I-Beam up in the new shop, and 320 amp service set-up

[DJ54]

I made jibs to lift the beam. Space was limited, so had to do some pretty close calculations. I used double dogged 2 ton come-a-longs to winch it up there. With the space I had to work with, I had to take the hooks of the end of the cables, and ran the cable through an 11/16" hole, with a thimble in there to keep from cutting the cable, in some lifting brackets I made. I used the ole' IH 656 on the right, and Massey 180 on the left for boat anchors, pulling off the drawbars. I added some hook points, for pennant lines, to keep the pull off the uprights. Just got the cables taught on the smaller come-a-longs.

Took about 45 minutes to winch it up there by myself..., and that was taking a break about half way up to get a drink, and look things over... 10 clicks = 6" of lift. Look at the picture closely, and you will see just how much lift I had left... Didn't need it,as the beam was in place when this picture was taken. I figured the distance on the lifting rigging, so as the beam would swing in, and be on center. I did have to take a bar clamp,and scoonch it 1/2" to be OC., and 3/8" longways to be OC there too... Not bad for an ole' dumb country boy..., LOL...

 

[DJ54]

7/16" flange X 5/16" web...

 

[LD1]

7/16" flange X 5/16" web...

How wide is the flange?? and I can tell you the size for sure.

And do you know if it is a Wide-flange type (h-beam), or is it the s-type (tapered flanges on the inside like channel iron)

 

[DJ54]

7" flange, and wide flange. I looked for the markings on the beam, but all I could see was USA, and another place New York, being most distinct. THAT in itself made me feel better..., LOL...

 

[LD1]

I am just going to throw out a guess and say W16 x 36 beam.

Following specs:16 x 7 36 15.85 6.992 .428 .299
Section depth=15.85"
Flange width = 6.992"
Flange thickness = .428
Web thickness = .228

36 pounds per foot. So at ~27', that beam weighed 972lbs

Also, single load at midpoint would give a rating in the 17k range. I think it would work for about anything you want short of working on a sherman tank

 

[LD1]

Looks like I guess right

 

[DJ54]

Thanks for the info..!! I reckon' it will handle anything I have, for now anyway..., LOL...

 

[LD1]

Yea, you should have NOTHING to worry about.

In my shop, I have two spans of w12x26 beam. (a good bit smaller than yours). It is holding up my upstairs floor/loft as well as being used with a trolley on the underside.

With the floor load, it is good to about 5k lbs before deflection exceeds l/360. And I have lifted close to that.

The beam you have is MUCH stouter

 

[chopped]

I saw that also, but hey...it works. PVC is PVC, who cares what color it is. (at least I dont).

BTW, what is the reasoning for the grey??? I have always just assumed it was so no-one mistakenly cut into it thinking it was a water or drain line???

I think this is a good question.Either way it does make sence to respect more the grey pipes for that reason.I have some wires run underground in the black poly well pipes ,Its not to code I bet but it adds some protection.
Here is a link to some explaination.All i can see is the temp rating for breakdown with the pipe, and its inside in this situation so I dont think its even an issue.
What Is Gray PVC Pipe Used for? | eHow.com

 

[heviduty]

Pipe is designed to resist internal pressure, while conduit is designed to resist external, crushing, pressure.