Aluminium Extrusion Strength

[ctva]

I am looking to find out the size of Alu box /channel/angle section that I need to support a specific weight over a given span (250kg central point weight, with 1700mm between supports).

I had previously found a very helpful site that allowed you to enter the various details of section shape, wall thickness, size, span and load which then gave the SWL. Of course, I cannot find it now.

Anyn assistance in pointing me in the right direction would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[europe172]

I am looking to find out the size of Alu box /channel/angle section that I need to support a specific weight over a given span (250kg central point weight, with 1700mm between supports).

I had previously found a very helpful site that allowed you to enter the various details of section shape, wall thickness, size, span and load which then gave the SWL. Of course, I cannot find it now.

Anyn assistance in pointing me in the right direction would be appreciated.

Thanks

The Engineering ToolBox

 

[ctva]

Thanks but I cannot see anything there to calculate the section sizes for my needs?

 

[earlybird]

Have you googled "beam stress calculator". This gives a variety of websites that could suit your needs. 2nd moment of area of the beam can also be found from on-line calculators. Bear in mind that you will also need to know the mechanical properties of the aluminium alloy that you're using. This will vary with composition and temper, Also the safety factor, type of beam end fixing, etc will need to be defined. Take care; a 250Kg weight can do some damage if it falls!

 

[boomerangben]

The SWL for your beam will depend on where you are and what design code you choose to use. In other words, whilst you might find an online design tool, I would be careful about using it and I suspect most are reluctant to put their name to such a tool in these days of dial-a-compensation.

This is a difficult question to give an answer to. It is relatively straightforward to calculate a solution to your problem, but without knowing more about the geometry, application and location of what you are trying to do, I don't think anyone who is qualified to give an answer would. 250 kg is enough to do serious damage and serious injury. For instance, a 4" x 2" box section might (I'm not saying it will) work up right, but if it fell over under load, it might not work - the devil is in the detail of what you are trying to do.