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Chemistry (including Biochemistry)/Max weight
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Question
I wanted to know how much weight can a persons rib cage support. Lets say an average sized male was laying flat on the floor and weight was slowly put on the person. Around how much weight would it take before the person couldn't breathe. I searched on google and couldn't find anything. I wanted to know because at work I am trying to design large garage type doors, and need to know the max weight a person can withstand.
You should probably ask a medical expert this instead of a chemist. My guess is that you need to be more specific. It will vary greatly based on the size of the person and you have to decide how long it is going to be there. Terms like average and slowly are going to be too variable. Also, since women probably do doors as often as men, you will need those numbers also. I believe I have read that a 200 lb man can sufficate a small woman by putting his knees on her chest, but I don't think it breaks the ribs, it just deflates the lungs until they can't breath.
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Answers by Expert:
Dr. Henry Boyter, Jr.
Expertise
No homework, biochemistry, or other schoolwork! The question will be rejected. If you have not searched www.google.com, do so before posting. If you are a student, give your grade and course. Everyone, explain the purpose and context for the question.
Experience in the area
Chemistry (non-biochemistry), environmental science, occupational health and safety, environmental regulation and management, environmental engineering, and wastewater engineering. I'm the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety and the Director of Research at the Institute of Textile Technology.
Experience
Chemistry (non-biochemistry), environmental science, occupational health and safety, environmental regulation and management, environmental engineering, and wastewater engineering. I'm the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety and the Director of Research at the Institute of Textile Technology.
Education/Credentials
PhD, MS, BS in Chemistry
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