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Bearing Pressure given Plate Thickness Calculator

Bearing Pressure Formula:

\[ f_p = \left(\frac{t}{2p}\right)^2 \times F_y \]

m
m
Pa
%
Pa

1. What is Bearing Pressure given Plate Thickness?

Definition: This calculator determines the actual bearing pressure based on plate thickness, limiting size, and steel yield stress.

Purpose: It helps structural engineers and designers verify that bearing plates can safely support applied loads.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ f_p = \left(\frac{t}{2p}\right)^2 \times F_y \]

Where:

  • \( f_p \) — Actual bearing pressure (Pascals)
  • \( t \) — Minimum plate thickness (meters)
  • \( p \) — Limiting size (meters)
  • \( F_y \) — Yield stress of steel (Pascals)

Explanation: The formula relates plate thickness to the maximum bearing pressure the plate can sustain before yielding.

3. Importance of Bearing Pressure Calculation

Details: Proper bearing pressure calculation ensures structural safety, prevents plate deformation, and verifies design adequacy.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter plate thickness in meters, limiting size in meters, steel yield stress in Pascals (default 250 MPa), and tolerance percentage (default ±5%).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is limiting size?
A: Limiting size is the larger value between 0.5(N -0.95d) and 0.5(B -0.80b), where N is plate length, B is plate width, d is column depth, and b is flange width.

Q2: Why include a tolerance percentage?
A: Tolerance accounts for material variations, manufacturing tolerances, and safety margins in practical applications.

Q3: What's a typical yield stress for structural steel?
A: Common structural steel has yield stress around 250 MPa (250,000,000 Pa), but this varies by grade.

Q4: How do I determine minimum plate thickness?
A: Plate thickness is typically determined by structural requirements and load calculations.

Q5: What units should I use?
A: Use consistent SI units: meters for dimensions and Pascals for stress/pressure.

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