SAFE LOAD TABLES FOR SIMPLE STEEL BEAMS

Instructions

Look carefully at the two surfaces the ends of the beam will rest on. They must be
on the same level (height) and each surface must be level. If there is any doubt
about whether the surface might crumble, crack or yield under the load, place
something strong like a steel plate or a concrete pad on it. Also make sure that
its not just the surface thats strong enough but also the structure underneath it;
for example, dont support a beam on top a wall if theres a window just below it,
or on steel or timber thats not strong enough. The following organisations can be
contacted for advice on the strength of the support structure:
Cement and Concrete Institute (http://cnci.org.za)
Tel (011) 315 0300
Concrete Manufacturers Association (http://www.cma.org.za)
Tel: (011) 805 6742
Measure the distance between the centers of the supports (the span) in meters.
Determine the weight to be supported (including the weight of the chain block)
accurately, in kilograms.
Use the table to select the beam that can carry the weight for the particular span.
The steel beam MUST be made from grade S355JR steel.
Obtain a beam that is long enough so that at least 100 mm (10 cm) can lie on the
support surface on each side. Place the beam in position.
Make a brace from flat steel, a small angle or something similar, and attach it to
the top of the beam and to the support surface so that it forms an angle with the
vertical (see the sketch). Attach the brace to the support surface and the top of
the beam with bolts. (Alternatively, use another approach to ensure that the top
of the beam will be prevented from moving sideways, so that the beam will not be
able to roll over.)
If the weight will hang from the beam as shown in the sketch install the rope or
chain by which the weight will be supported. Use the timber block to protect the
beam from damage. If the weight is to be placed on top of the beam, provide
proper supports to prevent the weight and the top of the beam from moving
sideways, or from toppling over.
The weight must only be positioned somewhere in the central third of the beam.
Apply the weight slowly. If anything looks worrisome, stop and think again. Get
advice if you are concerned about anything.
Note that heavy weights can be dangerous, especially if they are in a elevated
position.
You need to be extremely careful, and obey the Occupational Health and Safety
Act.
This note is not intended to replace the structural engineer. If it is a requirement
of the local authority, if there is any complexity, if the load or the span is bigger
than in the tables, or if there is any reason for concern get the services of a
qualified structural engineer.
 BRACE ATTACHED TO TOP
OF BEAM AND TO
SUPPORT SURFACE TO
HARDWOOD BLOCK TO PREVENT SIDEWAYS
PROTECT TOP FLANGE. MOVEMENT (ROLLING) OF
THE TOP OF THE BEAM.

AT LEAST 100 mm OF END

OF BEAM TO REST ON
HARD, SOLID SURFACE; STRONG ENOUGH ROPE
BOTTOM OF BEAM MUST (OR CHAIN) AND HOOK.
NOT BE ABLE TO MOVE
SIDEWAYS.

Maximum Load [kg]

Span [m]
2 3 4 5 6
IPE Sections
IPE 100 100
IPE 120 150
IPE 140 250 150
IPE 160 350 200
IPE 180 500 300 150
IPE 200 650 400 250
I-Sections (Parallel Flange)
203x133x25 1 000 650 400 250 200
254x146x31 1 450 900 600 400 300
305x102x25 600 350
305x165x41 2 000 1 450 950 650 500
356x171x45 2 000 1 550 1 000 700 550