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Load distribution
- Thread starter MCOGGINS
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It will not spread out to the full surface.
The actual distribution is somewhere between full distribution and zero distribution.
The actual amount depends on the relative stiffnesses of the concrete, the plywood and the steel plate.
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faq731-376
The actual distribution is somewhere between full distribution and zero distribution.
The actual amount depends on the relative stiffnesses of the concrete, the plywood and the steel plate.
Check out Eng-Tips Forum's Policies here:
faq731-376
MCOGGINS:
To add to JAE’s first sentence, the load will certainly not distribute uniformly as (Load)/(4'x8'), a uniform load in lbs./sq.ft. over 32 sq.ft.
In fact, if the base of the load is very stiff (engineering judgement, experience and some calcs. come into play here) the load will distribute fairly well over the base area. Thus, you have (Load)/(6'x3'), a uniform load under the base. So, given the bending of the plywd. and stl. pl. you really haven’t gained much by adding them. You would likely do much better by putting a layer or two of 6"x6" wooden timbers/beams, 3 or 4' wide by 8 or 10' long under the load. Because of their greater stiffness the timbers would distribute the load over a greater area at less cost than the plywd. and stl. pl.
To add to JAE’s first sentence, the load will certainly not distribute uniformly as (Load)/(4'x8'), a uniform load in lbs./sq.ft. over 32 sq.ft.
In fact, if the base of the load is very stiff (engineering judgement, experience and some calcs. come into play here) the load will distribute fairly well over the base area. Thus, you have (Load)/(6'x3'), a uniform load under the base. So, given the bending of the plywd. and stl. pl. you really haven’t gained much by adding them. You would likely do much better by putting a layer or two of 6"x6" wooden timbers/beams, 3 or 4' wide by 8 or 10' long under the load. Because of their greater stiffness the timbers would distribute the load over a greater area at less cost than the plywd. and stl. pl.
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- #4
Thanks for reply! Plywood is not a good source for equal load distribution on a flat solid surface with plate over the top given the information provided? Understand stiffness and strength of plywood is not that great. Just to provide evenly distribution of the plate itself or get max plate distribution usage of the plate is good?
SlideRuleEra
Structural
MCOGGINS - For a heavy load, plywood between the steel plate and concrete is a help. But not for sharing the load with the steel plate.
A typical concrete surface is "rough" compared to a typical steel plate. What the plywood will do is provide a somewhat compressible cushion that deforms (a little) to match the concrete's surface contours. Then the steel plate more uniformly distributes load, without overloading "high spots" on the concrete surface.
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![[r2d2]](/data/assets/smilies/r2d2.gif "[r2d2] [r2d2]")
A typical concrete surface is "rough" compared to a typical steel plate. What the plywood will do is provide a somewhat compressible cushion that deforms (a little) to match the concrete's surface contours. Then the steel plate more uniformly distributes load, without overloading "high spots" on the concrete surface.
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