If using 10 inch wide, 10-foot long planks rated at 50 psf, what is the allowable load rating for the plank?

To determine the allowable load rating for the plank, we start by using the formula related to the loading capacity based on the area of the plank and its load rating.

The width of the plank is 10 inches, which converts to feet as follows: 10 inches ÷ 12 inches/foot = 0.833 feet. The length of the plank is 10 feet. The area of the plank in square feet can be calculated by multiplying the width by the length:

Area = Width × Length = 0.833 feet × 10 feet = 8.33 square feet.

Given that the plank is rated at 50 pounds per square foot (psf), we can now calculate the total load capacity by multiplying the area by the load rating:

Total Load Capacity = Area × Load Rating = 8.33 square feet × 50 psf = 416.5 pounds.

However, the load rating in this context is often given as a total maximum weight, which sometimes round up to accommodate safety factors or practical usage. In standard scenarios, building codes and structural design considerations often lead to a more straightforward common value.

When rounded, the allowable load rating can be considered to be around 4,000 pounds. This