Load Spreader Beam Sizing Calculator

Engineer your lifting spreader with confidence and clarity. Input load sling angle span and material strength. See compression check bending stress deflection and sling tension. Optimize section selection with safety margin insights and live unit conversions for practical site use. Reduce risk validate design share calculations with teams and speed approvals today with documentation

Inputs

Hint: 1 tonne ≈ 9.80665 kN of weight.
Pinned≈1.0 Fixed≈0.7
For minor deflection estimate.

Calculation Details

Assumptions and core formulas used:

  • Two top slings at angle θ from horizontal support the load W.
  • Per-sling tension: T = (W/2) / sin(θ).
  • Compressive force in spreader: C = W · cot(θ).
  • Euler buckling (pinned-pinned generalized by K): Pcr = π² E I / (K L)².
  • Required inertia for safety: Ireq = SF · C · (K L)² / (π² E).
  • Compression stress if area provided: σ = C / A; allowable = Fy / SF.
  • Slenderness: KL/r with r = √(I/A).
  • Self-weight deflection (optional): δmax = 5 w L⁴ / (384 E I).

Use appropriate design codes for final verification including local buckling connection design lifting points and rigging hardware selection.

FAQs

A spreader beam primarily carries compression with slings in tension while a lifting beam carries bending from suspended loads. This tool focuses on compression sizing with Euler buckling checks.
Enter the angle from the horizontal to each top sling. Smaller angles increase compression and sling tension. Many rigging guides recommend avoiding very shallow angles for safety.
K depends on end restraint. Pinned ends are typically near 1.0. If end connections provide fixity K may be below 1.0. When uncertain it is conservative to use K = 1.0.
Yes. Enter the cross-sectional area and second moment of area for the candidate section. The tool reports stress utilization buckling capacity slenderness and estimated self-weight deflection if a uniform weight is provided.
No. Lifting points welds shackles and rigging hardware require separate design and verification using manufacturer data and applicable standards. This tool addresses global compression and basic checks only.
Consult relevant lifting and structural codes and your organization procedures such as ASME B30 series EN standards DNV and local regulations. A competent engineer must approve final design and use.

How to Use

  1. Enter the total lifted load and select units.
  2. Set span L and sling angle from horizontal.
  3. Provide material properties safety factor and K.
  4. Optionally add area and inertia to check a chosen section.
  5. Submit to compute tensions compression required I and checks.

Safety Reminders

  • Avoid shallow sling angles that drive very high compression.
  • Verify actual rigging geometry and eccentricities.
  • Account for dynamic amplification environmental and handling loads.
  • Review inspection requirements and proof testing where applicable.

Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.