Calculate Size Steel Beam Needed For Bridge

The first input you need is the steel i beam load specifications or loading details on the steel i beam.

Calculate size steel beam needed for bridge.

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. 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. You have a choice of w beams s beams or american standard channels. 1 2 select steel beam size select the steel beam size from the dropdown list.

Beams of more than one ply must be fastened together with either nails or bolts. If you re not sure what beam size to use just allow the steel beam calculator to select the beam size for you. We have learned from our experience to use at least a 3 1 4 x 131 groove shank nail in a column of four every foot apart down the laminate. 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. The 2012 irc code calls for a minimum of a 32 o c. 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.

Calculate the section modulus for the different beams which you could use. To calculate properties of girder such as area moment of inertia geometric center and section modulus for both steel wide flange girder section and composite section with concrete deck. Divide the result by 1000 to get the figure in kips a non si unit of force equal to 1 000 pounds force and understand that 1 kip is equal to 4448 222 newtons.