What angle steel metal to replace 2 by 3 wood?

[G]

Looking for L section or similar steel to replace approximately 2.4m of 2x3.

It needs to be able to take, say, 160kg or so in the middle of the beam - but the majority of the time a hell of a lot less than that.

Having trouble finding appropriate structural specs. When I have time, will pop into the local metal place and see if they've got anything useful - but in the past I've found it quite hard to find such details.

I'm a bit limited on space, so looking to use the L section steel to save space.

It's two edges of what will be a flat 'bed' with cross pieces across every 20cm say (not decided if wood or metal yet, was wood when it was in somewhere with more space).

I could possibly add some extra support, but ideally would just have an appropriate bit of metal so I don't need to.

If at all possible I do want to stick with the L shape, as that's what'll work best to save space.

[Pete.]

I wouldn't have thought you could suspend 160kg in the middle of a 8 feet of 2x3 without risking it breaking.

I've got some 3x2 channel that would do it easily, but it's over here in Kent.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

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[BTTD]

https://www.woodbin.com/calcs/sagulator.htm

Will calculate the sag for wood shelving, but this is all I could find for L beams. You'll need a calculator.

https://www.cnczone.com/forums/mechanical_calculations_engineering_design/72729-angle_iron_deflection.html

[G]

To be fair, I took a figure that seemed reasonable, then added a chunk to it for 'safety'. And at that kind of weight it'd be more distributed too.

If the size I'd need is going to end up too heavy, then I'll just make do with a lower capacity.

Unfortunately it really does need to be an L section - 3x2 channel and I'd just use the wood I already have. Similarly, an I-beam of that size wouldn't really help.

I'm trying to fit the same flat bed dimensions in to a restricted space - unfortunately it's restricted enough that the 2" either side does make all the difference.

I'm also restricted in height, otherwise I would put the beams underneath - I've already got a nasty gouge on my head from walking into something else a bit too low!
However, it's not the end of the world and may end up just doing it this way with the wood if can't find metal at a suitable weight/price.

Ta jnw010 - there was a link to a 'beamboy' programme from the second link which looked good. But it crashes when I try and add a weight. I may see if I can get it working at some point.

[Aff]

Here's an analysis for 3"x2"x1/4" A36 Steel L Bar with 1600N positioned on a point directly in the middle.

https://www.bikechatforums.com/download.php?id=89879

https://www.bikechatforums.com/download.php?id=89878

https://www.bikechatforums.com/download.php?id=89877

https://www.bikechatforums.com/download.php?id=89876
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Current Bikes:Honda 929RR Fireblade, Honda CD200 Benly (Project), Stomp Z2 140
Electric Bike Project

[G]

Cheers .

Am I reading it right that at such a load it'd deform by 2mm?

If so, that sounds fine to me - as it's unlikely to ever be quite that bad and most of the time, no where near.

Just had a look on ebay and the pricing isn't TOO prohibitive.
I'm hoping that if I go down to the local metal place they'll have some off cuts in around the right size - sometimes they have some quite long ones, though this is pushing it a bit.

I got a 2" ID 3mm wall 1m welded pipe from their off cuts for £5, which was way cheaper than ordering a bit like that.

[Aff]

Yep 2mm, if you go down to 1"x1"x1/4" it goes up to 30mm, think it's still within A36's shear limits though.
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Current Bikes:Honda 929RR Fireblade, Honda CD200 Benly (Project), Stomp Z2 140
Electric Bike Project

[G]

Works out (did it for a flat piece of 125mm for ease) at 14.7kg, which is a little heavier than I wanted really, but manageable I reckon.

30mm would actually be okI reckon, considering that I've allowed myself a bit of extra room - though I won't risk going that low, but maybe consider 2" x 1" x 1/4", as I presume the strength is mostly in the upright bit. That'd work out at around 8.8kg.

If need be, I reckon I could add some sort of support about 800mm in at one side; which then not only shorten the load, but mean the weight was being added nearer a support. If it turned out to be a problem, I could also just make sure that was the case anyway.

The other parts of the main flat-bed bit should also help strengthen and distribute load too (may have to change the fabrication a little from my previous all-wood design).

[Aff]

If you give me a rough idea of size and shape, I can do a load test on the whole system if you like.
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Current Bikes:Honda 929RR Fireblade, Honda CD200 Benly (Project), Stomp Z2 140
Electric Bike Project

[G]

Cheers, but I should be fine - and I'm not even sure how it'll turn out until I have the materials in my hands and I'm starting to drill/weld/saw!

[Yoyo]

Have you thought about a small RSJ, with a small beam roller. Maybe something like 75 x 150. Or even Tee-bar would work.
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Joe: I don't wish to floccinaucinihilipilificate your choices, but the best word in the world is gaylord.

[G]

Yes, I have.