Given two 4x4's with a 1/2" steel pipe running through the middle, how much weight can the posts support? Is there a chance the wood will split?
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1What's the intent? A jungle gym or pull-up bar? Something like that? – represton May 8 '20 at 15:00
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How tall are the posts? Are they on a concrete foundation or just a hole in the ground? – represton May 8 '20 at 15:07
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The posts will probably support more than the pipe will, assuming they're secured as to be immovable. But yes, there's a chance. Quality and condition matter, as does specific loading. – isherwood May 8 '20 at 15:15
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2And rather than asking such a specific engineering question, you should ask whether the intended purpose will be achieved. Edit to describe your project. – isherwood May 8 '20 at 15:16
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2Chin up bar? The only issue that you'll have it keeping the posts upright. Make sure that they are buried in the ground well – Ack May 8 '20 at 17:12
Axial compressive strength of a worst-case 4x4 post exceeds 3,000 lbs., could be as high as 13,000 lbs, depending on the height and type of wood. Yes, the wood can possibly split, but that's always a risk with wood. As mentioned, the pipe is likely the weakest link here, but we still don't know your purpose so this is all still theoretical.
Guessing you intend it for a pull-up bar. That 1/2 will easily hold 400 lbs, possibly not at one point but at one time, I weighed almost that much and ma and my son were doing pull-ups, he said I made the posts wobble but the bar is still there 20 years later.