in Beams

5-1 INTRODUCTION

In this chapter we derive the relations between the bending moment and
the flexure stresses it causes, and between the vertical shear and the
shearing stresses. In deriving these relations, the following assumptions
are made:

1. Plane sections of the beam, originally plane, remain plane.

2. The material in the beam is homogeneous and obeys Hooke's
law.

3. The moduli of elasticity for tension and compression are

equal.

4. The beam is initially straight and of constant cross section.

5. The plane of loading must contain a principal axis of the

beam cross sectionand the loads must be perpendicular to the longitu-
dinal axis of the beam.

The application and limits of these assumptions will be discussed

in succeeding articles as the reason for them becomes apparent.

153
154 5 Stresses in Beams

5-2 DERIVATION OF FLEXURE FORMULA

The stresses caused by the bending moment are known as bending or

flexure stresses, and the relation between these stresses and the bending
moment is expressed by the flexure formula. The derivation of this
relation follows the procedure developed in deriving the torsion formula
(see Art. 3-2); that is, the elastic deformations plus Hooke's law
determine the manner of stress variation, after which the conditions of
equilibrium then establish the relation between stress and load.
Figure 5- la shows two adjacent sections, ab and cd, separated by
the distance dx. Because of the bending caused by load P, sections ab
and cd rotate relative to each other by the amount dO, as shown in Fig.
5- lb, but remain straight and undistorted in accordance with assump-
tion 1 of the preceding article.
is shortened, and fiber bd at the bottom is
Fiber ac at the top
lengthened. Somewhere between them is located fiber ef whose length is
unchanged. Drawing the line c'd' through / parallel to ab shows that
fiber ac is shortened an amount cc' and is in compression, and that fiber
bd is lengthened by an amount d'd and is in tension.
The plane containing fibers like ef is called the neutral surface
because such fibers remain unchanged in length and hence carry no
stress. It will be shown shortly that this neutral surface contains the

centroids of all transverse sections.

Consider now
the deformation of a typical fiber gh located y units
from the neutral surface. Its elongation hk is the arc of a circle of radius
y subtended by the angle dO and is given by
8 = hk - y dO
The strain is found by dividing the deformation by the original length ef

Neutral surface
dx
a : (

I) cI

«I
(a)

Figure 5-1. Deformations.

5-2 Derivation of Flexure Formula 155

of the fiber:

8 y dO

If we denote the radius of curvature of the neutral surface by p, the

curved length ef is equal to p d0\ whence the strain becomes

C = yd9 = y
pd9 p
Assuming that the material is homogeneous and obeys Hooke's law
(assumption 2), the stress in fiber gh is given by

a = £e = ( — \y (a)

Equation (a) indicates that the stress in any fiber varies directly with its

location y from the neutral surface, since assumed that the modulus
it is

of elasticity E is equal in tension and compression (assumption 3) and

the radius of curvature p of the neutral surface is independent of the
location y of the fiber. However, the stresses must not exceed the
proportional limit, for this would invalidate Hooke's law on which this
stress variation is based.
To complete the derivation of the flexure formula, we apply the
conditions of equilibrium. As we saw in Art. 4-3, the external loads that
act to one side of an exploratory section are balanced by the resisting
shear V r
M
and the resisting moment r To create this balance, a typical
.

element in the exploratory section is subjected to the forces shown in

the pictorial sketch* in Fig. 5-2. The line of intersection between the
neutral surface and the transverse exploratory section is called the
neutral axis, abbreviated NA.
To satisfy the conditions that the external loads have no X
components (assumption 5), we must have
[2* = 0] fax dA=0
where ox is equivalent to a in Eq. (a). On replacing ox by Ey/p, this
becomes

fydA=0
P
The constant ratio E/p is written outside the integral sign. Since y dA is

the moment of the differential area dA about the neutral axis, the
integral fy dA is the total moment of area. Hence

— Ay =
P
The cross section is drawn as rectangular only for ease of representation; it

may have any shape.

156 5 Stresses in Beams

Longitudinal plane
of bending loads

*<&
*?»
>S& &

o„dA

Figure 5-2. Forces acting on a typical element of the cross section of a beam.

However, since only y in this relation can be zero, we conclude that the
distance from the neutral axis (which is the reference axis) to the
centroid of the cross-sectional area must be zero; i.e., the neutral axis
must contain the centroid of the cross-sectional area.
The condition that 27 = 0, resulting in V= V r,
leads to the shear
stress formula, the derivation of which is postponed until later (Art.
5-7). It should be observed here that the resisting shear Vr is the
summation of the shearing forces r^ dA; that is, Vr = fr dA.
The condition 2Z = leads to frxz dA = 0. Since the loading has
no Z components, the system of shear forces txz dA must be self-balanc-
ing. We examine this in greater detail in Art. 13-8, where the plane of
loading may be offset from the XY plane but remains parallel to it. In
those cases, the loading causes a moment about the X axis which is
balanced by fy(rxz dA)-fz(T^ d4) in order to satisfy the condition
2MX = 0. This condition is automatically satisfied for sections that are
symmetrical about the Y axis because then the element under discussion
has a symmetrically placed counterpart so the integrals are equal to
zero. As a result, the plane of loading for sections symmetrical about the
Y axis must coincide with the XY plane, or the beam will twist.
We consider next the condition SAf^ = 0. The external loads have
no moment about the Y axis nor do the internal forces t w dA and
dA Therefore
r rT .

[2A/, = 0] (z(ox dA) =

5-2 Derivation of Flexure Formula 157

Again replacing ax by Ey/p, we have

— Jfzy dA =
p

The integral fzy dA is the product of inertia Pzy which is zero only if Y
,

or Z is an axis of symmetry or a principal axis. This is the justification

for assumption 5.

The final condition of equilibrium, 2Af2 =0, requires that the

bending moment be balanced by the resisting moment; that is, — r M M .

The resisting moment about the neutral axis of a typical element being
y(ax dA), this condition requires that

M = fy(a x dA)

which, by replacing ox by Ey/p from Eq. (a), becomes

M = —p Jfy 2
dA

2
Since fy dA is defined as /, the moment of inertia* of the area about a
reference axis, which here is the neutral axis (equivalent to the
centroidal axis), we finally obtain

M=— (b)
P

Observe now that it was necessary in Art. 4-2 to specify the centroidal
about which bending moment
axis of the exploratory section as the axis
is computed in order to obtain a common axis for computing and
equating Mand r M .

The usual form of writing Eq. (b) is

\ M , ,

which we shall use in Arts. 6-2 and 6-3 as the basis for determining
deflections in beams. Because curvature is equal to the reciprocal of the
radius of curvature, Eq. (5-1) indicates that curvature is directly propor-
tional to bending moment, an observation which we have already used
(page 116) in checking the sign of bending moment with the shape of
the deflected beam-positive curvature, which is concave upward, corre-
lating with positive bending moment, and vice versa.

*A complete discussion of moment of inertia is given in Appendix A.

 —

158 5 Stresses in Beams

Equating the ratio E/p from Eq. (5-1) with its value from Eq. (a),

we have

E- —
ply - = -

which leads directly to the flexure formula

«= & (5-2)

This formula indicates that the flexure stress in any section varies
directly with the distance of the section from the neutral axis. In a more
common form of the flexure formula yis replaced by the distance c,

which is defined as the distance from the neutral axis to the remotest
element. With this change, the maximum flexure stress in any section is

given by

Max. a = — (5-2a)

If I/ c is called the section modulus and denoted by S> another

common variation of the flexure formula is

Max.a = -^ = ^ (5-2b)

This variation is useful for beams of constant cross section, as it shows

that maximum flexure stress occurs at the section of maximum bending
moment. Various values of section modulus for common cross sections
are listed in Table 5-1.
An interesting analysis, similar to that we shall use later in
analyzing reinforced concrete beams (Art. 10-4), is to consider the
variation in flexure stress over a rectangular cross section, as shown in
Fig. 5-3.
Because the horizontal summation of forces over a section must be
zero, the total compressive force C in the upper half of the cross section
is equal to the total tensile force T in the lower half. Thus the resisting

M
moment r consists of the couple composed of the equal, oppositely
directed forces C and T. The value of each of these forces is equal to the
product of the average stress multiplied by the area. Therefore, since the
average stress in a linear stress distribution is one-half the maximum
stress,

7-=C=K ve .)(Area)
= ({a)(6|)

•Note the similarity between the torsion formula t - Tp/J and the flexure
formula o - My/ 1. This similarity makes them easy to remember.
5-2 Derivation of Flexure Formula 159

TABLE 5-1. Section Moduli

Rectangle Solid circle

3 3
bW 77T _ 7rd
S = S =

Tube Triangle

5= ^(R* - r*)

Area in

Area in tension

Figure 5-3. Resisting moment is equivalent to the couple created by the resultant
compressive and tensile forces.
1 60 5 Stresses in Beams

The forces C and T act through the centroid of the triangular load
distribution at a distance k from NA. Since k = §c = \(h/2\ the
moment arm of the resisting couple is e — 2k =\h. Equating bending
moment to resisting moment, we have
M = Mr = Ce = Te
2
bh
°-6

which agrees with Eq. (5 -2b) for a rectangular section.

Modulus of rupture

Equation (5 -2a) may be used to compute the flexure stress in a

beam loaded to rupture in a testing machine. Because the proportional
limit of the material is then exceeded, the stress determined in this

manner is not a true stress; nevertheless, the fictitious stress so obtained

is called the modulus of rupture. It is used to compare the ultimate
strengths of beams of various sizes and materials.

ILLUSTRATIVE PROBLEMS

501. A beam 150 mm

wide by 250 mm
deep supports the loads
shown in Fig. 5-4. Determine the maximum flexural stress.

Solution: We begin by computing the maximum bending moment.

The shear diagram shows that zero shear occurs at x = 2 m. Using the
area of this diagram to compute the bending moment, we have at
x = 2 m,
*
[AM = (area) K ] Max. M= [ j(2) = 16 kN m
It is unnecessary to draw the moment diagram.
We now apply the flexure formula, being careful to use consistent
units for the various quantities. From Table 5-1 we find that the section
modulus is S = bh 2 /6, so

M _6M Max. a =
6(16 X 103 )
S " bh 2 (0.150)(0.250)
2

= 10.24 MPa Ans.

502. A timber beam 100 mm wide by 300 mm high and 8 m long

carries the loading shown in Fig. 5-5. If the maximum flexural stress is

9 MPa, for what maximum value of w will the shear be zero under P,
and what is the value of PI
5-2 Derivation of Flexure Formula 161

15 kN
150 mm
2m | lm
6kN/m 250 mm

-* 3 m — *>

R x
= 14 kN R2 = 19 kN

Shear diagram

-19

Figure 5-4.

100 mm
6 m 2m V.

w N/m
300 mm

8m

Note: Any steeper slope, i.e., larger w,

shifts pt. of zero shear to the left. Any
smaller slope keeps pt. of zero shear at P.
1 62 5 Stresses in Beams

Solution: To satisfy the given conditions, the shear diagram must

appear as shown. The maximum value of w to reduce the shear to zero
P is determined from Eq. (4-3):

[AK = (area) load ] 4w + —p = 6w

which determines the following relation between P and w:

P = 8>v (a)

The maximum bending moment occurs under P and is

[AM = (area) K ] Max. M - £(6)(6w) = 18w N m•

Applying the flexure formula, we obtain

:

)'"
(0.100)(0.300)
M= o— =
c
a
6
18w = (9X 106
6
w = 750 N/m Ans
whence from relation (a), the value of P is

P = 8w = 8(750) = 6000 N ^/w.

PROBLEMS

503. A cantilever beam, 60 mm wide

by 200 mm high and 6 m
long, carries a load that varies uniformly from zero at the free end to
1000 N/m at the wall, (a) Compute the magnitude and location of the
maximum flexural stress, (b) Determine the type and magnitude of the
stress in a fiber 40 mm from the top of the beam at a section 3 m from
the free end. Ans. (b) o = 1.13 MPa
504. A simply supported beam, 60 mm wide by 100 mm high and
4 m long, is a point 1 m
subjected to a concentrated load of 800 N at
from one of the supports. Determine the maximum fiber stress and the
stress in a fiber located 10 mm
from the top of the beam at midspan.
505. A high-strength steel band saw, 20 mm wide by 0.80 mm
thick, runs over pulleys 600 mm in diameter. What maximum flexural
stress is developed? What minimum diameter pulleys can be used
without exceeding a flexural stress of 400 MPa? Assume E = 200 GPa.
Ans. o = 267 MPa
506. A flat steel bar, 25 wide by 6 mm
thick and 1 long, is mm m
bent by couples applied at the ends so that the midpoint deflection is
20 mm. Compute the maximum stress in the bar and the magnitude of
the couples. Use E= 200 GN/m 2
.

Ans. o = 95.8 MPa; M= 14.4 N m

•
5-2 Derivation of Flexure Formula 163

507. In a laboratory test of a beam loaded by end couples, the

fibers at layer AB in Fig. P-507 are found to increase 30 X 10" 3 mm
while those at CD decrease 90 X 10~ 3 mm in the 200-mm-gage length.
Using E= 100 GPa, determine the flexural stress in the top and bottom
fibers.

— 200 mm*
i
50 mmj
"T
100 mm^
_JL
75 mm;

Figure P-507.

508. Determine the minimum width b of the beam shown in Fig.

•508 if is not to exceed 10 MPa.
the flexural stress
Ans. b = 75.0 mm

5000 N

| lm
2000 N/m 200 mm
1ml
1
3m \

w b

R 1
R2
Figure P-508

509. A box section used in aircraft is constructed of tubes

connected by thin webs as shown in Fig. P-509. Each tube has a
cross-sectional area of 130
2
mm
If the average stress in the tubes is not
.

to exceed 70 MPa, determine the total uniformly distributed load that

can be supported on a simple span 4 m
long. Neglect the effects of the
webs.

100 mm-. 100 mm

<§>
9nn
200
—mm <§>
-.
©
150 mm

Figure P-509.
164 5 Stresses in Beams

510. A 40-mm diameter bar is used as a simply supported beam

2 m long. Determine the largest uniformly distributed load which can be
applied over the right half of the beam if the flexural stress is limited to
60 MN/m 2
. Arts, w = 1340 N/m
511. A simply supported rectangular beam, 50 mm wide by
100 mm deep, carries a uniformly distributed load of 1200 N/m over its
entire length. What is the maximum length of the beam if the flexural
stress is limited to 20 MPa?
512. The circular bar 20 mm in diameter shown in Fig. P-512 is

bent into a semicircle with a mean radius of 600 mm. If P= 2000 N

and F= 1000 N, compute the maximum flexural stress developed in
section a -a. Neglect the deformation of the bar.
Ans. o = 331 MPa

Figure P-512.

513. A rectangular steel beam, 50 mm wide by 80 mm deep, is

loaded as shown in Fig. P-513. Determine the magnitude and location

of the maximum flexural stress.

2kN
M = 5kN-m
1 m J
I 1 m y 1 m

Figure P-513.

514. The right-angled frame shown in Fig. P-514 carries a uni-

formly distributed loading equivalent to 200 N for each horizontal
projected meter of the frame; that is, the total load is 1000 N. Compute
the maximum flexural stress at section a-a if the cross section is 50 mm
square. Ans. o = 30.0 MPa
515. Repeat Problem 514 to find the maximum flexural stress at
section b-b.
5-2 Derivation of Flexure Formula 165

Figures P-514 and P-515.

516. A rectangular steel bar, 20 wide by 40 mm high and mm

4 m long, is simply supported at its ends. If the density of steel is
7850 kg/m3 determine the maximum bending stress caused by the
,

weight of the bar.

517. A simply supported beam 4 m long is composed of two
C230 X 30 channels riveted back to back. What uniformly distributed
load can be carried, in addition to the weight of the beam, without
exceeding a flexural stress of 140 MN/m2 if (a) the webs are vertical
and (b) the webs are horizontal. Refer to Appendix B for channel
properties.

518. A beam with a S3 80 X 74 section is simply supported at the

ends. It supports a central concentrated load of 40 kN and a uniformly
distributed load of 15 kN/m over its entire length, including the weight
of the beam. Determine the maximum length of the beam if the flexural
stress is not to exceed 140 MPa. Refer to Appendix B for properties of S
shapes.

519. 10 m long is simply supported 1 m from each end.

A beam
It is made C380 X 50 channels (see Appendix B) riveted back to
of two
back and used with the webs vertical. Determine the total uniformly
distributed load that can be carried along its entire length without
exceeding a flexural stress of 120 MPa. Ans. w = 22.0 kN/m
520. A beam with a W200 X 27 section (see Appendix B) is used
as a cantilever beam 6 m long. Find the maximum uniformly distributed
load which can be applied over the entire length of the beam, in
addition to the weight of the beam, if the flexural stress is not to exceed
140 MN/m2 .

521. Repeat Problem 520 using a 4-m cantilever beam with a

W250 X 67 section.
522. In the portion of a butt joint shown in Fig. P-522, a 28-mm
rivet secures 14-mm cover plates to a 20-mm main plate. Assuming that
the loads are uniformly distributed along the rivet, determine the
maximum bending stress in the rivet.
166 5 Stresses in Beams

90 kN

30 kN
Figure P-522.

523. A square timber beam used as a railroad tie is supported by

a uniformly distributed reaction and carries two uniformly distributed
loads each totaling 48 kN as shown in Fig. P-523. Determine the size of
the section if the maximum stress is limited to 8 MPa.

0.2 m 0.2 m
0.5 m-H 1 m •-0.5 m-H

TV=48 kN W=48kN
I
'TTTTTTTTTTrn
Figure P-523.
n
524. A wooden beam 150 mm wide by 300 mm deep loaded as is

8 MN/m find
2
shown in Fig. P-524. If the maximum flexural stress is ,

the maximum values of w and P that can be applied simultaneously.

Arts, w = 9kN/m;/> = 18 kN
525. In Problem 524, if the load on the overhang is 10 kN/m
and the overhang is x meters long, find the maximum values of P and x
that can be used simultaneously.

w N/m

3m 3 m 4 2m

R x
R.
"2
Figures P-524 and P-525

526. A rectangular beam, 120 mm wide by 400 mm deep, is

loaded as shown in Fig. P-526. If w = 3 kN/m, find P to cause a

maximum bending stress of 10 MPa. Ans. P— 32.5 kN
527. Solve Problem 526 if w - 6 kN/m.
5-3 Economic Sections 167

4 m f lm
w N/m

i 5 m -

#1 #2
Figures P-526 and P-527.

5-3 ECONOMIC SECTIONS

In a beam having a rectangular or circular cross section, the fibers near

the neutral axis are understressed compared with those at the top or
bottom. The fact that a large portion of the cross section is thus
understressed makes it inefficient for resisting flexure.
The flexure formula, M— ol/c, shows that if the area of a beam
of rectangular section (Fig. 5 -6a) could be rearranged so as to keep the
same overall depth buthave the shape shown in Fig. 5 -6b, the moment
of inertia would be greatly increased, resulting in a greater resisting
moment. Physically, the increase in resisting moment is due to more
fibers being located at a greater distance from the NA, for such fibers
carry a greater stress and have a larger moment arm about the NA to
resist the applied bending moment. However, the section in Fig. 5 -6b is
not practicable; the two parts of it would collapse together. It is
necessary to use some of the area to fix these parts in place relative to
each other, as in Fig. 5 -6c. We see later (page 197) that this web area
transmits practically all the vertical shear, and we shall learn how to
compute its dimensions.
Figure 5 -6c represents a wide-flange beam (referred to as a W
shape). This is one of the most efficient structural shapes manufactured

Ezzzzzzzzzzzza mzzzzzzzzm ZZZ7ZZD

A
y
(a) (b) (c) (d)
Wide flange I beam
(W Shape) (S Shape)

Figure 5-6.
168 5 Stresses in Beams

because it not only provides great flexural strength with minimum

weight of material but is when used as a column (see
highly efficient
Chapter 1). Another structural shape is the I beam (referred to as an S
1

shape) in Fig. 5-6d; it preceded the wide flange and because it is not as
efficient has been largely replaced by the wide flange beam. Properties
of both these sections are given in Appendix B. A beam of either type is

specified by stating its nominal depth in millimeters and its nominal

mass per unit length in W610 X
kilograms per meter. The designation
140, for example, indicates a wide-flangebeam with nominal depth 610
mm and nominal mass per unit length of 140 kg/m. The tables in
Appendix B indicate that the actual depth of this beam is 617 mm and
its theoretical mass per unit length is 140.1 kg/m.* The structural tables

give the dimensions and other properties of the cross-sectional area,

such as moment of inertia (/), section modulus (S), and radius of
gyration* (r) for each principal axis of the section.
In selecting a structural section to be used as a beam, it is obvious
that the resisting r
moment M — al/c = aS
must be equal to or greater
than the applied bending moment M. This may be expressed as

5 > — (5-3)

Equation (5-3) indicates that a beam must be selected whose section

modulus is equal to or greater than the ratio of bending moment to
allowable stress. Illustrative Problem 528 demonstrates the necessary
procedure and cautions.

Lateral deflection of beams.

The compression flanges of beams tend to buckle horizontally

sideways if the beam is too long. This buckling is a column effect.
(Columns will be discussed in Chapter 1 1 .) When this lateral deflection
is prevented by the floor system or by bracing the compression flanges
at proper intervals, the full allowable stresses may be used. Otherwise,
the stresses should be reduced. Formulas for the reduction of the
allowable stress are given in the specifications of the American Institute
of Steel Construction. Hereafter, we assume that all beams are properly
braced against lateral deflection.

•Many designs are based on the nominal mass per meter. However, to
illustratethe use of the tables, we shall use the theoretical mass per meter.
t
The use of r for radius of gyration conforms with American Institute of Steel
Construction (AISC) notation. Be careful not to confuse this term with the r which is
frequently used to denote the radius of a circle.
5-3 Economic Sections 169

ILLUSTRATIVE PROBLEM

528. What is the lightest W

shape beam that will support the
load shown in Fig. 5-7 without exceeding a flexural stress of 120 MPa?
Determine the actual stress in the beam. Assume the beam is properly
braced against lateral deflection.

45 kN

4m I 2m

f
R1 = 15 kN R2 = 30 kN

15 kN

Shear diagram
-30 kN
Figure 5-7. Live load. (Applied load exclusive of weight of beam.)

Solution: We begin by computing the reactions and sketching the

shear diagram. The maximum moment occurs under the load and
equals 15 X 4 = 60 kN • m. Applying Eq. (5-3), we have

60 X 103
S > 6
= 500 x 10" 6 m 3

120 x 10

> 500 x 10
3
mm 3

Referring to the table of properties of W shapes (Appendix B) and

starting at the bottom, first beam whose section
we find that the
modulus is X 103 mm3 is W200 X 52 with S = 512 X
greater than 500
10 mm In the W250 group we find a W250 X 45 with S = 534 X 103
3 3
.

mm which is also satisfactory, as well as being lighter. The W310

3
,

group lists a W310 X 39 beam with S = 549 X 103 mm 3 This one is the .

best one, because the lightest suitable beam in the remaining groups
have a mass per meter which is greater than 38.7 kg/m, the mass per
meter of the W310 X 39 beam.
The reader may wonder why more than one size beam is manufac-
tured with approximately the same section modulus. The explanation is
that although the lightest beam is the cheapest on the basis of weight
alone, frequently headroom clearances require a beam of less depth
than the lightest one.
1 70 5 Stresses in Beams

The selection of the beam is not complete until a check calculation

ismade that includes the weight of the beam.* The beam's resisting
M
moment B must be equal to or greater than the sum of the live load
M
moment L caused by the applied loads and the dead load moment D M
caused by the dead weight of the beam:

MB > ML + MD
Dividing each term of this equation by the stress a gives

o a o
whence, replacing M/ a by the section modulus S, we obtain the
governing equation for design:

The weight of the beam in this example is 38.7 kg/m X 9.81

m/s 2 = 380 N/m, which is not sufficient to change the location of the
maximum moment resulting from the combined live and dead loads.
Hence, we compute the dead load moment D at x = 4 m (Fig. 5-8). M
From the definition of bending moment, = (ZM) R we have M ,

MD (1.14)(2) (0.380 X 2)(1) 1.52 kN m

= - = •

or, from the shaded area of the shear diagram,

(1.14 + 0.38),^ ,^
MD = * - L
(2) = 1XT
1.52 kN m •

Therefore, the section modulus required to support the dead

weight of the beam is

S =—2-
M, L52x^ =127xl0 _ 6m3
Sd 6
o 120 x 10
= 12.7 X 10
3
mm 3

Applying the governing equation,

3 3
[SB > SL + SD ] 549 X 10 > (500 + 12.7) X 10

we see that a W310 x 39 beam is satisfactory.

Frequently, the steel beam is encased in concrete for fireproofing or to form

part of a concrete floor. The concrete may be assumed to extend at least 50 mm
beyond the dimensions of the beam. For example, a W310 X 39 with a depth of 310
mm and a flange width of 165 mm will be encased in concrete having overall
dimensions of 410 mm by 265 mm. Computed at a mass density of 2400 kg/m 3 the ,

encasement adds an extra load of approximately 2.56 kN/m, which should be

included in the weight of the beam. In subsequent problems, the weight of the
encasement will be neglected. In actual practice, its weight is usually included in an
estimate of the dead loads.
5-3 Economic Sections 171

0.380 kN/m

6 m
i2 2 = 1.14kN

"^
9 m
^-^_
-0.38 kN mi -1.14 kN
Figure 5-8. Dead load. (Due to weight of beam.)

The actual beam stress is easily determined from the ratio of the
beam modulus to the design modulus, viz.,

[M-o>SB -o(SL + SD )]
a'(549 X 10" 6 ) - (120 X 6
10 )[(500 + 12.7) X 10" 6
]

from which
(*'= 112 MPa Ans.

PROBLEMS

Assume that the beams in the following problems are properly

braced against lateral deflection. Be sure to include the weight of the
beam itself.

529. A 10-m beam simply supported at the ends carries a uni-

formly distributed load of 16 kN/m over its entire length. What is the
lightest W shape beam that will not exceed a flexural stress of 120 MPa?
What is the actual stress in the beam selected?
Ans. W610X 82; 113 MPa
530. Repeat Problem 529 if the distributed load is 12 kN/m and
the length of the beam is 8 m.
531. A concentrated load of 90 kN is applied at the center of a
simply supported beam 8 m long. Select the lightest suitable W shape
section using an allowable stress of 120 MN/m 2
. Ans. W530 X 74
532. Solve Problem 531 if the length of the beam is changed to
12 m.

533. A beam
simply supported on a 12-m span carries a uni-
formly distributed load of 30 kN/m over the middle 6 m. Using an
172 5 Stresses in Beams

allowable stress of 140 MPa, determine the lightest suitable W shape

beam. What is the actual maximum stress in the selected beam?
Ans. W610 x 125; 133 MPa
534. Repeat Problem 533 if the uniformly distributed load is

changed to 80 kN/m.
535. A simply supported beam 16 m long carries a uniformly
distributed load of 20 kN/m over the right half of the beam. Select the
lightest suitable W shape beam if the allowable stress is 120 MN/m 2
.

536. A simply supported beam 10 m long carries a uniformly

distributed load of 20 kN/m over its entire length and a concentrated
load of 40 kN atmidspan. If the allowable stress is 120 MPa, determine
the lightest W shape beam which can be used.
Ans. W610 X 125

5-4 FLOOR FRAMING

Probably the most common structural use of beams is to provide

support for the floors and frameworks of buildings. Figure 5-9
illustrates a typical detail in a home. The subfloor is supported by floor

Subfloor

Column

Figure 5-9. Floor framing.

5-4 Floor Framing 173

|
W=paL

w=paN/m

Figure 5-10. Loading on a floor joist.

beams in steel construction). The floor joists are

joists (called floor
assumed to act as simply supported beams. They are supported by
heavier beams called girders, which in turn are supported by columns
that transmit the loads to the foundation.
The floor load is specified as p N/m2 and varies from 2.5 kN/m2
for homes to as high as 25 kN/m for industrial buildings. If the floor
2

joists are L meters long and spaced a meters apart on centers, each joist
is assumed to support the loading of an area aL m
2
shown shaded in ,

Fig. 5-9. The loading on a typical floor joist therefore is the uniformly
distributed load shown in Fig. 5-10. The total load equals the load/? W
N/m2 acting over the area aL. This may be divided by the length L to
give a loading per meter of w = ^ N/m.
In steel construction, the same general plan is followed except that
the floor beams are usually riveted or bolted to the webs of the girders
as shown in Fig. 1-12 (page 21). The figures in the following illustrative
problem represent a small building and show how to construct the
loading diagrams for the various beams.

ILLUSTRATIVE PROBLEM

537. Determine the loading diagrams for beams B-l, G-l, B-2,
and G-2 for the building whose partial floor plan is shown in Fig. 5-11.
The loading for each bay is indicated.

Solution: Beams supporting only floor loads are designated B-\, B-2,
etc. Beams beams are called girders
that support the reactions of floor
and are denoted by G-l, G-2, At beam B-l, the loading is 5 kN/m2
etc.
unif ormiy distributed over a length of 4 m and a width of 2 m, resulting
in the loading diagram shown in Fig. 5-12.
Beam G-l is a girder used to support one end of beams B-\ and
framed into beams B-2. It is loaded by the end reactions of beams B-l,
as shown in Fig. 5-13.

Beam B-2 supports the end reaction of beam G-l, as well as half
the loadings in the bays adjacent to it. Its loading diagram therefore is
 —

174 5 Stresses in Beams

-*— 2 m 2m—+ 2 m + 2 m 2 m

(B-3) (B-3) (B-3) (B-3) (B-3) (B-3)

10 kN/m 2 10 kN/m 2 10 kN/m 2 10 kN/m 2 10 kN/m 2

Col. Col.

Tt
(G-2)

Stair well 2m

(G-l)

6 m
(B-2) (B-l) (B-l) (B-2)

10 kN/m 2 5 kN/m 2 5 kN/m 2 5 kN/m 2 10 kN/m 2

Figure 5-11. Floor plan and loading.

W= 5(2 X 4) = 40 kN
I

4 m
i?=20kN «=20kN
Figure 5-12. Beam (B-1).

20 kN 20 kN

2m 1 2m f 2m

C
K=20kN
6 m 3
R=20kN
Figure 5-13. Girder (G-1).
5-4 Floor Framing 175

20 kN

'

4 m
2 m
10 kN m 15 kN m

U 111

Figure 5-14. Beam (B-2).

60 kN 60 kN

2 m UJ 2 m

m
2 m

F 6
3
Figure 5-15. Girder (G-2).

as shown in Fig. 5-14. For the first 2 m, beam B-2 supports a total
load of 10 kN/m 2 over a floor area 2 m x 1 m, equivalent to 20 kN
applied at 10 kN/m. The reaction of beam G-l is shown as a con-
centrated load of 20 kN. For the rest of the beam, the loading is 15
kN/m computed as the sum of the loadings per meter extending for 1 m
into the10-kN/m 2 bay and the 5-kN/m2 bay.
The girder G-2 is loaded by the reactions of beams B-3 only, as
shown in Fig. 5-15. Verify that the reaction of beam B-3 is 60 kN.

PROBLEMS

538. Floor joists 50 mm

wide by 200 high, simply supported mm
2
on a 4-m span, carry a floor loaded at 5 kN/m Compute the center- .

line spacing between joists to develop a bending stress of 8 MPa. What

safe floor load could be carried on a center-line spacing of 0.40 m?
Ans. 0.267 m; 3.34 kN/m 2
539. Timbers 300 x 300 mm, spaced 0.90 m apart on centers, are
driven into the ground and act as cantilever beams to back up the sheet
piling of a coffer dam. What is the maximum safe height of water
3
behind the dam if the density of water is 1000 kg/m and the bending
MN/m ?
stress is limited to 8
2
Ans. h = 2.90 m
540. Timbers 200 mm wide by 300 mm deep and 5 m long,
simply supported at top and bottom, back up a dam restraining water
176 5 Stresses in Beams

3 m deep. The density of water is I000kg/m 3 . (a) Determine the center-

line spacing of the timbers if the flexural stress is 8 MPa. (b) Will this
spacing be safe if the maximum flexural stress is limited to 12 MPa and
the water reaches its maximum depth of 5 m? Ans. (a) 0.939 m
541. The 6-m long floor beams in a certain building are simply
supported at their ends and carry a floor load of 4 kN/m 2 . If the beams
have W250 X
45 sections, determine the center-line spacing using an
allowable flexural stress of 120 MPa.

542. Select the lightest W shape sections which can be used for
the beams and girders in Illustrative Problem 537 if the allowable stress
is 120 MPa. Neglect the weights of the members.
Ans. B-\: W250 X 18; B-2: W410 X 46;
CM: W310 x 28; G-2: W410 x 60
543. A portion of the floor plan of a certain building is shown in
Fig. P-543. The total loading (including live and dead loads) in each
bay is as shown. Select the lightest suitable W shape beams if the
allowable flexural stress is 120 MPa. Assume the beams are adequately
braced.

y^\N all

15 kN/m 2 15 kN/m 2 9 kN/m 2 9 kN/m 2 15 kN/m 2 15 kN/m 2

7 m
(fi-3) (B-2) (B-l) (B-2) (B-S)

(G-l)

t
Stair well 2 m
>

Figure P-543.

2
544. Repeat Problem 543 if the 15 kN/m loading is changed to
and the 9 kN/m loading is changed to 12 kN/m
2
24 kN/m 2 2
.

5-5 UNSYMMETRICAL BEAMS

All the beams discussed so far have been symmetrical with respect to
the neutral axis. Because flexure stresses vary directly with distance
5-5 Unsym metrical Beams 177

from the neutral axis — which is the centroidal axis — such beam sections
are desirable for materials that are equally strong in tension and
compression. However, for materials relatively weak in tension and
strong in compression, such as cast iron, it is desirable to use beams that
are unsymmetrical with respect to the neutral axis. With such a cross
section, the stronger fibers can be located at a greater distance from the
neutral axis than the weaker fibers. The ideal treatment for such
materials is to locate the centroidal or neutral axis in such a position
that the ratio of the distances from it and in
to the fibers in tension
compression is exactly thesame as the ratio of the allowable stresses in
tension and in compression. The allowable stresses thus reach their
permitted values simultaneously.

ILLUSTRATIVE PROBLEMS

545. A cast-iron beam carries a uniformly distributed load on a

simple span. Compute the flange width b of the inverted T section (Fig.
5-16) so that the allowable stresses ot = 30 MPa and oc = 90 MPa
reach their limits simultaneously.

» -*20 mn i

"7
wN/m
120 mm 1

NA
i I
i
T > '

Li

20 mm * X
)*

Figure 5-16.

Solution: The beam is bent concave upward so that the uppermost

fibers are in compression and the lowermost fibers are in tension. As

discussed in Art. 5-2, flexure stresses vary directly with their distance
from the neutral axis. Therefore to cause a, and ac to reach their limits
simultaneously, we have

yj_ yj_
30
yc 90

or

yc = 3y, (a)
178 5 Stresses in Beams

Figure 5- 16 shows that another relation between v, and>>c is

v, + yc = 140 mm (b)

Solving relations (a) and (6), we obtain

y = 35
t
mm and y c = 105 mm
Now consider the T section to consist of the two shaded rectan-
gles. Since the neutral axis coincides with the centroidal axis, we take
moments of areas with respect to an X axis through the base of the
flange and obtain
[Ay = Say]
(120 x 20 + b x 20)v, = (120 x 20)(20 + 60) + (ftx 20)(10)

In this is substituted the value y —

t
35, which gives
b = 216 mm Arts.

546. Compute the maximum tensile and compressive stresses

developed in the beam that is loaded and has the cross-sectional
properties shown in Fig. 5-17.

8kN

r
120 mm
NA
50 mm
i W777f/fr777777\
|*-x = 1.8m-H
I NA = 20 X 10 6 mm 4

Shear diagram

Solution: Sections of zero shear are at x = 1.8 m and x = 4 m. The

bending moments at these sections are A/ L8 = 16.2 kN-m and M 4
=
-8 kN-m. Check these values.
The positive moment at x = 1.8 m indicates curvature concave
upward (see Art. 4-2); hence the upper fibers are in compression and
the lower fibers are in tension. Applying Eq. (5-2) shows the flexure
5-5 Unsymmetrical Beams 179

stresses to be

= My
3
= (16.2 X 10 )(0.120)
a o„ = 97.2 MPa
I 20 X 10" 6

20 x 10" 6
Note that for the units to be consistent, is expressed in N M
m, y in m, •

and / in m4 .

At x = 4 m, the negative bending moment is interpreted as curva-

ture concave downward, so that the upper fibers are in tension and the
lower ones in compression. Having thus interpreted the sign of the
bending moment, we substitute the numerical value of the bending
moment in Eq. (5-2) and obtain the following flexure stresses:
3

a — My (8 x 10 )(0.120)
= 48.0 MPa
20 x 10~ 6

(8xl03)(0.050)
© ^--\-\,C>f^
=2()0Mpa
20 x 10" 6

Hence the maximum compressive stress is 97.2 MPa, occurring at

x — 1.8 m, and the maximum tensile stress is 48.0 MPa, occurring at
x = 4 m. In an unsymmetrical section having a reversal in curvature,
the maximum stresses need not both occur at the section of maximum
moment. The stresses at each section of zero shear must be investigated.

547. The overhanging beam in Fig. 5-18 is made of cast iron, for
which the allowable stresses are ot
= 40 MPa and ac = 100 MPa. If the

w N/m

-1.2m-4» 3 m- 4«-1.2m — NA
/J 80 mm
f
1.5 w' 180
1.2 m;

7 NA = 50 X 10 6 mm 4
-1.2 m;
1.5 m;

Shear diagram

Figure 5-18.
180 5 Stresses in Beams

properties of the cross section are as shown, determine the maximum

uniformly distributed load that can be supported.

Solution: At x = 1.2 m, the bending moment -0.72w N- m, the

is

negative sign indicating tension in the upper fibers. Using Eq. (5-2), we
find that the safe resisting moments in tension and compression are

6
(40 x 10 )(50x 10" 6 ) ,.- 1M
M.. -
= ~
O080
^ = 25.0kN. m
y
6 10- 6
(100 x 10 )(50 X
K ~_ O180
) _ 278 kN m
" '

Evidently tension governs, since the safe resisting moment is the lower
value. Equating this to the bending moment, we have

[M - Mr]
0.72w = 25.0 X 103 w = 34.7 kN/m
Before concluding that this is the safe load, we must also investi-
gate the other section of zero shear. At x = 2.7 m, M= + 0.405 w
N •
m. Although this is lower than the moment at x = 1.2 m, the
curvature is reversed, being concave upward and placing the upper
fibers in compression and the lower ones in tension. From Eq. (5-2), the
safe resisting moment is

M -± (100xlO-)(5 xlO-^ 625kN m

r Mc= U.UoU
,

y
6 1Q- 6
(40 x 10 )(50 x
M
,,
-
O180
)
=H.lkNm
Equating the lower resisting moment to the bending moment, we obtain

[M = Mr]
0.405 w = 11.1 X 10
3
w = 27.4 kN/m
The maximum safe load is the lower of the values obtained at
x = 1.2m and x = 2.7 m, that is, kN/m. Why is it unnecessary to
27.4
investigate the section of zero shear at x = 4.2 m? Show that inverting
the beam section will reduce the allowable load to 15.4 kN/m.

PROBLEMS

The inverted T section of a 4-m simply supported beam has

548.
the properties shown in Fig. P-548. The beam carries a uniformly
distributed load w over its entire length. Determine w if a, < 30
MN/m 2 and oc < 70 MN/m2 Ans. w = 3750 N/m
.
5-5 Unsymmetrical Beams 181

n
160 mm

I NA

80 mm

I NA = 20 X 10 6 mm 4
Figure P-548.

549
(549. Determine the maximum tensile and compressive bending
stresses developed in the beam shown in Fig. P-549. The cross section
has the given properties. Ans. o t
— 20.0 MPa; ac = 10.0 MPa

5kN
M = 5kN-m ZZZZZZZZZ2 60 mm
lm 2m 1 2m NA

pc
|

200 mm
1
#2 / N A=40 X 10 6 mm 4
Figure P-549.

550. maximum tensile and compressive

Find the flexure stresses
for the cantilever beam shown in Fig. P-550.

TZZZZZZA~^ mm
4kN/m
Wl NA
130

200 mm
6m
^^ 7 NA =
\ZZZ2
100X 10 6 mm 4
10 kN
Figure P-550.

551. A beam with the cross section shown in Fig. P-551 is

loaded in such a way that the maximum moments are +1.5Z
>
and N m
•

-2.2P N •
m, where P is the applied load in newtons. Determine the
maximum safe value of P if the working stresses are 30 MPa in tension
and 70 MPa in compression. Ans. P = 16.0 kN
182 5 Stresses in Beams

60
T
mm
J NA
r

100 mm

I
/ NA = 80 X 10 6 mm 4
Figure P-551.

552. Resolve Problem 551 if the maximum moments are +3.2P

N- m and -5.8P N • m.
553. Determine the maximum safe value of W that can be
carried by the beam shown in Fig. P-553 if a, < 20 MN/m 2
and
ac < 60 MN/m 2
. Arts. W= 3 kN

u w
200 mm
6W NA
I 80 mm
2m 8m 2m YZZZZZZZA—.\
7 NA = 60 X 10
6
mm 4

Figure P-553.

554. What safe value of W can be applied to the beam loaded as

shown in Fig. P-554 if a, < 60 MPa and ac < 100 MPa?

W
^80 mm
2W 4 m 4 m
2m NA
120 mm
*1
.A
7 NA =30 X 10
6
mm 4
Figure P-554.

555. A cast-iron beam carries the loads shown in Fig. P-555. If

a, < 20 MN/m 2
and oc < 80 MN/m 2
, compute the permissible limits
of the overhang. Ans. x = 2.0 to 2.5 m
5-5 Unsymmetrical Beams 183

4kN 4kN
80 mm
16 kN NA
^=1-:
200 mm
6 m
T 6
mm 4
NA = 40 X 10
/ma
Figure P-555.

556. AT beam supports the three concentrated loads shown in

Fig. P-556. Show that the NA is 70 mm from the top and that
7NA = 15.52 X 106 mm 4
. Then use these values to determine the maxi-
mum value of P so that a, < 30 MPa and oc < 70 MPa.
Ans. P= 1.41 kN

80 mm

20 mm

I 2m \ 2m \

1mA 160 mm
r
«i
VA
20 mm
Figure P-556.

557. A cast-iron beam 10 m long and supported as shown in Fig.

P-557 carries a uniformly distributed load of w N/m (including its own
weight). The allowable stresses are a, < 20 MN/m2 and a < 80 c
MN/m2 . Determine the maximum safe value of w = m.
if x 1

Ans. w = 1.92 kN/m

558. In Problem 557, find the values of x and w so that w is a
maximum. Ans. x = 1.59 m; w = 3.16 kN/m

10 m T
wN/m / 180 mm
y
NA V,

t T V7/777\3P mm
NA = 36 X 10
(

/ma
Figures P-557 and P-558.
 —
184 5 Stresses in Beams

5-6 ANALYSIS OF FLEXURE ACTION

If a beam were composed of many thin layers placed on each other,

bending would produce the effect shown in Fig. 5-19. The separate
layers would slide past each other and the total strength of the beam
would be the sum of the strengths of the various layers. Such a built-up
beam would be considerably weaker than a solid beam of equivalent
dimensions. For a demonstration of this, flex a deck of playing cards
between the fingers holding them rather loosely so that the cards can
slide past one another as they are bent. Then grip the ends of them
tightly, so that they cannot slip —
thus approximating a solid section
and try to flex them. You will discover that considerably more effort is

required.

Figure 5-19. Sliding between layers of a built-up beam.

Figure 5 -20a will aid in understanding this action. The figure is a

pictorial representation of the flexural stress distribution over the por-
tion to the left of the exploratory section m-n of the solid beam in Fig.
5-20b.

L
\n

(b)

(a)

Figure 5-20. Distribution of compressive and tensile forces.

5-6 Analysis of Flexure Action 185

If we add the horizontal forces acting over the entire depth of the
section, the compressive forces will exactly balance the tensile forces, as
is required by the equilibrium condition2^ = (Art. 5-2). However, if
we summation of horizontal forces over a partial depth of the
take a
section, say from the top elements a-b to those at c-d, the total
compressive force C, over the area abed (equal to the area abed
multiplied by the average of the stresses oa and od ) can be balanced only
by a shear resistance developed at the horizontal layer dee. Such shear
resistance is available in a solid beam but not in a built-up beam of
unconnected layers.
If we extend summation of horizontal forces down to layer fg,
the
is increased by C
the resultant compressive force 2 which is the average
,

of the stresses ad and o multiplied by the area cdfg. Thus a larger shear
f
resistance must be developed over the horizontal layer at fg than at dee.
Of course, the total compressive force C plus C2 acting over the area
x

abgf may also be computed as the average of the stresses oa and oy

multiplied by the area abgf. However, the first method indicates the
decreasing magnitude of the increase in the total compressive force as
we descend by equal intervals from the top; i.e., although the total
compressive force increases as we descend by equal intervals from the
top, itdoes so by smaller increments.
This analysis shows that the maximum unbalanced horizontal
force exists at the neutral axis. This unbalanced force decreases gradu-
ally to zero as the effects of layers below the neutral axis are included.
This is so because the horizontal effect of the compressive forces is

increasingly offset by the neutralizing effect of the tensile forces, until

finally complete balance is attained and 2X = over the entire section.
This analysis also indicates that layers equidistant from the neutral
axis, such as fg and hk, are subject to the same net horizontal unbal-
ance, because in adding the horizontal forces from the top to these
layers the equal compressive forces C3 and T3 cancel out. We conclude
that equal shear resistances are developed at layers fg and hk. However,
this requires that the areas from the neutral axis to the equidistant layers
be symmetrical with respect to the neutral axis. The conclusion would
not hold, for example, if the beam section were a triangle with its base
horizontal.

PROBLEMS

559. composed of 6 planks, each 100 mm wide and 20

A beam is
mm thick, piled loosely on each other to an overall dimension of 100
mm wide by 120 mm high, (a) Compare the strength of such a beam
with that of a solid beam of equal overall dimensions, (b) What would
186 5 Stresses in Beams

be the ratio if the built-up beam consisted of 12 planks each 100 mm

wide by 10 mm thick? Arts, (a) 1 to 6; (b) 1 to 12

560. The wide-flange beam shown in Fig. P-560 is strengthened

by riveting two cover plates 160 mm by 20 mm to the top and bottom
flanges. If the maximum flexure stress is 110 MPa, compute the total
force (a) each cover plate and (b) in each flange. Neglect the
in
weakening effect of the rivet holes. Ans. (a) 336 kN; (b) 304 kN

M— lbU mm — »-|

-H-
20 mm
20 mm

360 mm

H- n- 20 mm
-^r 20 mm

Figure P-560.

561. AT section has the dimensions given in Fig. P-561. Show

that the neutral axis is 60 mm below the top and that /NA = 26.67 X 106
mm 4 . If the tensile stress at the bottom of the flange is 10 MN/m2 ,

determine (a) the total tensile force in the flange and (b) the total

120 mm
T mm
40

160 mm
20 mm

Figure P-561.
5-6 Analysis of Flexure Action 187

compressive force in the cross section. Also determine (c) the moment
of the total compressive force and (d) the moment of the total tensile
force about the NA. (e) How does the sum of (c) and (d) compare with
the total applied bending moment as computed from the flexure for-
mula?
Arts, (a) 96.0 kN; (b) 98.0 kN; (c) 9.15 kN m;
• (d) 4.19 kN •
m
562. In any beam section having a maximum stress a, show that
the force on any partial shaded area A' in Fig. P-562 is given by
=
F (o/c)A'y' where y' is the centroidal coordinate of A' Also show
y
.

that the moment of this force about the NA is

where /' is the moment of inertia of the shaded area about the NA.

Figure P-562.

563. A box beam is made from 50-mm by 150-mm pieces

screwed together as shown in Fig. P-563. If the maximum flexure stress
is 8 MPa, determine the force acting on the shaded piece and the

moment of this force about the NA. (Hint: Use the results of Problem
562.) Ans. F = 45.0 kN; = 3.50 kN M • m

7//////////A
•tu W//////A /
jT '

4AA <W ttrf

Figures P-563 and P-564.

564. Resolve Problem 563 using one of the vertical pieces of

wood instead of the shaded piece.
188 5 Stresses in Beams

5-7 DERIVATION OF FORMULA FOR HORIZONTAL

SHEARING STRESS

Consider two adjacent sections, (l) and (2), in a beam separated by the
distance dx, as shown in Fig. 5-21, and let the shaded part between
them be isolated as a free body. Figure 5-22 is a pictorial representation
of this part, the beam from which it is taken being shown in dashed
outline.
Assume the bending moment at section (2) to be larger than that
at section (1), thus causing larger flexural stresses on section (2) than on
section (1). Therefore, the resultant horizontal thrust H
2 caused by the
compressive forces on section (2) will be greater than the resultant
horizontal thrust H
on section (1). This difference between 2 and
l
H H x

can be balanced only by the resisting shear force dF acting on the

bottom face of the free body, since no external force acts on the top or
side faces of the free body.
Since H2 — H is the summation of the differences in thrusts
l

o2 dA and o dA on the ends of all elements contained in the part shown

x

Section (1)

Figure 5-21

0\dA

2 dA

Section
A
(1)
Section (2)

r*^
<
Figure 5-22.
5-7 Derivation of Formula for Horizontal Shearing Stress 189

in Fig. 5-22, a horizontal summation of forces gives

[2/7 = 0] dF=H -H 2 x

= I o 2 dA — I o dA
x
Jy\ '
Jy\

whence, replacing the flexural stress a by its equivalent My/I, we

obtain

dF = -+[ydA--±fydA
J 1 J J
= —?- l
- f y dA
J
y\ y\ * y\

From Fig. 5-21 we note that dF = rb dx, where t is the average

shearing stress over the differential area of width b and length dx; also
that M 2
— M x
represents the differential change in bending moment dM
in the distance dx; hence the above relation is rewritten as

T = dM CydA
Ibdx J
y\

From Art. 4-4 we recall that dM/dx~ V, the vertical shear; so we

obtain for the horizontal shearing stress,
<NC .

We have replaced the integral t y dA, which means the sum of the

moments of the differential areas dA about the neutral axis, by its

equivalent A'y, where A' is the partial area of the section above the
layer at which the shearing stress is being computed and y is the
moment arm A' is
of this area with respect to the neutral axis;
the shaded area in the end view of Fig. 5-21. A variation of the product
A'y is the symbol Q, which frequently is used to represent the static
moment of area.

Shear flow

If the shearing stress t is multiplied by the width b, we obtain a

quantity q, known as shear flow, which represents the longitudinal force
per unit length transmitted across the section at the level y v It is
analogous to the shear flow discussed previously in the torsion of
thin- walled tubes (see page 91). Using Eq. (5-4), we find that its value is
given by

q = rb = jQ (5-4a)
190 5 Stresses in Beams

One application of this relation is discussed in Art. 5-9; another is given

in Illustrative Problem 1321 (page 541).

Relation between horizontal and

vertical shearing stresses

Most students are surprised to find the term vertical shear (V)
appearing in the stress (th ). However, as
formula for horizontal shearing
we show presently, a horizontal shearing stress is always accom-
shall
panied by an equal vertical shearing stress. It is this vertical shearing
stress tc shown in Fig. 5-23, that forms the resisting vertical shear
,

Vr — /t dA which balances the vertical shear V. Since it is not feasible

to determine tv directly, we have resorted to deriving the numerically
equal value of rh .

To prove the equivalence of rh and tv consider

, their effect on a
free-body diagram of a typical element in Fig. 5-23. A pictorial view of
this element is shown in Fig. 5-24a; a front view, in Fig. 5-24b. For
equilibrium of this element, the shearing stress rh on the bottom face
requires an equal balancing shearing stress on the top face. The forces
causing these shearing stresses (Fig. 5 -23c) form a counterclockwise
couple, which requires a clockwise couple to insure balance. The forces
of this clockwise couple induce the shearing stresses rv on the vertical
faces of the element as shown.
By taking moments about an axis through A (Fig. 5 -24c), we
obtain

[2MA - 0] (rh dx dz)dy - (rv ay dz)dx =

Figure 5-23. Horizontal and vertical shearing stresses.

5-7 Derivation of Formula for Horizontal Shearing Stress 191

1
dy

> r r v dydz

h
T h dx dz

(a) (b) Stresses (c) Forces

Figure 5-24. Shearing stresses on a typical element.

from which the constant product dx dy dz is canceled to yield

r* = t„ (5-5)

We conclude therefore that a shearing stress acting on one face of an

element is always accompanied by a numerically equal shearing stress
acting on a perpendicular face.

Application to rectangular section

The distribution of shearing stresses in a rectangular section can

be obtained by applying Eq. (5-4) to Fig. 5-25. For a layer at a
distance^ from the neutral axis, we have
V At _ V\ Jh \ir \ I h \

which reduces to
2
VI h
-ffi-4
This shows that the shearing stress is distributed parabolically across the
depth of the section.

NA

Figure 5-25. Shearing stress is distributed parabolically across a rectangular

section.
 1 92 5 Stresses in Beams

—^» The maximum shearing stress occurs at the neutral axis and is

found by substituting the dimensions of the rectangle in Eq. (5-4), as

follows:

_ V ry- = V bh h \
7 ( \(
lb (bh'/\2)b\ 2 )\4)

which reduces to

Max T= (5 ~ 6)
-
!iri7
* This indicates that the maximum shearing stress in a rectangular section
is 50% greater than the average shear stress.

Assumptions and limitations of formula

We have assumed, without saying so implicitly, that the shearing

stress is uniform across the width of the cross section. Although this
assumption does not hold rigorously, it is sufficiently accurate for
sections in which the flexure forces are evenly distributed over a
horizontal layer.
This condition is present in a rectangular section and in the
wide-flange section shown in Fig. 5 -26a, where the flexure forces on the
both shaded and unshaded, are evenly distributed across
vertical strips,
any horizontal layer. But this condition does not exist in the triangular
section in Fig. 5 -26b, where the shearing stress is maximum at the left
edge of the neutral axis, diminishing to zero at the right edge. Even here,
however, Eq. (5-4) can be used to compute the average value of
shearing stress across any layer. Another exception is a circular cross
section (Fig. 5-26c). It can be shown that the stress at the edge of any
layer must be tangent to the surface, as in the right half of the figure;
but the direction of shearing stresses at interior points is unknown,
although they are assumed to pass through a common center C as
shown. The vertical components of these shearing stresses are usually
assumed to be uniform across any layer, as in the left half of the figure,
and are computed by means of Eq. (5-4). With this assumption, the
maximum shearing stress across the neutral axis is \{P/irr 2 ). A more
elaborate study* shows that shearing stress actually varies at the neutral
2
axis from \.liP/irr 2 at the edges to \.3SP/irr at the center.

•See S. Timoshenko and J. N. Goodier, Theory of Elasticity, 2nd ed.,

McGraw-Hill, New York, 1951, p. 321.
5-7 Derivation of Formula for Horizontal Shearing Stress 193

NA

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 5-26.

ILLUSTRATIVE PROBLEMS

565. A simply supported beam 120 mm wide, 180 mm deep, and

6 m long carries a uniformly distributed load of 4 kN/m, as shown in
Fig. 5-27. (a) Compute the shearing stress developed at horizontal
layers 30 mm apart from top to bottom for a section 1 m from the left

end. (b) Compute the maximum shearing stress developed in the beam.

Solution:

Part a. As shown on
the shear diagram (Fig. 5 -27a), the defini-
tion of vertical shear V=
(2 Y) L gives V = 8 kN at x = 1 m.
The moment of inertia about the neutral axis is

bh 3 1
120(180)
/ = ^NA
~~ = 58.32 x 10
6
mm4
12 12

= 58.32 X -6
10"° _4
m
Applying Eq. (5-4) to a layer 30 mm from the top (Fig. 5 -27b),
we find that the shearing stress is

r - %A>y
8000
T = _6 (0.120 X 0.030)(0.075)
(58.32 X 10 )(0.120)
= 309 kPa

Note that for consistency of units, the shear force is expressed in

newtons, the moment of inertia in m 4 and the distances in m.
194 5 Stresses in Beams

At 60 mm from the top (Fig. 5 -27c), the shearing stress is

V
r = -A'y
8000
T = (0.120 x 0.060)(0.060)
(58.32 x 10" 6 )(0.120)
= 494 kPa
The shearing 60
stress at mm from the top can also be computed
from Fig. 5-27d, in which the area A' is resolved into two strips 30 mm
thick. Since a moment of area equals the sum of the moments of area of
its parts (that is, A'y = Soy), an identical result is obtained as follows:

T = |2>
8000
T = [(0.120 x 0.030)(0.075)
(58.32 x 10~ 6 )(0.120)
-I- (0.120 x 0.030)(0.045)]
- 494 kPa
 —
5-7 Derivation of Formula for Horizontal Shearing Stress 195

Although this computation is admittedly more complex than the preced-

ing one, it indicates the procedure to be followed when the area A' is

more complex, as in the case of a wide-flange beam.

At the neutral axis, or at 90 mm from the top (Fig. 5-27e), the
shearing stress is

= Tb A '>

8000
T = (0.120 x 0.090)(0.045)
(58.32 X 10- 6 )(0.120)
= 555 kPa

If desired, Eq. (5-6) may be used. As noted on page 192, this equation
determines the maximum shearing stress on any rectangular section.

_ 3 8000
7
2 bh
T " 2 (0.120)(0.180)
" 5 ^ kFa
The shearing stress at the 120-mm layer and the 150-mm layer are
determined similarly to be 494 and 309 kPa, respectively.
Note that equal values of r are obtained at layers equidistant from
the NA
in any beam symmetrical about the neutral axis. Physically, this
is was said on page 185, the compressive and tensile
true because, as
between these layers cancel each other. Analytically it is
flexure forces
true because the neutral axis is the centroidal axis, and hence the
moment of area A'y computed for a partial area A' located above the
NA equals that for a symmetrically placed area below the NA. Further,
since the total moment of area is zero with respect to a centroidal axis, it

follows that the moment of area about the NA of the area above any
layer equals that of the area below that layer. Stated differently, in
computing A'y we may use either the area above or that below any
layer, depending u^ jn which is easier to use.

Part b. The maximum shearing stress occurs at the NA of the

section of maximum shear. The shear diagram shows that maximum
shear occurs at either end, and hence from Eq. (5-6) the maximum
shearing stress is

T
3
= T ~r H *„
Max. r = — ——
3 12 x 10
3

^ <f> „. = „ 1T^
833 kPa Arts.
2 A J
2 (0.120 X 0.180)

566. A beam has the wide-flange section shown in Fig. 5-28a. At

a section where the vertical shear is V= 70 kN, compute (a) the
maximum shearing stress and (b) the shearing stress at the junction of
the flangeand the web. (c) Plot the shearing stress distribution in the
web, and determine the percentage of shear carried by the web alone.
 H

196 5 Stresses in Beams

h< — 160 mm —
n_j
•17.4 MPa
i
20 mm f y///////A 20 mm
W^ t
100 mm
NA ^
200 mm

-*20 mm
2.60 MPa-*J
20 mm -*-13.5 MPa^-]
7"ave.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 5-28.

Solution: The moment of inertia is found by resolving the section into

a large rectangle from which is subtracted the two shaded rectangles.
We obtain

/-2 12
:

160(240) 70(200);
~~
^NA 12 12

- 91.0 X 10
6
mm 4
= 91.0 x 10" 6 m4
The maximum shearing stress occurs at the neutral axis. In apply-
ing Eq. (5-4),compute A'y as the sum of the moments of area of the
rectangles shaded in Fig. 5-28b.

r = Ay
Tb
3
= 70 X 10
Max. t
(91.0 X 10~ 6 )(0.020)
x [(0.160 x 0.020)(0.110) + (0.020 x 0.1 00) (0.050)]

- 17.4 MPa
At the junction of the web and flange, there is a discontinuity in
the shearing stress because the width b — 160 mm when computing the
shearing stress in the flange whereas b — 20 mm when considering
stresses in the web. Then, at the junction, the shearing stress in the
web is

3
V 70 x 10
T = Ay
a>- T = (0.160 X0.020)(0.110)
Tb (91.0 x 10~ 6 )(0.020)
= 13.5 MPa
 .

5-7 Derivation of Formula for Horizontal Shearing Stress 197

Show that the shearing stress at the junction in the flange is 1.69 MPa.
The shearing stresses in the web vary parabolically from top to
bottom, as shown in Fig. 5-28c. The average height of the parabolic
segment is f (17.4 — 13.5) = 2.60 MPa. Therefore the average shear
stress in the web is

The shearing force in the web is

[P = Aa &ve ] Kweb = (0.200 X 0.020)(16.1 X 10

6
) = 64.4 kN
whence the percentage of shear carried by the web alone is

64 4
%Vwcb = 5-g- x 100 = 92.0%

This shows that the flanges are almost i neffective in resisting the vertical
shear. If it is assumed that the total vertical shear is carried by the web
alone, the average shearing stress will be very close to the maximum
stress as computed from Eq. (5-4). Thus

T = T = 70Xl(fi
=17.5 MPa <3NWeS
^web (0.200)(0.020) Ovi^S

This isvery close to the computed maximum, 17.4 MPa.

This method gives results that closely approximate the actual
maximum r. In most design specifications or codes, however, the height
of the web is not taken as the distance between flanges but is assumed
to be the depth of the beam. This procedure is not as accurate as
total
the method just given, but lower allowable shearing stresses are usually
specified in order to compensate.

PROBLEMS

567. A timber beam 90 mm wide by 160 mm high is subjected to

a vertical shear V= 20 kN. Determine the shearing stress developed at
layers 20 mm apart from top to bottom of the section.

568. Show that the shearing stress developed at the neutral axis
of a beam with circular cross section is r =\(V/irr 2). Assume that the
shearing stress is uniformly distributed across the neutral axis.

569. Show that the maximum shearing stress in a beam having a

thin- walled tubular section of net area A is t = 2 V/ A
570. A beam 4 m long has the cross section
simply supported
shown in Fig. P-570. Determine the maximum uniformly distributed
load which can be applied over the entire length of the beam if the
shearing stress is limited to 1.2 MPa. A ns. w = 4.60 kN/m
198 5 Stresses in Beams

150 mm-*-

Flgure P-570.

571. The T section shown in Fig. P-571 is the cross section of a

beam formed by joining two rectangular pieces of wood together. The
beam is subjected to a maximum shearing force of 60 kN. Show that the
NA is 34 mm from the top and that 7NA = 10.57 x 106 mm4 Using .

these values, determine the shearing stress (a) at the neutral axis and
(b) at the junction between the two pieces of wood.
Am. (a) 3.28 MPa; (b) 3.18 MPa, 31.8 MPa

40 mm

100 mm

20 mm
Figure P-571.

572. if P=
kN, compute the shearing stress at
In Fig. P-572, 5
horizontal layers 20 mm apart from bottom to top at the section of
maximum V. The NA is 70 mm from the top and 7NA = 15.52 X
10
6
mm 4 .
5-7 Derivation of Formula for Horizontal Shearing Stress 199

80 mm

^
I*
1
20 mm

I 2m \ 2m I

1 mi 160 mm

*1
f
\lA

20 mm
Figure P-572.

573. The cross section of a beam is an isosceles triangle with

vertex uppermost, of altitude h and base b. If V is the vertical shear,
show that the maximum shearing stress is 3V/bh located at the mid-
point of the altitude.

574. In the beam section shown in Fig. P-574, prove that the
maximum horizontal shearing stress occurs at a layer h/ 8 above or
below the NA.

Figure P-574.

575. Determine the maximum and minimum shearing stress in

the web of the wide-flange section in Fig. P-575
100 kN. Also if V=
compute the percentage of vertical shear carried only by the web of the
beam. Arts. Max. t = 30.5 MPa; Min. t = 23.5 MPa; 90.2%
576. Rework Problem 575 assuming that the web is 200 mm
instead of 160 mm.
200 5 Stresses in Beams

|-t— 120 mm->j ,

§ 160 mm
20
iimm
20 mm
*
Figures P-575 and P-576.

577. A plywood beam is built up of 6-mm strips separated by

blocks as shown in Fig. P-577. What shearing force V will cause a
maximum shearing stress of 1.4 MPa?

50 50
mm mm

s
1t
6 20

|
y

Yy 20
'/, mm
V A
T
Figure P-577.

5-8 DESIGN FOR FLEXURE AND SHEAR

In this article we consider the determination of load capacity or the size

of beam and
section that will satisfy allowable stresses in both flexure
shear. No beyond those already developed.
principles are required
In heavily loaded short beams the design is usually governed by
the shearing stress (which varies with V); but in longer beams the
bending moment varies with
flexure stress generally governs because the
both load and length of beam. Shearing is more important in timber
beams than in steel beams because of the low shearing strength of
wood.
5-8 Design for Flexure and Shear 201

ILLUSTRATIVE PROBLEMS

578. A rectangular beam carries a distributed load of w N/m on

a simply supported span of L meters. Determine the critical length at
which the shearing stress t and the flexure stress a reach their allowable
values simultaneously.

Solution: As shown in Fig. 5-29, max. V = W/2, where Wis the

total distributed load. The maximum load as limited by the allowable

shearing stress is determined from Eq. (5-6):
3 V 3 W/2
Max. T«7T7
2 bh
T = 2* bh
W = -bhr
Note that W is independent of the length.
At the point of zero shear, the maximum bending moment, com-
puted from the area of the shear diagram, is

»-um)-™«~
Substituting this value in the flexure formula, Eq. (5 -2a), we obtain

M=— a£
= obh 2 ] WL obh
2

c 6 8 6

Replacing W by its value in terms of the shear stress, we have

2
obh
(Mj)-
W=wL
I

wN/m

Max. V=t
Max. M - -y
Cross -section

Flgure 5-29.
 202 5 Stresses in Beams

which reduces to

For values larger than this critical length, flexure governs the design; for
shorter values, shear governs.

579. A box beam supports the loads shown in Fig. 5-30. Com-
pute the maximum value of P that will not exceed a flexural stress a =
8 MPa or a shearing stress r = 1.2 MPa for sections between the
supports.

Solution: We start by computing / for the net section, which is the

difference between two rectangles. Hence
3
bh 160(200)' 120(160)-
/-2 12
=
" 12 12
= 65.7 X 6
10 mm4
= 65.7 x 10~ 6 m4
Determining the reactions from statics gives the shear diagram
shown in Fig. 5-30. In terms of P, the maximum V is — (\P + 2000). If
the area of- the cross section above the NA, where r is a maximum, is

resolved into the three rectangles shown, the static moment of the area,
Q, is

[Q - Say] Q= (160 X 20)(90) + 2(80 X 20)(40)

= 416 x 10
3
mm 3
= 416 x 10" 6 m 3
If desired, the area could also be resolved into the difference

between the outer 100-mm by 160-mm rectangle and the inner 80-mm
by 120-mm rectangle. This gives the same value of Q, viz.,

[ Q = lay ] Q = (160 X 100)(50) - (120 X 80)(40)

= 416 X 10
3
mm 3

4000 N

2m f 2 m 2 m 160 mm- 160 mm

J
20 mm
f T=^+6000 -120^H /, 80 mm
/J^f-2000 i? 2
mm NA
200 mm 20* 20 mm
(•f
- 2000 V 160 mm '/
mm
WM )

V//M
4000

^)////;;///,
/,

lift
-(|+2000)
Figure 5-30.
5-8 Design for Flexure and Shear 203

We now substitute the absolute values of V and Q into Eq. (5-4)

to obtain

-P +
'-*« 1.2 x 6
10 = —2000 (416 x 10" 6
)
(65.7 x 10" 6 )(0.040)

from which
P= 11.2 kN
The maximum moment between the supports in terms of P is at
x = 2 m and has the value
M = (\P - 2000)(2) = (P - 4000) N m
Applying the flexure formula, we have
6
= X 10 )(65.7 X 10~ 6
P - 4000
(8 )

C 0.100
P- 9.26 kN
The maximum safe value of P is the smaller of the above values,
namely, P = 9.26 kN.

PROBLEMS

(^580^ A rectangular beam of width b meters and height h meters

carries a central concentrated load P on a simply supported span of
length L meters. Express the maximum t in terms of the maximum af .

Ans. t = afh/2L
581. A laminated beam is composed of three planks, each
150 mm by 60 mm, glued together to form a section 150 mm wide by
180 mm high. The allowable shear stress in the glue 600 kPa, the is

wood is 900 kPa, and the allowable flexure

allowable shear stress in the
stress in the wood is 8 MPa. Determine the maximum uniformly
distributed load which can be carried by the beam on a 2-m simple
span. Ans. w = 12.2 kN/m
582. Find the cross-sectional dimensions of the smallest square
beam which can be loaded as shown in Fig. P-582 if r < 900 kPa and
a < 8 MPa.
4kN
M
W = 5kN-m
lm lm | 1

ur
Figure P-582.
204 5 Stresses in Beams

583. A wide-flange section having the dimensions shown in Fig.

P-583 supports a central concentrated load P on a simple span L
meters long. Determine the ratio of the maximum flexure stress to the
maximum shear stress.

584. A built-up timber beam having the same cross section as

that in Problem 583 is used to support a concentrated load Pon a
simply supported span 8 m long. Determine P and its location that
would cause simultaneously a maximum flexural stress of 8 MPa and a
maximum shearing stress of 1.2 MPa.

i 25 mm
UZZZZ7*7777A

250 mm
/— 25 mm
T777T//77777\ 25 mm
[^200 mm^
Figures P-583 and P-584.

585. A simply supported beam L meters long carries a uniformly

distributed load of 16 kN/m over its and has the cross
entire length
section shown in Fig. P-585. Find L to cause a maximum flexural stress
of 40 MPa. What maximum shearing stress is then developed?
Ans. L = 1.77 m; t = 5.55 MPa

140 mm

y/////////////A 2o mm

160 mm

JL20 mm
Figure P-585.

586. A simply supported beam 6 m long carries a uniformly

varying load which varies from zero at one end to w N/m at the other.
5-8 Design for Flexure and Shear 205

The beam section is the same as that in Fig. P-577. Find the maximum
safe value of w if of < 10 MPa and t < 800 kPa.
587. The wide flange beam shown in Fig. P-587 supports the
concentrated load W
and a total uniformly distributed load of 2W.
Determine the maximum safe value of W if of < 10 MPa and t < 1.4
MPa. AnS. W = 2.62 kN

20 mm
VI p 200 mm »-j

2m - I

V///////////77\
2W 1 m { 2 m
20 mm +- 180
7mm

E
20
1mm
Figure P-587.

588. The in Fig. P-588 is supported by a

distributed load shown
box beam with the given dimensions. Determine the maximum value of
w that will not exceed a flexural stress of 14 2
or a shearing stress MN/m
of 1.2 MN/m 2
.

300 mm

lm w N/m
mm
T 250 mm

=P
150
2m
J
200 mm
Figure P-588.

589. A
channel section carries two concentrated loads and a W
total uniformly distributed load of 8 W, as shown in Fig. P-589. Verify
that the NA is 50 mm above the bottom and that 7NA = 15.96 X
10
6
mm 4
. Then use these values to determine the maximum value of W
that will not exceed allowable stresses in tension of 30 MPa, in compres-
sion of 70 MPa, or in shear of 20 MPa. Arts. W = 3.19 kN
 —

206 5 Stresses in Beams

20 mm —*- *— 140 mm +• 20 mm
H W

sw
r
NA 140 mm
1 111

r^\ 1 m
tZz.

20
J

mm
w
-

Figure P-589.

590. A rectangular beam, 150 mm wide by 250 mm high, carries

a uniformly distributed load of 8 kN/m and a concentrated load P as
shown in Fig. P-590. Determine the maximum safe value of P if a <
lOMPaandr < 1.2 MPa.

1 m 2m
8 kN/m

Figure P-590.

5-9 SPACING OF RIVETS OR BOLTS IN BUILT-UP BEAMS

In our analysis of flexure action (Art. 5-6) we showed that the various
elements composing a built-up beam tend to slide past one another. We
shall now consider the size and spacing of rivets or bolts in a built-up
beam to resist this sliding action. The first step is to calculate the force
to be resisted by such rivets.
Figure 5-31 shows a beam composed of three planks bolted
together by two rows of bolts spaced e apart. Equation (5-4) gives the
shearing stress at the contact surface between the two upper planks as

where Q is the static moment about the NA of the shaded area in the
end view. Multiplying this shearing stress by the shaded area eb in the
top view gives the force F to be resisted in a length e:
5-9 Spacing of Rivets or Bolts in Built-up Beams 207

Top view

n Ol JZX
NA
-H
-H
— t+£
h+
ii M
O C7
Front view
^C7
End view
Figure 5-31.

The same result can be obtained more directly by using the

concept of shear flow, which is the longitudinal shearing force devel-
oped per unit length. Thus in the length e, Eq. (5 -4a) determines the
shear force to be

as before.
Friction being neglected, this force is resisted by the shearing or
bearing strength R of the bolts, whichever is smaller. Equating R to F
gives

R= (5-7)

If the vertical shear varies in a beam, V is the average vertical

shear in the interval e; but it is usually taken as the maximum V in this
interval, especially in built-up steel girders where the length of the
interval is taken as a panel length equal to the depth of the girder. In
this case, Eq. (5-7) gives the rivet pitch in each panel length.

ILLUSTRATIVE PROBLEM

591. A plate and angle girder is fabricated by attaching the short

legs of four 125 mm angles to a web plate 1100 mm by
X 90 x 13
10 mm to form a section 1120 mm deep, as shown in Fig. 5-32. The
moment of inertia* about the NA / = 4140 X 10 mm4 At a section
is
6
.

•Current specifications of AISC call for no deduction for rivet holes in

computing /, provided that the rivet hole area does not exceed 15% of the gross
flange area. If it does, only the area in excess of 15% need be considered in
modifying / to deduct for rivet holes.
208 5 Stresses in Beams

23.7 mm-. A= 2630 mm'

\ a>

560 - 23.7 = 536.3 mm

ip NA
1120 mm -

-Web plate 1 100 mm X 10 mm

,
<f =t
Figure 5-32.

where V= 450 kN, determine the spacing between 19-mm rivets that
fasten the angles to the web plate. Use t = 100 MPa; in bearing, use
ob = 220 MPa for rivets in single shear and ob = 280 MPa for rivets in
double shear.

Solution: The rivets must resist the longitudinal force tending to slide
the two flanges past the web. Hence it is the static moment of area of
these two flange angles that must be used in Eq. (5-7). Referring to Fig.
5-32, we obtain

Q - 2(2630)(536.3) - 2820 x 103 mm 3

= 2820 x 10" 6 m 3

The shearing resistance of a 19-mm rivet in double shear is

2
Rs = (A s t)(2) - j(0.019) (100 X 6
10 )(2) = 56.7 kN
The bearing resistance against the web plate is

Rb = {dt)ob = (0.019)(0.010)(280 x 10
6
) = 53.2 kN
Using the lower of these values in Eq. (5-7), we get the required
rivet pitch

x 3
x 10" 6
e = —RI
—= (53.2
^
10 )(4140
-^ -r
)
= A tnA
0.174 m
VQ (450 X 3
10 )(2820 x 10" 6
)
= 174 mm Ans.

PROBLEMS

592. A wide-flange section is formed by bolting together three

planks, each 80 mm by 200 mm,
arranged as shown in Fig. P-592. If

each bolt can withstand a shearing force of 8 kN, determine the pitch if
5-9 Spacing of Rivets or Bolts in Built-up Beams 209

the beam is loaded so as to cause a maximum shearing stress of

1.2 MPa. Ans. e - 98.2 mm

A
*r 80 mm X 200 mm

Figure P-592.

593. A box beam, built up as shown in Fig. P-593. is secured by

screws spaced 100 mm apart. The beam supports a concentrated load P
at the third point of a simply supported span 3 m long. Determine the
maximum value of P that will not exceed a shearing stress of 800 kPa in
the beam or a total shearing force of 1200 N in the screws. What is the
maximum flexural stress in the beam?

— 160 mm-
^\\\\\\\^
120
mm
160 mm 200 mm

4^\s\sN\^W
Figure P-593.

594. A distributed load of w N/m is applied over the entire

length of a simply supported beam 4 m long. The beam section is that of
Problem 593, but used here so that the 160-mm dimension is vertical.
Determine the maximum value of w if oy < 10 MPa, t < 800 kPa, and
the screws have a shear strength of 800 N and a pitch of 50 mm.
Ans. w = 2.05 kN/m
595. A concentrated load P is carried at midspan of a simply
supported beam 6 m long. The beam is made of 50-mm by 150-mm
pieces of wood, screwed together as shown in Fig. P-595. If the
maximum flexural stressdeveloped is 9 MN/m 2
, find the pitch of the
screws if each screw can resist 800 N.
210 5 Stresses in Beams

M V^ JU>

4JJ$tazQ

Figure P-595.

596. Three planks 100 mm by 150 mm, arranged as shown in

Fig. P-596 and supported by bolts 0.4 m apart, are used to support a
concentrated load P at the center of a simply supported span 6 m long.
If P causes a maximum flexural stress of 12 MPa, determine the bolt
diameters, assuming the shear between the planks is transmitted by
friction only. The bolts are tightened to a tension of 140 MPa, and the
coefficient of friction between the planks is 0.40. Ans. d = 19.1 mm

150 mm

300 mm

Figure P-596.

597. A plate and angle girder similar to that shown in Fig. 5-32
is fabricated by riveting the short legs of four 125 X 75 X mm angles
13
to a web plate 1000 mm by 10 mm to form a section 1020 mm deep.
Cover plates, each 300 mm by 10 mm, are then riveted to the flange
angles making the overall height 1040 mm. The moment of inertia of the
entire section about the NA is / = 4770 X 106 mm4 Using the allow-
.

able stresses specified in Illustrative Problem 591, determine the rivet

pitch for 22-mm rivets attaching the angles to the web plate at a section
where V- 450 kN.
598.As shown in Fig. P-598, two C380 X 60 channels are
riveted together by pairs of 19-mm rivets spaced 200 mm apart along
the length of the beam. What maximum vertical shear V can be applied
to the section without exceeding the stresses given in Illustrative Prob-
lem 591? Ans . 25.9 kN
 -

5-9 Spacing of Rivets or Bolts in Built-up Beams 211

Jl
=9=

Figure P-598.

599. A beam is formed by riveting together two W250 X 73

sections as shown in Fig. P-599. It used to support a uniformly
is

distributed load of 30 kN/m (including the weight of the beam) on a

simply supported span of 8 m. Compute the maximum flexural stress
and the pitch between rivets that have a shearing strength of 26 kN.

NA , O '
i
f> ,

Figure P-599.

SUMMARY

For homogeneous beams, originally straight, carrying transverse

loads in the plane of symmetry, the bending moment creates flexural
stresses expressed by

•-* (5-2)

The flexural stresses vary directly with their distance y from the neutral
axis, which coincides with the centroidal axis of the cross section.
Maximum flexural stresses occur at the section of maximum
bending moment at the extreme fibers of the section. The distance from
the NAto the extreme fibers being denoted by c, the flexure formula
becomes

Max. a =
iwt
Mc
— — =—
M (5-2a, b)
5
in which S = I/ c represents the section modulus of the beam. For
geometric shapes, values of S are tabulated in Table 5-1 (page 159); for
structural shapes, the values are given in Appendix B.
212 5 Stresses in Beams

The up numerically equal shearing stresses on

vertical shear sets
longitudinaland transverse sections (Eq. 5-5, page 191), which are
determined from

in which A' is the partial area of the cross section above a line drawn
through the point at which the shearing stress is desired. Q= A'y is the
static moment about the NA of this area (or of the area below this line).
Maximum shearing stresses occur at the section of maximum V
and usually at the NA. For rectangular beams, the maximum shearing
stress is

Max.r=|£ (5-6)

In wide-flange beams, a very close approximation is

= V
Max. r
^web
where A web is the web area between the flanges.
The rivet pitch in built-up beams is given by

-% < 5-7>

where R is the rivet resistance in the pitch length e, / is the moment of

inertia of the gross section about the NA, V is the maximum vertical
shear in the interval e, and Q is the moment of area about the NA of
the elements whose sliding is resisted by the rivets.