Calculate Size Steel Beam Needed For Bridge

You have a choice of w beams s beams or american standard channels.

Calculate size steel beam needed for bridge.

Calculate the section modulus for the different beams which you could use. A two 2 by 6 standard beam has actual dimensions of 1 5 by 5 5 inches which would give a section modulus of 1 5 x 5 5 x 5 5 6 7 6 which is not enough for this example. The 2012 irc code calls for a minimum of a 32 o c. The first input you need is the steel i beam load specifications or loading details on the steel i beam.

If you re not sure what beam size to use just allow the steel beam calculator to select the beam size for you. 1 2 select steel beam size select the steel beam size from the dropdown list. Use a calculator to multiply the clear span by the length of the floor joist by the vertical load. Draw bending moment diagram for the given loads and you will find the value of maximum bending moments say m that the steel i beam is expected to experience.

Choose an approximate size of steel i beam from a standard i beam table. The formula for the section modulus is beam width times beam depth squared divided by 6. 1 1 enter the steel beam span length enter the length of the steel beam. Once you have chosen the right shape of beam select its dimensions depth width and weight from the dropdown menu.

Beams of more than one ply must be fastened together with either nails or bolts. 2 load details you need to know what type of load your beam will be supporting. Staggered pattern with at least a 3 x 120 nail.