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Forum Index : Windmills : I-beam tower?
| Author | Message | ||||
imsmooth Senior Member  Joined: 07/02/2008 Location: United StatesPosts: 214 |
I have seen variations of towers using poles. Has anyone considered using I-beams. If one wanted a 30' tower a 20' I-beam could be used and a 10' section of pole could be raised like a flag as it slides up and down the beam. So, what is wrong with this thought? |
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Gizmo Admin Group  Joined: 05/06/2004 Location: AustraliaPosts: 5116 |
I have a feeling an I-beam will twist along its length, which may be a problem. I-beams are strong when bolted to other beams to form triangles, etc, but not so strong by themselves. A tube is the strongest shape for stand alone use, and tubes resist twist ( which is why tubes are used as prop shafts in vehicles, very thin wall section but lots of strength ). If you go for a big enough cross section of I-beam, then it will be ok, but heavy compared to tube. Glenn The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is right now. JAQ |
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| dwyer Guru  Joined: 19/09/2005 Location: AustraliaPosts: 574 |
HI Imsmooth As l am work in metal trade for many years as l do agree with Gizmo over I-beam as they do twist very easily and when l built my shed l use RHS reason they dont twist as during strong storm many I-beam cannot handle well however If I was you just forget it not worth as wasting too much time and will not pass at any engineering test  sorry
dwyer the bushman |
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