Question

The North bond of an interstate freeway is in need of a beam structure to support a relatively large rectangular road sign. The sign made of Aluminum is 8 ft long, 5 ft tall and 0.5 inch thick. You are asked to design a horizontal beam, which will be welded to a left vertical column and hinged to a right vertical column. The span of the beam (the distance between the two vertical supporting columns) is given as 55ft. The sign will be placed and welded on top of the beam. The left edge of the sign needs to be 20ft away from the left support on the beam. The effect of wind in the area is insignificant. As a designer, you are constrained to only use the beam cross section shown in the figure available in a local beam manufacturer. Design the beam so that it can survive the bending stress and shear stress. Calculate the deflection of your beam. Note: Consider suitable safety factor for your design. Review chapter 11 of your textbook and in particular Chapter Review Table on Page 565

Answer 1