Perpendicular Beam Deflection question

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a structural engineering problem involving beam deflection in a concrete bridge application. Participants are exploring the use of a W33x118 beam placed perpendicular to a W21x68 beam to limit deflection under a specified load.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the nature of the question, asking whether it is homework or work-related, and notes that the span length of the W33 and its positioning relative to the W21 will influence the analysis.
  • Another participant clarifies that the question pertains to a work problem involving a concrete bridge, specifying that the W33 will span 40 feet and support multiple W21x68 beams at a defined spacing.
  • The contractor's requirement to limit total deflection to 1/4 inch is highlighted, indicating a specific performance criterion that must be met.
  • A suggestion is made to consider posting the question on a different forum that may be more suited for such engineering problems.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the best approach to solve the problem, and multiple viewpoints regarding the setup and requirements remain present.

Contextual Notes

Details regarding the relative stiffness of the beams and the specific loading conditions are not fully explored, leaving some assumptions and dependencies unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Structural engineers, civil engineering students, and professionals involved in bridge design and analysis may find this discussion relevant.

Bman426
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Given a W21x68 beam with 1.388 kips per foot loading spanning 34 feet. The beam will carry the load but the maximum deflection is greater than wanted. We would like to put a W33x118 beam perpendicular to the centerline of the W21x68 (17 feet), to limit the deflection.


Homework Equations


Calculating the the final deflection of the beams?


The Attempt at a Solution


?
 

Attachments

  • beams.jpg
    beams.jpg
    15.5 KB · Views: 607
Physics news on Phys.org
Is this a homework question or a work related question? What is the span length of the W33? Is the W21 resting at the mid span of the W33? The location affects the relative stiffnesses of the beams.
 
Sorry I didn't get back to post until now, I have been out of the area for a bit.

It is a work problem. The problem is one for a concrete bridge. This question comes from the formwork that is to be used to pour the new bridge. The contractor I am working with wants to limit the total deflection to 1/4 inch if possible. The W33 will span 40 feet and will have 8 of the W21x68 resting on it at 4' - 8" spacing.
 
This question is more appropriate for a forum such as http://www.eng-tips.com where similar problems are often discussed (I suggest)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
8K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K