First post was 5 ton, now you're down to 2 ton.
Lots of arguing and we've never seen a print of what you intend to do.
Good luck man. I'm not sure what you're arguing anymore.
I have re-evaluated my needs. Making one to lift 5-tons wasnt going to be as feasible as I wanted. So I decided to start looking into something in the 4k-6k range, and scored a good deal on some beams that can handle that. If I ever do need to lift more, I can use a temporary jack post or just make sure I lift near one end. But doubt I would ever need to lift more.
It seems the arguing is coming from people/engineers that are saying and assuming things that I NEVER said. Constant references to "charts" and requirements of top flange bracing. Where the ONLY charts I have ever mentioned are ones specifically for bridge crane design and DO NOT require bracing. So when I say something like "I am not concerned with LTB", doesnt mean that I am ignoring it as a factor in design. It just means that the beam is stout enough for the load rating/span that LTB is not going to happen. (according to all the crane mfg's charts.)
SO I guess what I am arguing is why people keep bringing up LTB and falsely saying that "charts assume braced top flange"? Honestly I thought I was done with this thread. I have my beams and my design planned out in my head. I have no more questions about design and calculations.
I dont have any prints But can describe the design..
There will be 4 columns. Made from W10x33 beam with a 12" x 1/2" thick square plate welded on bottom anchored to the floor. These columns will be right about 10' high.
On top of those will sit W8x35 beams that are 15' long. So they will overhang the columns 1-1/2' on each side.
On top of those will be the 15' of 40# rail. The end trucks will have 8" wheels on 4' centers and made from 6x6x1/4 HSS
On top of the end trucks will sit the 38' long beam W18x60 beam. (effective span of 37')
Can someone clarify a couple of terms for me? It would seem that braced top flange = restrained top flange and unbraced = unrestrained buy what does that look like in the real world? I think someone mentioned welding a C channel to the top flange, essentially making it into a box. Is that what is meant?
I'm a carpenter, my idea of bracing is a whole lot different than what seems applicable in this situation.
There are many ways to brace the top flange in the real world. If using multiple I-beams like making a floor or bridge, you can use x braces like you do with the floor joists on a house. Like this
Bracing systems - Steelconstruction.info
For single beams like I am doing,
if it is required, you can use a channel cap. Like this
How to strengthen I beam deflection - Structural engineering other technical topics - Eng-Tips
