam needed.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of critical details such as load application methods, beam connections, and structural analysis, which are necessary for a thorough evaluation of the project.

dondolittle2
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
I have a project and need help. I have a tank total weight full will be 50,000 #
The I Beam frame supporting it is 220 inches long X 86 inches wide.supporting the I Beam will be four supports 146 inches X 84 inches. Can anyone tell me what size I Beam I need? Thanks
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
So let me get this straight. You want to support 50,000 lbm on an I-beam, have no idea how to calculate what you need, and are willing to trust strangers on the internet to do so?
 
If you have nothing to say SHUT UP
 
If you have nothing to say why did you reply?
 
Could you post a diagram showing the frame configuration, the supports, and the applied load(s)?
 
Wow Cpt. Sass-a-lot. How about this, I'll shut up after you tell me the application so I can stay away.
 
dondolittle2 said:
If you have nothing to say SHUT UP

dondolittle2 said:
If you have nothing to say why did you reply?

First off, can the attitude.

Secondly, he had plenty to say. His point is that you obviously have no idea what you are doing so this is either a homework problem or a disaster waiting to happen.

If it is homework, then post it in the appropriate sub-forum.

If it is not homework, consult a licensed professional engineer before you hurt yourself or someone else.

CS
 
I came here for help on a project. I think an I Beam frame 220" X 86" cross braced and supported at four places will have no problem handling the 50,000# gross weight. If minger had read the post and made a legitimate comment I wouldn't have gotten an attitude but instead some knuckleheads are educated beyond their intelligence they try to make other people look dum to make themselves look good. Well didn't work minger
 
I did read, here's my interpretation

I have a project and need help.
Work asked me to do something I'm not 100% sure how to do.

I have a tank total weight full will be 50,000 #
I am trying to support the equivalent of 3 full-sized school buses

The I Beam frame supporting it is 220 inches long X 86 inches wide.supporting the I Beam will be four supports 146 inches X 84 inches.
I am familiar with tape measures.

Can anyone tell me what size I Beam I need? Thanks
...but that's all.

Listen man, I have plenty of posts on here that would seem dumb to a seasoned engineer. I've been posting here for years and one of my first was a dumb question on superheated steam tables.

As stewart said, my first post wasn't meant to be mean, just perhaps eye-opening. This is why standards are developed. 50,000 lb is a LOT of mass, and if you aren't familiar with how to do the analysis then to put it bluntly, you could kill someone.

You mentioned nothing about how the load is applied, how your beams are connected, welds, bolths, supports, anything. This makes me believe that are either way too inexperienced, or way too unqualified. If you are willing to live with those risks then perhaps your best bet is to post in the homework section where someone could take a textbook, idea, no Kt, no side force, etc, etc approach to your problem.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
33
Views
6K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
Replies
6
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K