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Thread: Aluminum post/base strength

  1. #1
    Associate Engineer
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
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    2

    Aluminum post/base strength

    Hi!
    I'm building a driveway gate and I'm having a hard time finding info on aluminum strength for the posts.
    Gate will be aluminum tube, approximately 57" x 104" and should weigh about 100lb. I want to install a 6x6" .250 wall post on the footing. It will be about 96" tall with a welded base plate 14" square (3/8 or 1/2) to bolt through and swing the gate on hinges 2 at approximately 36" and 84" from the bottom.
    Will the 6x6 and base plate support a 100lb cantilevered load?
    Thanks for any help!
    Dave

  2. #2
    Technical Fellow Kelly_Bramble's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Bold Springs, GA
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    2,611
    There are statics calculators available on the following webpage.

    Beam Deflections and Stress Equations and Calculators

    For simplicity, I recommend concentrating the load calculations at one point to compensate to the FOS.

    See:

    Cantilevered Beam with Load at Location Between Support and Load Equations and Calculator

    You could also use this Flagpole Base Design Calculator to determine the bearing loading in the ground.

    Flagpole Base Design Calculator
    Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.

  3. #3
    Technical Fellow Kelly_Bramble's Avatar
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    Feb 2011
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    Bold Springs, GA
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    Also, to determine the area moment of inertia (to determine the section modulus) of your poles see..

    Section area moment of inertia equations and calculators

    Specifically, Section properties of pipe

    or for AISC Shapes

    and, material engineering characteristics.

    Aluminum and Steel Engineering Properties
    Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.

  4. #4
    Associate Engineer
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Posts
    2
    Thanks, tried my best with those calculators. I think I figured it out.

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