Hellow and a Torsion Box question

[Dan West02]

Hello, I am new to the formum and have a different type of question about a possible use for a torsion box. I want to make a scaffold using a torsion box for the part that you walk on. It needs to be 12 feet long x 2 feet wide and able to handle 500 lbs (me and what I am carrying). I care more about the strength than the weight of this unit, but don't know how to design it for this application.

I don't want to rent a scaffold because this is something I will have use for off and on for some time and don't want to go to the bother (and expense) of renting. Any help will be appreciated.

[glenn bradley]

Shopnotes Vol.16 No. 93 had a "5 easy to build plywood shop projects" article that included a torsion box scaffold accessory to their saw horses. This could give you some good ideas.
http://www.shopnotes.com/images/issues/093/cover-medium.jpg http://www.shopnotes.com/images/issues/093/5-plywood-shop-projects-toc.jpg

[Joe Chritz]

I made scaffold planks with 2x12 and two 2x4's. It was a torsion box without the bottom skin.

A torsion box out of 1/2 plywood should be over strong if you make it with 3 inch grid and 1/2 skins. I am not a material engineer but I bet you wouldn't get 1/2" deflection in the center with a set up like that.

Just modify a regular box and don't put on any fancy edge trim, etc.

Joe