Home Back

Wood Beam Load Calculator Metric

Metric Beam Load Formula:

\[ Metric\_Beam\_Load = \frac{\sigma \times I}{y \times L_m} \]

MPa
cm⁴
cm
meters

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From: To:

1. What is the Metric Beam Load Formula?

The Metric Beam Load formula calculates the maximum load capacity for wood beams in metric units. It's derived from bending stress principles and is essential for structural engineering applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Metric Beam Load formula:

\[ Metric\_Beam\_Load = \frac{\sigma \times I}{y \times L_m} \]

Where:

Explanation: The formula calculates the maximum load a wood beam can support based on material properties and beam geometry.

3. Importance of Beam Load Calculation

Details: Accurate beam load calculation is crucial for structural safety, ensuring beams can support intended loads without failure or excessive deflection.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter stress in MPa, moment of inertia in cm⁴, distance in cm, and span in meters. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is moment of inertia in beam calculations?
A: Moment of inertia (I) measures a beam's resistance to bending based on its cross-sectional shape and size.

Q2: How does span length affect beam load capacity?
A: Longer spans reduce load capacity as bending moment increases with span length.

Q3: What safety factors should be considered?
A: Engineering standards typically require applying safety factors (2.0-4.0) to calculated loads for real-world applications.

Q4: Can this formula be used for all wood types?
A: The formula is general, but stress values (σ) vary significantly between different wood species and grades.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation for real structures?
A: While theoretically sound, professional engineering assessment should include additional factors like load distribution, support conditions, and deflection limits.

Wood Beam Load Calculator Metric© - All Rights Reserved 2025