I-Beam Heavy Duty Cantilever Rack

I-Beam cantilever rack provides a sturdy, reliable base on which to store heavy pipe, metal rod, and other long, heavy materials. It stands up to rugged use and comes in a wide variety of sizes and capacities. Units offered here are just a sample of possible configurations.

How to design your cantilever rack system

Determine the number and spacing of support arms using enough arms to prevent deflection of the load:

1. The number of arms required equals the number of wood blocks needed to support load without deflection. Test for deflection:
• Place wood blocks evenly spaced on the floor under the load, starting with 2 wood blocks
• Add blocks at evenly spaced intervals under the load, until the load no longer deflects (or sags between wood blocks)
2. Arm capacity required equals the Load weight divided by the number of wood blocks needed. '(2 blocks mean arm capacity required is 1/2 the load weight, 3 blocks equal 1/3 the load weight, etc.)
3. Optimal width between uprights equals load length divided by the number of block supports needed (2 blocks means the centerpoint between uprights is 1/2 the load length, 3 blocks mean the uprights must be positioned at intervals equal to 1/3 of the load length, etc.)
• Correct design has product overhang at the end of the rack by 1/2 of the optimal upright width distance


Determine the arm length, which is:
1. Equal to the load depth.
2. The load does not hang over the end of the arm.

Determine the optimal upright height beginning with the base height:
Base Height
+  number of storage levels x load height
+  number of arm levels x arm height at widest point
+  number of storage levels x handling clearance (4" - 6")
=  upright height
• • Be mindful your total height is within ceiling height and forklift height limits
  • Your topmost arm level must be below the upright height top
  • Contact us for current arm and base dimensions

Determine capacities needed: 
1. Arm capacity equals load weight divided by the number of arms per level (assuming load is to be evenly distributed)
2. Upright capacity equals the number of arms per side multiplied by the load per arm
   • Load on base is not included in capacity

Brace lengths equal the horizontal distance on center between uprights