3/8" diamond plate at 4' centers--not enough for a 9000lb forklift? 1

[SaMoSteps]

Hi,

I work in a building with a steel frame loading dock.
It is 12'x12' with four 8x13 I-beams (48"OC) and two posts (per beam, also the same 8x13 I-beams) at 5' and 12' from the building.
Each beam is tied to the building.

It has 3/8" diamond plate for the deck.

We have an opportunity to buy a 9000lb forklift (cheap) but from reading some posts here I think the 3/8" plate is not strong enough to support the forklift.

Is it possible to buy another 3/8" plates to cover the existing (and stitch weld) to use the forklift?
Or, weld in ribs/joists across the the 48" spans?

Thanx in advance.

CM

 

[msquared48]

You could have another forklift beneath the plate to support the plate while the other one drives over...

Kinda like musical forklifts. But you would need two forklifts. Probably won't work.

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)