Strength of 1" RAC vs. 1.25" EMT

[Electron_Sam78]

Does anyone know the specs on the strength of rigid aluminum conduit compared with 1 1/4" EMT? I'm actually not doing an electrical project I'm just using one or the other of the above mentioned materials to reinforce the frame of a four wheeled bike I'm building out of PVC. I have 2 5' spans that will be sharing a capacity of around 500lbs. I wonder which one would give way first.

 

[Smart $]

I wonder which one would give way first.

My guess would be the 1" RAC.

 

[SEO]

The cost of the rac might make you want to use 1 1/4" emt.

 

[Mr. Wizard]

Have you ever bent RAC? It is very soft and easy to bend. 1 1/4 EMT will give you a workout using a handbender. I'd use the EMT

 

[active1]

I would say the 1 1/4 EMT is stronger. I would not use it to support a 250 lb horizontal load 5'. Try setting a stick across a 5' gap. Have 1 or 2 guys stand on it and see what happens.

 

[satcom]

I have 2 5' spans that will be sharing a capacity of around 500lbs. I wonder which one would give way first.

What you need is Air Frame Al it comes in both tubes, channels, and many other shapes, the manufactures of these products also have spec sheets for every type.

 

[Speedskater]

You need to check-out the "Hand Made Bicycle Show"

http://www.handmadebicycleshow.com/index_01.htm