How to increase life of steel beam ?

Question

How to increase life of steel beam ?

Answer 1

Sandblast it to near white metal and paint it with a good primer paint before assembly. Then after assembly, power bush the areas burnt during welding and prime paint. Then apply at least two coats of top coat paint. Epoxy paint compositions may last for more than 15 years. Sandblast and paint again after the initial paint has deteriorated. Your beam should last almost indefinitely.

Answer 2

Don't forget about corrosion - keep the beam protected from rust.

Answer 3

1- Use higher "safety factor". i.e. use larger section of the beam or use more strong material than needed, anyway increase the  safety factor.

2- Use more than one safety factor, like :

stress concentration factor

fatigue stress factor

sudden loading factor ...

All these and more are listed in handbooks.

Good luck