SAFE LOAD TABLES FOR SIMPLE STEEL BEAMS
Instructions
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Look carefully at the two surfaces the ends of the beam will rest on. They must be on
the same level (height) and each surface must be level. If there is any doubt about
whether the surface might crumble, crack or yield under the load, place something
strong like a steel plate or a concrete pad on it. Also make sure that it’s not just the
surface that’s strong enough but also the structure underneath it; for example, don’t
support a beam on top a wall if there’s a window just below it, or on steel or timber
that’s not strong enough. The following organisations can be contacted for advice
on the strength of the support structure:
Cement and Concrete Institute (http://cnci.org.za)
Tel (011) 315 0300
Concrete Manufacturers Association (http://www.cma.org.za)
Tel: (011) 805 6742
Measure the distance between the centers of the supports (the ‘span’) in meters.
Determine the weight to be supported (including the weight of the chain block)
accurately, in kilograms.
Use the table to select the beam that can carry the weight for the particular span.
The steel beam MUST be made from grade S355JR steel.
Obtain a beam that is long enough so that at least 100 mm (10 cm) can lie on the
support surface on each side. Place the beam in position.
Make a brace from flat steel, a small angle or something similar, and attach it to the
top of the beam and to the support surface so that it forms an angle with the vertical
(see the sketch). Attach the brace to the support surface and the top of the beam
with bolts. (Alternatively, use another approach to ensure that the top of the beam
will be prevented from moving sideways, so that the beam will not be able to roll
over.)
If the weight will hang from the beam as shown in the sketch install the rope or chain
by which the weight will be supported. Use the timber block to protect the beam
from damage. If the weight is to be placed on top of the beam, provide proper
supports to prevent the weight and the top of the beam from moving sideways, or
from toppling over.
The weight must only be positioned somewhere in the central third of the beam.
Apply the weight slowly. If anything looks worrisome, stop and think again. Get
advice if you are concerned about anything.
Note that heavy weights can be dangerous, especially if they are in a elevated
position.
You need to be extremely careful, and obey the Occupational Health and Safety
Act.
This note is not intended to replace the structural engineer. If it is a requirement of the
local authority, if there is any complexity, if the load or the span is bigger than in the
tables, or if there is any reason for concern – get the services of a qualified structural
engineer.
BRACE ATTACHED TO
TOP OF BEAM AND TO
SUPPORT SURFACE TO
PREVENT SIDEWAYS
MOVEMENT (ROLLING) OF
THE TOP OF THE BEAM.
HARDWOOD BLOCK TO
PROTECT TOP FLANGE.
AT LEAST 100 mm OF END
OF BEAM TO REST ON
HARD, SOLID SURFACE;
BOTTOM OF BEAM MUST
NOT BE ABLE TO MOVE
SIDEWAYS.
2
IPE Sections
IPE 100
100
IPE 120
150
IPE 140
250
IPE 160
350
IPE 180
500
IPE 200
650
I-Sections (Parallel Flange)
203x133x25
1 000
254x146x31
1 450
305x102x25
600
305x165x41
2 000
356x171x45
2 000
STRONG ENOUGH ROPE
(OR CHAIN) AND HOOK.
Maximum Load [kg]
Span [m]
3
4
150
200
300
400
650
900
350
1 450
1 550
5
6
400
600
250
400
200
300
950
1 000
650
700
500
550
150
250