How Much Weight Can Sikla Hold?

With the creative freedom that comes with Sikla's modular design, you can build nearly any custom solution you may require. There are, of course, some restraints, namely weight capacity. 

As we know, any Sikla solution is typically made up of the same six standard configurations. Knowing the working loads of these support configurations can help guide you as you design your Sikla support system solution. 

Sikla siFramo Beam Working Loads 

Sikla provides an easy reference chart (page 25) to determine the kip limit of a dead load on a simply supported F80, F100, or F100/160 beam section depending on the length. For example, a 40-inch F80 beam when simply supported can tolerate 3.09 kip, while a 120-inch F80 beam can support only .69 kip. 

 

But as we know, a Sikla support system is very rarely made up of single, simply supported beams. Instead, we need to look at the charts provided by Sikla (pages 26-29) that illustrate the working loads for each standard Sikla configuration based on beam type used. 

Sikla siFramo Working Loads and Deflection 

As the Sikla UK blog illustrates, each Sikla component is tested to determine its Ultimate Limit State (ULS), or how far the component can be pushed before it fails, as the basis for calculating working loads. However, each standard frame configuration is also tested for a Serviceability Limit State (SLS), indicating the working load limit without running the risk of excessive deflection.   

Each standard configuration has a specified governing load (pages 25–29) Fz, perm, representing the maximum working load the standard configuration is designed to bear vertically without reaching deflection. This is, without additional variables, how much weight that individual Sikla configuration can hold.

 

Standard configuration load calculations also take into consideration the additional longitudinal force, represented as Fx on the chart, simultaneously with Fz, perm, with Fx calculated as 20% of the Fz, perm. In this example via the Sikla UK blog, the calculations are applied to a Sikla guided pipe shoe on a siFramo beam section.  

Referencing these charts and applying the guidelines to your solution will ensure a safe working load for each standard configuration. 

Next Steps 

Because of Sikla's stepless connection method, connection points can happen in multiple directions from the same location on a Sikla beam. This further complicates the weight bearing limits of a configuration.  

The best way to ensure that your Sikla system can support the required load is to work with an experienced design and engineering team. At Unistrut Midwest, we have years of experience creating custom Sikla support systems that can handle any challenge. If you have a project that could use an extra set of eyes, contact us today to find out how we can help.  

These standard details are not site specific, and need to be reviewed by a qualified professional once actual loading and site conditions have been determined. Unistrut Midwest is not responsible for any misuse of any information or details presented.