Scaffolding Load Capacity Calculator for 3-Meter Light-Duty Platform
Formula
W_allow = (F_yield × Z) / (SF × span)
Governing Standard
OSHA 1926.451 — Scaffolds, and ANSI A10.8
Required Inputs
- Platform Span (L) in meters
- Tube Yield Strength (F_yield) in MPa
- Section Modulus (Z) in cm³
- Safety Factor (SF) — typically 2.5 to 4.0
Output
Maximum Allowable Uniform Load (W_allow) in kg/m²
Notes
For a 3-meter span light-duty scaffold using 48.3mm OD × 4.0mm wall steel tube (F_yield = 250 MPa, Z = 5.78 cm³), with SF=4.0, the maximum allowable load is approximately 200 kg/m² (light-duty per OSHA). Medium-duty = 250 kg/m², heavy-duty = 375 kg/m².
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