Does this need support?

[Strontus]

Ok thanks, then I will continue my hunt!

Even though I am an engineer, I find it difficult to understand how the height can play any role. I thought that the height (= the part that goes vertically) ensures it doesn't collapse "forward" or "backward," and the flat part (= the part that goes horizontally) is the one that bears the weight "downwards."
But is that not the case?

I hope you understand what I mean?

If you imagine placing a board lying between two sawhorses and pressing it down in the middle, then standing the plank on edge and pressing it down in the same way. In which case will it be strongest, i.e., resist the best?

 

[mexitegel]

Ok thanks, then I'll continue my search!

Despite being an engineer, I find it difficult to understand how the height can matter. I thought the height (= the part that goes vertical) ensures it doesn't collapse "forward" or "backward," and the flat part (= the part that goes horizontal) is the one that carries the weight "downward."
But that's not the case?

Hope you understand what I mean?

Take a ruler and bend it horizontally and vertically, and you'll notice the difference.

 

[ravve007]

Thank you, I understand the analogies with the jack stand and ruler, but it makes me think that I must have misunderstood how the angle iron is supposed to be fastened. One side of the angle iron (vertical side) will not carry anything, i.e., there is nothing directly over it.... right? Ah, I must sound super-confused

PS I'm an engineer in computer technology, in my defense

 

[larsbj]

Thank you, I understand the analogies with the jack stand and ruler, but it makes me think that I must have misunderstood how the angle iron should be fastened. One side of the angle iron (vertical side) will not bear anything, there is nothing directly above it... right? Oh, I must sound super-confused

PS I'm an engineer in computer technology, in my defense

It bears on the horizontal surface, and the force is transferred to the vertical, which is what's good about the angle iron.

 

[ravve007]

Oh, how it brightened up for me now, thank you!!