If I have something that is can take 130 pounds per square inch does that mean that it takes that much weight it can hold before it breaks? So if something is spread over 4 inches does that mean it can hold up 520 pounds?
In: Physics
Not sure of the context here but be aware that if you’re speaking in terms of floor load (on a deck or the 2nd floor of a house, for instance) the PSI rating doesn’t apply to the entire surface area.
That PSI rating has more to do with puncturing the decking material than the total weight the floor can bear, which is a different figure, called a load rating.
For instance, a 10’x10′ room in a house with a 110PSI rating can not support 1,584,000lbs in total. (120″x120″x110psi) That’s a different rating determined by the joist dimensions/placement and decking method.
Neither can it support a 500lb shelving unit with 1/2″ square feet. (0.5″ x 4 feet x 110PSI = 220lbs)
*edit: a word
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