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Expert: - 3/3/2010


Question
Wood Floor Capacity


I need a ‘bridge’ over an inspection trench in the floor, for a pneumatic tire forklift to cross.  Trench walls are cement block; floor is reinforced concrete.  Douglas fir 2x8 joists are held by hangers.  Maximum weight of forklift is 13118 lbs (8118 lbs for the forklift, 5000 lbs load capacity) which at its maximum would all be on the front axle.

Span is 80” and the 'bridge' area is 72” wide.  The 2x8 joists are on 8” centers with two double joists in the approximate location of wheel treads.

Mid-span is a 2x4 support wall with 2x4s studs matching the joists including double 2x4s matching the double joists.  The wall has a 3/4” plywood facing on one side for lateral support.

Flooring is tongue and grooved 2x4 douglas fir across the joists.

What is the load capacity of the ‘bridge’?  I’m hoping for a multiple safety factor.


Bob Daily

Answer
Hello Bob,

You were very thorough in your description and it certainly sounds like a solid and substantial "bridge".  Assuming the forklift is approximately 5' wide by 7' long, the bridge must support a load of approx. 375 lbs per sq. foot.  That's a lot of load.

I am not comfortable telling you that the bridge you discribed will carry the load of the forklift.  

It would be prudent to have a structural engineer review the construction and determin if it is adequate.

I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help.


Roger
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Roger Zona

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I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

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Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

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