Need help with statics problem -- Structure to hold 1300 pounds

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a statics problem related to designing a structure capable of supporting a 1300 lb supersack filled with walnuts. Participants explore various aspects of the structural design, including forces, distances, and materials, while addressing safety concerns.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the context of the problem, questioning whether it is for schoolwork or a practical application.
  • One participant states that they need to determine the length of a beam (x) to prevent the structure from tipping over under the weight of the load.
  • Another participant suggests that x should be a minimum of r1/2 + r2 - r3, recommending a longer length for safety.
  • Concerns are raised about the structural integrity, with a participant emphasizing the need for strong materials to prevent buckling.
  • Participants discuss the importance of the angle of the beams and the role of side frames in maintaining stability.
  • One participant suggests consulting a real engineer due to the complexities and safety issues involved with the load and structure.
  • There is a mention of needing to accommodate a forklift for operational purposes, which adds to the design considerations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the necessary constraints for the beam length and the overall design approach. There is no consensus on the best method to ensure stability and safety, highlighting multiple competing views.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of considering the center of gravity and the potential for tipping, but there are unresolved questions regarding the specific calculations and design parameters needed for safety.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in structural engineering, statics, or those involved in practical applications of load-bearing designs.

Noah332
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TL;DR
Trying to build a structure but not sure if i am doing it correctly
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So given a force F that is at r1/2, distances y, r1,r2,and r3. What is x?
 
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What is the context of your question? Is this for schoolwork?
 
Im trying to build a structure that can hold a 1300 lb supersack full of walnuts for work.
 
Noah332 said:
What is x?
Since you have given us no idea what constrains you want to put on x, how could we know? What is it you are trying to achieve?
 
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Does x need to have a constraint? Its a statics problem. I figured you sum up the forces in the x direction, sum up the forces in the y direction and sum of the moments and solve for x. Seems pretty straight forward I am just trying to check if i did it right so i want to see how someone who knows what they are doing, does it? The one thing i realized i left out is the angle of those angled beams. They should be 45 degrees.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Noah332 said:
Does x need to have a constraint? Its a statics problem. I figured u sum up the forces in the x direction, sum up the forces in the y direction and sum of the moments and solve for x. Seems pretty straight forward I am just trying to check if i did it right so i want to see how someone who knows what they are doing, does it? The one thing i realized i left out is the angle of those angled beams. They should be 45 degrees.
? x is a DISTANCE, not a force, at least the way you have it drawn.
 
Yes exactly. Its a distance. I need to figure out how long that beam should be so thing thing doesn't fall over from the weight.
 
Noah332 said:
Yes exactly. Its a distance. I need to figure out how long that beam should be so thing thing doesn't fall over from the weight.

and what are you wanting to build the structure from ?
anything less than very strong and it will buckle long before it topples over
 
Noah332 said:
Yes exactly. Its a distance. I need to figure out how long that beam should be so thing thing doesn't fall over from the weight.
Well, that's trivial. x has be be a minimum of r1/2 + r2 - r3. In practice you'll want it a bit longer. Personally, I'd go with x = r1 + r2 - r3
 
  • #10
You want to hold a 1300 load, but don't know how to keep it from tipping over. I strongly suggest talking to a real engineer.

BTW, those angle braces do exactly nothing for the strength of the vertical column. Can you explain why?

phinds said:
Well, that's trivial. x has be be a minimum of r1/2 + r2 - r3. In practice you'll want it a bit longer. Personally, I'd go with x = r1 + r2 - r3
If it was my job, I would want the front support at least 2 feet past the center of gravity of the 1300 lb load. Preferably a little more, or a lot more depending on the height. And anchor it to the floor.
 
  • #11
jrmichler said:
You want to hold a 1300 load, but don't know how to keep it from tipping over. I strongly suggest talking to a real engineer.

BTW, those angle braces do exactly nothing for the strength of the vertical column. Can you explain why?If it was my job, I would want the front support at least 2 feet past the center of gravity of the 1300 lb load. Preferably a little more, or a lot more depending on the height. And anchor it to the floor.
Sure, but he gave a very simplistic problem and I gave him a simplistic answer.
 
  • #12
jrmichler said:
You want to hold a 1300 load, but don't know how to keep it from tipping over.
As far as that goes, what keeps it from tipping over sideways?
 
  • #13
davenn said:
and what are you wanting to build the structure from ?
anything less than very strong and it will buckle long before it topples over
Its being built out of steel
 
  • #14
sandy stone said:
As far as that goes, what keeps it from tipping over sideways?
Well it will have two of those side frames about 4 ft apart with connected cross beams
 
  • #15
Noah332 said:
Well it will have two of those side frames about 4 ft apart with connected cross beams
One at each corner
 
  • #16
We need to be able to drive a forklift to be able to rest straps from the supersack on the top bars sticking out
 
  • #17
phinds said:
Sure, but he gave a very simplistic problem and I gave him a simplistic answer.
I wanted to see how you would use statics. Like sum the forces and the moments. I wanted to see how its done
 
  • #18
Thread closed temporarily for Moderation (safety issues).

Because if the inexperience of the OP and the heavy loads involved, this thread will remain closed. Thanks to all who responded.
 
Last edited:

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