What Size I Beam for 5m Roof Span Supporting 20,000 kg?

  • Thread starter Thread starter escobar147
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Beam
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the design of I beams for a roof structure spanning 5 meters and supporting a total weight of 20,000 kg. Participants explore various aspects of structural design, including the necessary dimensions for the I beams and considerations for safety and compliance with building codes.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks advice on the appropriate dimensions for I beams, mentioning the specific weight and span requirements.
  • Another participant requests additional information about the application, including the type of support structure and whether the roof is pitched, indicating that these factors are crucial for determining beam specifications.
  • Concerns are raised about the safety of the project, with a suggestion to consult a licensed structural engineer to ensure proper design and compliance with regulations.
  • Some participants emphasize that structural steel work is complex and not suitable for DIY projects, urging caution and professional guidance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the necessity of professional input for structural design, but there is no consensus on the specific dimensions or types of I beams to use due to the lack of detailed information about the project.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include missing details about the support structure, local building codes, and specific loading conditions that would affect the design of the I beams.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals involved in structural engineering, construction planning, or those seeking to understand the complexities of beam design in building projects.

escobar147
Messages
31
Reaction score
0
I am designing a roof which is 5 metres wide and 10 metres long. the total weight it has to support is 20,000 kg.

there will be two I beams spanning the 5 metre width, each i beam is 3.33m apart.

what dimensions should i use for my i beam?

any help would be massively appreciated, is there an industry standard beam for this type of project?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Need more info.

I'm not quite sure the application or if this is just a problem from your homework.

But there is a lot that goes into structural design and we need more information about what you're setting it on and your perimeter structure. Is it sitting on masonry wall? what kind? is it going to be secured mid span to a girder? Is the roof pitched? What is the other structural information? Most likely for things like this, you would have a square steel (i-beam) frame around the perimeter and use metal joists to span the short distance at approximately 1.5m-2m on center. If its allowed by your local code, you may also wind up using wood trusses & girders. You get the joist size, by taking the length of the longest unbraced portion of the beam, its dead and live loads for the area its supporting, and the load it has to support. You have to account for wind loads, uplift forces and resistances and how much beams/joists are allowed to deflect.

Normally, you would have to get this work permitted and have the stamped of a licensed structural engineer for it. Could you give some more information?
 
Assuming this is a real project, stop what you are doing and contact a local civil/structural professional engineer. You are out of your element. Do not put people in danger due to your ignorance.

If this is a homework problem, please state so. I think there is a different forum for that.
 
agreed

/Agreed. Structural steel is not a Do It Yourself home project.
 
Good advice. Thread closed.
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
10K
Replies
33
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
8K