Will this Steel Structure / Thing hold 20-30 tons of pressure ?? Described below

Question

2 parallel A-36 Steel Channel 4 X 1-1/2 X 3/16 (5.4#) @ 3' 4" with a

2' 8" (of same steel channel) tack welded and a couple bolds be able to hold the full pressure of a 20 or 30 ton bottle jack pressin on the center? it is not aloud to bend / sag / skew in any way. Thanks.

Answer 1

I would say not. 5 Tonne maybe. - not 20.

At that length simply supported at both ends, the pressure in the middle would cause it to twist, then buckle.

Tack welding is not suitable. Stitch welding or full seam is better.

Construct a grid to prevent buckling, and try to spread the load over a larger area rather than a point load.

Answer 2

You need to be very specific in your plans, Your much to vague and not taking the design and materials into consideration. There is a lot of difference between a 20 and a 30 ton bottle jack. (bolds) = bolts?

Answer 3

I think you should talk to a structural engineer.

.

Answer 4

It should be good for approx. 16,000 lbs. with a deflection of .090".

That is if you can keep the beam in a true vertical position, that is going to be a tough thing to do.