Advice on material for arch.

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I'm about to build an entrance sign that will span 20'. It will be a tubing arch, top and bottom, with the name of the business in between the arches. There is a telephone type pole on each side of the entrance and the owner wants them capped. I plan to use some 8" pipe, sealing one end with some 1/4" plate, for the caps and attach the arch to them. I will use horizontal gussets front and rear of the tubing connections to the caps. My question is, what to build the arch out of? I was planning to use 1.5" x .125" square tubing because I can roll it myself, but was a little concerned it might not be heavy enough to prevent forward/backward flexing in the middle of the arch. Should I go with 2" square? Round? Any other suggestions?  Attached is a simple little design of the sign for clarification.I guess I should point out, the letters will be attached to the top and bottom arch.Thanks Attached ImagesLast edited by Alabass; 12-22-2014 at 04:13 PM.GraysOrnamentalIron.com
Reply:NevermindLast edited by Bosco99; 12-22-2014 at 03:35 PM.Reason: edit edit
Reply:Sorry for the edit. Hope you find the help you need.
Reply:Will the lettering and designs be attached  to the top and bottom arch ? That would form the web of a beam .  You could use 3/8"x 4"for the top and bottom  ,have the letters cut from 1/4"
Reply:Yes, letters will be attached both top and bottom.  I could even take some 1" x 1/4" bar stock and attach it perpendicular to the back of the arches to provide stiffness.GraysOrnamentalIron.com
Reply:With no more arch than that, I would think you would be good to go with the 1 1/2 square tube and would have plenty of lateral strength. However, looks wise I would think that 2" square would look better.
Reply:Originally Posted by Bob However, looks wise I would think that 2" square would look better.
Reply:I don't think my drawing is to scale. It's just a representation of what I'm wanting to do.  The letters will be 8" tall.GraysOrnamentalIron.com
Reply:Any wind where you're at?"The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living and the get rich quick theory of life." -Theodore Roosevelt
Reply:AlabassWhat is the budget for this concept?Concept - design - engineer - execution [the easy part]. Defining the aesthetics & appearance - fit & finish of the 'sign presentation' first with the client.  This drives what the the structure 'may' be. Once the 'look' is refined - it is melded into a structure that will carry the 'look'.Don't finalize a structure before you agree on the 'look',because: 'this is where the money is'.From dirt - to the top of the arch - is one consideration.The current concept it has a classic 'Cemetery Portal' look which you might move away from . . .Opus
Reply:The budget is as inexpensive as possible.The client said he wanted an arched sign with the name of his business in it. Trying for somewhat of a ranch entrance look.GraysOrnamentalIron.com
Reply:Sorry for another edit. I realized, again, it's not wise to give structural advice. I suggest adding a small engineering fee to the cost and seek an engineer.Last edited by Bosco99; 12-23-2014 at 11:34 AM.
Reply:You could also spend the engineer's share on overbuilding it. Attached ImagesLast edited by Brazin; 12-23-2014 at 02:59 PM.SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:Thanks for the ideas and pictures. I've put together a few more ideas I'm going to show the client and see if one of them might be more appealing. Doing a straight frame, I could go up to 4" tubing for a single beam or use 2" or 3" for double. Attached ImagesGraysOrnamentalIron.com
Reply:I would go with the arch it is stronger and you said you have the means to roll the radius .
Reply:I think as long as letters weld to top and bottom you'll be good I put one up with 11/2 20th if I remember 3 " steel post and I worked out great
Reply:Thought I'd follow up with the finished product here: http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...erinary-clinicGraysOrnamentalIron.com