CEE462 – Steel Structures II

Summary of Design Equations

Web Slenderness
[Step 1] Check whether member is classified as plate girder

h E Yes
≤ 3.76 Use [F2; F3]
tw Fy

No

h E Yes
≤ 5.70 Use [F4] or [F5]
tw Fy

No

Use [F5]
Plate Girder

[Step 2] Check web slenderness limitation

a Yes h E
≤ 1 .5 ≤ 11.7
h tw Fy
332 for Fy = 36 ksi
No 282 for Fy = 50 ksi

Yes h 0.42 E
Stiffened web? ≤
tw Fy
338 for Fy = 36 ksi ???
No 244 for Fy = 50 ksi

h
≤ 260
tw

*Written by Prof. Taichiro Okazaki, University of Minnesota (2008). Page 1 of 14

CEE462 – Steel Structures II

Flexural Strength: φbMn; φb = 0.90 – Slender-web plate girder

Flange
< Fcr Fcr Lateral
Buckling
prevented Flange
yc
C.G. Local
Ineffective Buckling
in flexure
C.G.

yt

Fyt < Fyt

Flexural strength is computed based on Stability limit states for compression flange
elastic stress distribution

[Step 1] Compute critical stress for flange lateral buckling (LTB)

Yes
Lb ≤ L p LTB does not control

No

⎡ ⎛ Lb − L p ⎞⎤
L p < Lb ≤ Lr Yes
Fcr = Cb ⎢ Fy − (0.3Fy )⎜ ⎟ ≤ Fy
⎜ L − L ⎟⎥
⎣⎢ ⎝ r ⎥
p ⎠⎦

12.5M max
No Cb =
2.5M max + 3M A + 4 M B + 3M C
π2 E
Fcr = Cb ≤F E E
(Lb rt )2 y L p = 1.1rt Lr = πrt
Fy 0.7 Fy
b fc
rt =
⎛ h0 1 h2 ⎞
⎜
12⎜ + aw ⎟⎟
⎝ d 6 h d
0 ⎠

*Written by Prof. Taichiro Okazaki, University of Minnesota (2008). Page 2 of 14

CEE462 – Steel Structures II

[Step 2] Compute critical stress for flange local buckling (FLB)

Yes
λ ≤ λp FLB does not control

No

⎡ ⎛ λ − λ pf ⎞⎤
λ p < λ ≤ λr Yes
Fcr = ⎢ Fy − (0.3Fy )⎜ ⎟⎥
⎜λ −λ ⎟
⎣⎢ ⎝ rf pf ⎠⎦⎥

No 4
kc = and 0.35 ≤ k c ≤ 0.76
h tw
0.9 Ekc
Fcr = b fc
λ2 λ=
t fc
E kc E
λ pf = 0.38 λ rf = 0.95
Fy 0.7 Fy

[Step 3] Determine nominal flexural strength Mn as smallest of four limit states:

(1) Compression flange yielding: M n = R pg Fy S xc

(2) Lateral-torsional buckling: M n = R pg Fcr S xc

(3) Compression flange local buckling: M n = R pg Fcr S xc

(4) Tension flange yielding: M n = Fy S xt

aw ⎛h ⎞
where: R pg = 1 − ⎜ c − 5.7 E ⎟ ≤ 1.0
1200 + 300a w ⎜⎝ t w Fy ⎟⎠

a w = hc t w b fc t fc ≤ 10

*Written by Prof. Taichiro Okazaki, University of Minnesota (2008). Page 3 of 14

CEE462 – Steel Structures II

Shear Strength: φvVn; φv = 0.90

[Step 1] Determine web plate buckling coefficient kv and shear coefficient Cv

a Yes
> 3. 0 kv = 5
h

No

2
a ⎛ 260 ⎞ Yes
>⎜ ⎟
h ⎜⎝ h tw ⎟⎠

No

5
kv = 5 +
(a h )2

h kE Yes
≤ 1.10 v Cv = 1.0
tw Fy

No

h kE Yes 1.10 kv E Fy
≤ 1.37 v Cv =
tw Fy h tw

No

1.51kv E
Cv =
(h tw )2 Fy

*Written by Prof. Taichiro Okazaki, University of Minnesota (2008). Page 4 of 14

CEE462 – Steel Structures II

[Step 2] Determine nominal shear strength Vn

h kE Yes
≤ 1.10 v Vn = 0.6 Fy Aw
tw Fy

No

Any of the following applies?

(a) End panel
2
a a ⎛ 260 ⎞ Yes
(b) Web too slender: > 3.0 or >⎜ ⎟
h h ⎜⎝ h t w ⎟⎠
Aw
(c) Flange too small: > 2.5
(Afc + Atc ) 2
h
(d) Too deep: > 6.0
b fc
Vn = 0.6 Fy AwCv

No
⎛ 1 − Cv ⎞
Vn = 0.6 Fy Aw ⎜ Cv + ⎟
⎜ 1.15 1 + (a h ) ⎟⎠
2
⎝

Note:
Design is performed independently for flexure and shear. Interaction between flexure and
shear need not be checked.

*Written by Prof. Taichiro Okazaki, University of Minnesota (2008). Page 5 of 14

CEE462 – Steel Structures II

Plate Girder Example

24"×15/16"
Fy = 50 ksi for all steel

100"×7/16"

a a Girder Cross-Section

Cross-Sectional Properties
• Check web slenderness
h 100 E
= = 229 > λ r = 5.70 = 162 → Web is slender
t w 7 / 16 Fy

E
< 11.7 = 282 → Meets limit for a/h ≤ 1.5
Fy
0.42 E
< = 244 → Meets limit for a/h > 1.5
Fy
< 260 → Transverse stiffeners may not be needed

• Other key cross-sectional properties

⎛ 15 ⎞ ⎛ 7⎞
A = 2 A f + Aw = 2⎜ 24 × ⎟ + ⎜100 × ⎟ = 88.75 in.2
⎝ 16 ⎠ ⎝ 8⎠
2
⎛ 100 + 15 16 ⎞ 1⎛7⎞
⎟ + ⎜ ⎟(100) = 151,078 in.
3 2
I x = 2I f + I w ≈ 2 Af ⎜
⎝ 2 ⎠ 12 ⎝ 16 ⎠
2I x 2(151,078)
Sx = = = 2,966 in.3
h + 2t f 50.94

*Written by Prof. Taichiro Okazaki, University of Minnesota (2008). Page 6 of 14

CEE462 – Steel Structures II

Aw = hct w = (100)(7 16) = 43.75

Afc = b fct fc = (24)(15 16) = 22.5
Aw 43.75
aw = = = 1.94
Afc 22.5
h0 = 100 + 15 16 d = 100 + 2(15 16 )
b fc
rt = = 6.06
⎛h 1 h2 ⎞
12⎜⎜ 0 + aw ⎟⎟
⎝ d 6 h0 d ⎠
Compression Flange
I 1080
rt = ≈ = 6.02
A 29.8
1 ⎛ 15 ⎞ h/6
⎜ ⎟(24) = 1080 in.
3 4
where: I≈
12 ⎝ 16 ⎠
1 ⎛ 15 ⎞ 1 ⎛ 7⎞
A = A f + Aw = ⎜ 24 × ⎟ + ⎜100 × ⎟ = 29.8 in.2 1/3 of web in
6 ⎝ 16 ⎠ 6 ⎝ 8⎠ compression

Flexural Strength
• Flexural strength Mn is determined by the smallest of the following four limit states:
(1) Compression flange yielding M n = S xc R pg Fy
(2) Lateral-torsional buckling M n = S xc R pg Fcr
(3) Compression flange local buckling M n = S xc R pg Fcr
(4) Tension flange yielding M n = S xt Fy

However, for equal flange, non-hybrid sections: Rpg Fcr ≤ Fy

→ Compression flange always controls (Either (1), (2), or (3) controls)
Also, Sxc = Sxt = Sx

• Compute critical stress in compression flange

Three cases must be considered: (1) Flange yield → covered by checking for (2) and (3)
(2) LTB
(3) FLB

(2) Flange lateral buckling

Find unbraced length Lb Say, Lb = 30'

*Written by Prof. Taichiro Okazaki, University of Minnesota (2008). Page 7 of 14

CEE462 – Steel Structures II

Determine Cb from bending moment diagram Say, Cb = 1.0

E 29000
L p = 1.1rt = 1.1(6.06 ) = 161 " = 13.4′
Fy 50
E 29000
Lr = πrt = π(6.06 ) = 548 " = 45.7′
0.7 Fy 0.7(50)

L p < Lb < Lr → Use Eq. (F5-3)

⎡ ⎛ L − L p ⎞⎤
Fcr = Cb ⎢ Fy − (0.3Fy )⎜ b ⎟⎥ = (1.0)(50)⎡⎢1 − 0.3⎛⎜ 30 − 13.4 ⎞⎟⎤⎥ = 42.3 ksi
⎜L −L ⎟ ⎣ ⎝ 45.7 − 13.4 ⎠⎦
⎢⎣ ⎝ r p ⎠⎥
⎦

(3) Flange local buckling

b fc 24
λ= = = 12.8
2t fc 2(15 16)
4 4
kc = = = 0.265 But 0.35 > kc = 0.265 → Use kc = 0.35
h t w 100 (7 16)
E 29000
λ pf = 0.38 = 0.38 = 9.15
Fy 50

λ rf = 0.95
kc E
= 0.95
(0.35)(29000) = 16.2
0.7 Fy 0.7(50)

λ pf < λ < λ rf → Use Eq. (F5-8)

⎡ ⎛ λ − λ pf ⎞⎤
Fcr = ⎢ Fy − (0.3Fy )⎜ ⎟⎥ = (50)⎡⎢1 − 0.3⎛⎜ 12.8 − 9.15 ⎞⎟⎤⎥ = 42.2 ksi ← controls
⎜λ −λ ⎟ ⎣ ⎝ 14.1 − 9.15 ⎠⎦
⎣⎢ ⎝ rf pf ⎠⎦⎥

Therefore, the critical stress is controlled by flange local buckling and Fcr = 42.2 ksi

• Compute Rpg —— Reduction due to bend-buckling of web

aw ≤ 10 OK
aw ⎛h ⎞
R pg = 1 − ⎜ c − 5.70 E ⎟ = 1 − 1.94
(229 − 137 ) = 0.90
1200 + 300aw ⎜⎝ t w Fy ⎟⎠ 1200 + 300(1.94 )

• Compute φMn
φM n = φS xc R pg Fcr = (0.9)(2 ,966)(0.90)(42.2) = 101,460 k·in = 8,455 k·ft

Check whether Mu ≤ φMn

*Written by Prof. Taichiro Okazaki, University of Minnesota (2008). Page 8 of 14

CEE462 – Steel Structures II

If needed, change flange plate dimensions and repeat calculation

Shear Strength
Say we need to determine the stiffener spacing at a location (some distance along the length)
where Vu = 400 kips. This location is away from any end.
• Use [Table 3-17b (Tension Field Action Included)] to find required stiffener spacing a/h
φVn Vu 400
Required ≥ = = 9.14 ksi
Aw Aw (100)(7 16)

We have h/tw = 229

The table indicates a requirement that a/h < 1.25 (Notice that beneath the cutoff line, all lines
are dotted). The cutoff is due to limit:
2 2
a ⎛ 260 ⎞ ⎛ 260 ⎞
≤⎜ ⎟ =⎜ ⎟ = 1.29
h ⎜⎝ h t w ⎟⎠ ⎝ 229 ⎠
Therefore: a ≤ 1.29h = 129 in.
The table also indicates φVn/Aw ≈ 16.5 ksi (> 9.14 ksi) when a/h = 1.25
Choose a = 120 in.

• Compute shear coefficient Cv

2
a 120 ⎛ 260 ⎞ a
= = 1.2 ≤ ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ = 1.29 and ≤ 3.0 → kv > 5.0
h 100 ⎝ h tw ⎠ h
5 5
kv = 5 + = 5+ = 8.47 → kv > 5.0 indicates contribution of stiffeners
(a h )2
(1.2)2 to increase elastic buckling strength

1.10
kv E
= 1.10
(8.47 )(29,000) = 77.1
Fy 50

1.37
kv E
= 1.37
(8.47)(29,000) = 96.0
Fy 50

h kE
> 1.37 v → Use Eq. (G2-5) —— Elastic shear buckling controls
tw Fyw
1.51kv E 1.51(8.47 )(29,000)
Cv = = = 0.142
(h tw )2 Fy (229)2 (50)
Shear at elastic buckling:

*Written by Prof. Taichiro Okazaki, University of Minnesota (2008). Page 9 of 14

CEE462 – Steel Structures II

φVn = 0.9(0.6 Fy AwCv ) = 0.9(0.6 )(50 )(43.75)(0.142) = 168 kips < Vu = 400 kips

Post-buckling strength is needed to develop the required shear force.

• Compute shear strength incorporating tension field action

Conditions when tension-field action CANNOT be used:
(a) End panels
2
a a ⎛ 260 ⎞
(b) > 3.0 or >⎜ ⎟ ← Already cecked above
h h ⎜⎝ h t w ⎟⎠
Aw A
(c) = w = a w > 2 .5 aw = 1.94
(Afc + Atc ) 2 Af
h h 100
(d) > 6 .0 = = 4.17
b fc b fc 24
All conditions checks → post-buckling strength (tension-field action) is permitted
⎛ 1 − Cv ⎞
φVn = φ0.6 Fy Aw ⎜ Cv + ⎟
⎜ 2 ⎟
1.15 1 + (a h ) ⎠
⎝
⎛ 1 − 0.142 ⎞
= 0.9(0.6)(50 )(43.75)⎜ 0.142 + ⎟ = 732 kips > Vu = 400 kips OK
⎜ 1.15 1 + (1.2)
2 ⎟
⎝ ⎠

φVn ⎛ 1 − Cv ⎞
= 0.9(0.6 Fy )⎜ Cv + ⎟ = 16.73 ksi
Aw ⎜ 2 ⎟
1.15 1 + (a h ) ⎠
⎝
—— computed value agrees with reading from [Table 3-17b]

• If the same shear force acts at an end panel? —— tension-field action CANNOT be used
φVn h
Again ≥ 9.14 ksi and = 229
Aw tw
[Table 3-17a (Tension Field Action NOT Included)] indicates that for a/h ≈ 0.57 is required
to achieve φVn/Aw = 10.5 ksi.
Choose a = 48 in.
2
a 48 ⎛ 260 ⎞ a
= = 0.48 ≤ ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ = 1.29 and ≤ 3.0 OK
h 100 h
⎝ w⎠t h
5 5
kv = 5 + = 5+ = 26.7 → Much greater kv value than previous
(a h )2
(0.48)2

*Written by Prof. Taichiro Okazaki, University of Minnesota (2008). Page 10 of 14

CEE462 – Steel Structures II

1.10
kv E
= 1.10
(26.7 )(29,000) = 137
Fy 50

1.37
kv E
= 1.37
(26.7 )(29,000) = 171
Fyw 50

h kE
> 1.37 v → Use Eq. (G2-5) —— Elastic shear buckling controls
tw Fyw
1.51kv E 1.51(26.7 )(29,000)
Cv = = = 0.448
(h tw )2 Fy (229)2 (50)
φVn = φ(0.6 Fy AwCv ) = 0.9(0.6)(50)(43.75)(0.448) = 529 kips > Vu = 400 kips

φVn
= 0.9(0.6 Fy )(Cv ) = 13.4 ksi (between 12.0 ksi and 15.0 ksi)
Aw
—— computed value agrees with reading from [Table 3-17a]

• Observations
The buckling strength is much greater than φVn = 168 kips (excluding tension-field action)
computed for a = 120 in.
Effect of using small stiffener spacing: a/h ≤ 0.5
o Large buckling strength —— larger kv and consequently, larger Cv
o Relatively small post-buckling

Stiffener Design
• Transverse stiffeners
Location of transverse stiffeners is determined while designing for shear strength
Transverse stiffeners must meet three requirements: (a) Area
(b) Local buckling
(c) Moment of inertia
(a) Area requirements
Fy ⎡ Vu 2⎤
Ast ≥ ⎢0.15 Ds ht w (1 − Cv ) − 18tw ⎥ ≥ 0
Fyst ⎣ φVn ⎦
Use single-sided stiffeners → Ds = 2.4
50 ⎡ ⎛7⎞ ⎤
2
⎛7⎞ 400
Ast ≥ ⎢0.15(2.4)(100)⎜ ⎟(1 − 0.142) − 18⎜ ⎟ ⎥
50 ⎣⎢ ⎝ 16 ⎠ 732 ⎝ 16 ⎠ ⎦⎥

*Written by Prof. Taichiro Okazaki, University of Minnesota (2008). Page 11 of 14

CEE462 – Steel Structures II
24"×15/16"

= 7.38 – 3.45 = 3.94 in2

Choose stiffener plate to meet area requirement
b −t 24 − 7 16
bst < fc w = = 11.8 → Try bst = 11 in.
2 2
A 3.94
t st = st ≥ = 0.36 → Try tst = 3/8 in. 100"×7/16"
bst 11

(b) Local buckling requirements Girder Cross-Section

bst 11 E 29,000
= = 29.3 ≤ 0.56 = 0.56 = 13.5 Does not work
t st 3 8 Fyst 50

Try bst = 10 in. and tst = 3/4 in. (Ast = 15.0 in.2)
bst 10 CL
= = 13.3 < 13.5 OK
t st 0.75 7/16”
3/4”
(c) Moment of inertia requirements
We have: h = 100 in. a = 120 in. tw = 7/16 in.
2.5 10”
j= − 2 ≥ 0.5 → j = 0.5
(120 100)
(I st )req = (120)(7 16)3 (0.5) = 5.02 in.4
⎛3⎞
⎜ ⎟ (10 )
3

4
Ist = ⎝ ⎠ = 250 in.4 C
3 L
I st > (I st )req OK 7/16”
1/2” 1/2”

Alternatively, use double-sided stiffeners → Ds = 1.0 6" 6"

(a) Area requirements
50 ⎡ ⎛7⎞ ⎤
2
⎛7⎞ 400
Ast ≥ ⎢0.15(1.0)(100)⎜ ⎟(1 − 0.142) − 18⎜ ⎟ ⎥ = 3.07 − 3.45 = −0.37 in.2
50 ⎣⎢ ⎝ 16 ⎠ 732 ⎝ 16 ⎠ ⎦⎥
Try bst = 6 in. and tst = 1/2 in. (Ast = 3.0 > 0.0 in.2)

(b) Local buckling requirements

bst 6 E
= = 12.0 < 0.56 = 13.5 OK
t st 1 2 Fyst

*Written by Prof. Taichiro Okazaki, University of Minnesota (2008). Page 12 of 14

CEE462 – Steel Structures II

(c) Moment of inertia requirements

We have: h = 100 in. a = 120 in. tw = 7/16 in.
(I st )req = 5.02 in.4

3
⎛ 1 ⎞⎛ 7⎞
⎜ ⎟⎜ 6 × 2 + ⎟
2 16 ⎠
I st = ⎝ ⎠⎝ = 80.2 > 5.02 in.4 I st > (I st )req OK
12

• Bearing stiffeners
Provide bearing stiffeners at supports and concentrated loads
Same as for transverse stiffeners, bst < 11.8 → Try bst = 11 in.
Bearing stiffeners transferring compression should extend
approximately to the edge of flange plates

Bearing stiffeners must meet three requirements: (a) Local buckling

(b) Column buckling
(c) Bearing area

(a) Local buckling requirement

bst E 29,000
< 0.56 = 0.56 = 13.5
t st Fst 50
b
t st > st = 0.815 → Try tst = 7/8 in.
13.5

(b) Column buckling requirement

t st (2bst + t w ) (7 8)(2 ⋅11 + 7 16)
3 3
I= = = 824 in.4
12 12
⎛ 7⎞ ⎛ 7 7⎞
A = 2bst t st + wt w = 2⎜11 ⋅ ⎟ + ⎜12 ⋅ ⋅ ⎟ = 21.5 in.2 Flange
⎝ 8 ⎠ ⎝ 16 16 ⎠
I 824 Stiffener Web
r= = = 6.19 in. ts
A 21.5
KL 0.75(100) bst
= = 12.1 < 25 → Use Eq. (J4-6)
r 6.19 Bending
axis tw
Fcr = Fy = 50 ksi
φPn = φFy Ag = 0.9(50)(21.5) = 968 kips
bst

Check whether Ru < φPn

end w =12tw
of
girder

*Written by Prof. Taichiro Okazaki, University of Minnesota (2008). Page 13 of 14

CEE462 – Steel Structures II

(c) Bearing area requirement

Assume 1-inch corner clip
A pb = 2(bst − 1′′)t st = 2(11 − 1′′)(0.875 ) = 17 .5 in.2
φRn = 0.75 × 1.8 Fy Apb = 0.75 × 1.8(50 )(17 .5 ) = 11,81 kips

Check whether Ru < φRn

*Written by Prof. Taichiro Okazaki, University of Minnesota (2008). Page 14 of 14