More good info.
In these pictures it looks like the hives are on a 4x6 beam, maybe a 4x8 at best. Is that the case?
I have seen a lot of beekeepers use a single row of cinder blocks with 2 2x4 placed on top. That is only 8" of support on a 20" long hive.
That is too unstable for me. especially here in FL with our wind storms. Ever a thunder storm here can produce 200 mile an hour winds. A lot run up to 60 MPH. Also it would bee too easy to bump a hive off while working on them or mowing around them.
Jim
Good question Jim! And you also bring up some very important points...
Most people here are using two of the 2"x6" pressure treated redwood boards with pieces framed on the inside for greater structural support [see pics please].
The first beehive stand I built had the upper rails 17" on center. I did not like that. So all the remaining beehive stands I have built are all 21" on center, and they are structurally sound.
Another nice feature is that I augured 1" deep holes in the top 3'x4' rails for the pipes. This way the top rail is secure and cannot be moved during wind storms.
Finally, depending upon locale and wind conditions, some people will anchor the hive with screws or by using the tie downs. Here on our property, we are surrounded 360 degrees by 100 ft+ Eucalyptus trees, so we have a mighty wind break in all directions. Thus, I do not need to do extra special anchoring of the hives.
One final idea I saw was to perhaps screw in two 2"x6"x6' on each of the lateral sides of the stand, making it much more tip proof for high wind areas. Charlie B did this because he places beehives atop buildings on the roofs [see pics].
Just for laughs, I thought I would post a pics of my very first beehive stand. I had drilled two holes in an old Eucalyptus stump, inserted two sections of plumbers pipe, secured them to two 2"x4"'s, then screwed in the bottom board. Oh, I also taped two upside down funnels on the plumbers pipe and spread lots of powdered cinnamon below. The darn ants were still able to attack the hive though...and of course the entire set up looked quite ridiculous.
Live and learn!
Hope this helps!