W6x15 I beam load calculation needed

[Woody65]

I can’t seem to find a load calculation chart for a w6x15 steel I beam at a 20’ span. The load would be distributed ( tractor, atv, utv, etc). Beam will be supported on both ends. Specs are as follows: area-4.43, d-5.99, bf-5.99, tf-.26, tw-.23, lxx-29.1, lyy-9.32 Thanks

 

[KennyG]

For some reason, that beam wasn't in my book of tables, but the weight capacity (evenly distributed, simply supported at the ends) is W = 8fS/l where f is the fiber stress limit (20,000 psi is a good estimate), l is the length of the beam in inches (240 in your case) and S is the section modulus in Inches cubed. After poking around I found a value for S for this wide flange beam of 9.7 in**3. Plugging this in, I get about 6500 lbs. Remember, this is really evenly distributed. Unless you have a good floor solidly distributing the load, I would back off. The point load capacity would only be half the distributed load capacity.

You should double check all this, but I think it makes sense.

 

[mikester]

Lots of free references online - heres a quick google search result. Its up to you to validate results. Use at your own risk.

Beam Calculator Online (Calculate the reactions, Draws Bending Moment, Shear Force, Axial Force)
Free Beam Calculator | Bending Moment, Shear Force and Deflection Calculator | SkyCiv
Structural Beam Deflection and Stress Formula and Beam Deflection Calculator - Engineers Edge

 

[Jack Wolf]

You can use a beam calculation tool to compute bending moments and shear forces in a beam.
For example Beam Calculator Online - Reactions, Bending Moments, Shear Forces - SolverEdu

 

[yooperdave]

I can’t seem to find a load calculation chart for a w6x15 steel I beam at a 20’ span. The load would be distributed ( tractor, atv, utv, etc). Beam will be supported on both ends. Specs are as follows: area-4.43, d-5.99, bf-5.99, tf-.26, tw-.23, lxx-29.1, lyy-9.32 Thanks

A W6 spanning 20' would concern me. It will deflect. Possibly much more than you or someone would find acceptable. You also need to make sure the beam is laterally braced, or it may buckle. Stresses are reduced based on bracing configuration. I would be much more inclined to use a W10 or a W12 with a 20' span. Good Luck!

Yooper Dave - retired professional Structural Engineer

 

[ArlyA]

Active load like a vehical crossing and static one are quite different not to mention lateral bracing as Dave mentioned is very important. (arm chain engineer)

 

[yooperdave]

Active load like a vehical crossing and static one are quite different not to mention lateral bracing as Dave mentioned is very important. (arm chain engineer)

Determine your loads, determine dynamic effects, determine bracing. THEN determine the maximum moment, Allowable bending stress, actual bending stress, and deflection(s). Might be worth hiring a structural engineer if the beam is important to safety.

 

[Woody65]

This thread is 6yrs old. If you want to see the finished product go to a thread of mine called “ finally got the bridge started”. I wound up going with (4) w12x25 beams. It turned out pretty cool. Thanks for the responses.