# Assessment of steel beam for lifting to Eurocode 3

A client wishes to use an existing steel beam to lift a 1 tonne load using a sling. The 3 m long beam is measured as UB 203x133 visually observed at both ends to be secure with end-plates with all four bolts present.

calculation

For conservatism assume the lowest credible strength steel i.e. S275 steel and the lightest section i.e. UB 203 x 133 x 25. From the Blue Book for $$L_{ef}$$ = 3 m, the design moment capacity $$M_{Rd}$$ = 54.6 kNm ($$c_1$$ = 1.00).

There is no dead load on the beam. Use partial safety factor $$\gamma$$ = 1.6 for imposed load.

Design load $$F_{Ed}$$ = 10 kN x 1.6 = 16

By inspection beam is OK in shear. All 4 bolts present in each end plate so connection is OK. Check beam in bending.

Treat the beam as simply supported and assuming sling midspan:

$$M_{Ed} = \frac{PL}{4} = \frac{16 \times 3}{4} = 12$$ kNm < 54.6 kNm $$\therefore$$ lift OK

Please provide feedback on this assessment with a criticism or suggestions for improvement.

• Don't insurance requirements mean a beam which has been tested with an SWL stated for it? – Solar Mike Sep 18 '19 at 13:50
• For lifting, you need to include a dynamic amplification factor. – ingenørd Sep 18 '19 at 16:04