I want to know whether the table I’m constructing will be at risk of tipping over with the plan I have in mind. The dining room table will have a glass top of 36" wide, 120" long. The glass will rest on a steel frame 18" wide and 96" long. The steel frame will be welded to one of 4 steel bases. Each base will be 24” from one another (and from the ends of the glass table). Each base will be 22" wide and 6" long (following the use of width and length as used above). Will the table be stable and will it be at risk for tipping over? I imagine that there’s some kind of formula for doing this type of thing?
Thanks for any info.
:)

I think this will be fine. See the figure - do I have the dimensions right? To avoid tipping you basically need to be sure that the "tipping torque" is less than the "stability torque" provided by the weight of the glass or table. You have two types of tipping to consider: (1) will the glass tip off the supports when a weight is applied at the edge, and (2) will the entire table turn over? To answer the first queston - given the dimensions it seems that as long as the force that is applied downward at the edge of the table is less than the weight of the glass, you're OK. If the glass weighs 100 pounds, that's the force you would have to apply at the edge to get the glass to tip up off the support frame. As for the second part - the table as a whole would require a force that is 11/18 of the weight of the table for it to tip - this is obviously a higher number than the answer to the first part.

ebaines, what on earth do you do for a living? I happen to own a furniture design company, and we make wrought iron and glass topped tables all the time. I must tell you that I just loved your post. Wonderful job. I'm so glad you also commented about the significant role played by the weight of the glass. Not everyone thinks about how important it can be for the safety and functionality of the table (not to mention how much thick, well cut glass adds to its aesthetic value).

rbrunswick, have you already made the table? I'd love to hear an update!

PS... ebaines,, yes,I did see the defect in the drawing,, hehe, just a jab,friend from Illinois!!