Module XX: Shear Stress in Steel Beams

It is assumed that only the web thickness carries the shear in W shapes. The
average shear stress is then compared against allowable shear stress with a maximum
of 0.40 Fy. The average shear stress in the web is:
V V
fv = =
Aw dt w

where d is the overall depth and tw is the web thickness.

When
h
√Fy ≤ 998;
tw
The allowable shear stress on overall depth times the
web thickness is:

Fv = 0.40 Fy
V
or ≤ 0.40 Fy
dt w

When
h
tw
√Fy > 998;
The allowable shear stress on the clear distance between flanges time the web thickness
is:
Fy
Fv = C ≤ 0.40Fy
2.89 v
V Fy
or 0.40 Fy ≥ ≤ C
dt w 2.89 v
Where:
310264k v
Cv = when Cv < 0.80
h 2
Fy ( )
tw

500 k v
Cv = √ when Cv > 0.80
h Fy
tw
 5.34 a
k v = 4.0 + 2 when < 1.0
a h
( )
h

4.0 a
k v = 5.34 + 2 when > 1.0
a h
( )
h
t w = thickness of web, mm
a = clear distance between transverse (web)stiffiners, mm
h = clear distance between flanges at the section under investigation, mm
h = d − 2t f
d = overall depth of the beam, mm

Shear Stress Distribution on a W-Section

𝑉𝑄
𝑓𝑣 =
𝐼𝑏
V = maximum external shear at the section in question
I = moment of inertia of the entire section about the neutral axis
b = width of the section where the unit shearing stress is desired
Q = statical moment of area of section lying outside, either below or above the line
on which the shear stress is desired taken about the neutral axis
Sample Problem 1

A W24x94 beam is subjected to a shear force of 900 kN.

Properties of W24x94
A (mm2) d (mm) tw (mm) bf (mm) tf (mm) Ix (mm4)
17870 616.97 13.11 230.15 22.15 1119.7 x106

a. Compute the shear stress at junction of flange and web.

b. Compute the shear stress at the neutral axis.
c. Compute the shear force carried by the flange.
d. Compute the shear force carried by the web.
e. Compute the average shear stress on the web.

Solution:
a. Shear stress at junction of flange and web:
VQ
fv =
Ib
Q = Ay
Q = (230.15)(22.15)(297.41)
Q = 1.52 x106 mm3
When
b = 230.15 mm
(900,000)(1.52 x106 )
fv =
(1119.7 x106 )(230.15)
fv = 5.31 MPa
When
b = 13.11 mm
(900,000)(1.52 x106 )
fv =
(1119.7 x106 )(13.11)
𝐟𝐯 = 𝟗𝟑. 𝟏𝟗 𝐌𝐏𝐚
b. Shear stress at the neutral axis
Q = Ay
Q = (230.15)(22.15)(297.41) + 286.335(13.11)(143.1675)
Q = 2.05 x106 mm3
VQ
fv =
Ib
(900,000)(2.05 x106 )
fv =
(1119.7 x106 )(13.11)
𝐟𝐯 = 𝟏𝟐𝟓. 𝟔𝟗 𝐌𝐏𝐚

c. Shear force carried by the flange. (Two flanges)

Ff = fv (A)

(2)(5.31)
Ff = (230.15)(22.15)
2

𝐅𝐟 = 𝟐𝟕𝟎𝟔𝟗 𝐍

d. Shear force carried by web section

Fw = 900000 − 27069

𝐅𝐰 = 𝟖𝟕𝟐𝟗𝟑𝟏 𝐍

e. Average shear stress on web:

V
fv =
dtw

900000
fv =
616.97(13.11)

𝐟𝐯 = 𝟏𝟏𝟏. 𝟐𝟕 𝐌𝐏𝐚
Sample Problem 2
A built up wide flange section consists of a section having a total depth of 353 mm, flange
width of 254 mm, flange thickness of 16.4 mm and a web thickness of 9.55 mm. Use Fy
= 250 MPa.
a. Compute the maximum shear capacity of the built up section.
b. Compute the shearing stress at the junction of the web and the flange, due to shear
of 300 kN.
c. Compute the shearing stress at the neutral axis due to shear force of 300 kN.

Solution:
a. Maximum shear capacity of the built up section.
Allowable shear shearing stress:

h
√Fy ≤ 998
tw

ℎ = 𝑑 − 2𝑡𝑓
ℎ = 353 − 2(16.4) = 320.2 𝑚𝑚

320.2
√250 ≤ 998;
9.55

530.14 ≤ 998 (Satisfy)

. : 𝐹𝑣 = 0.40𝐹𝑦

𝐹𝑣 = 𝑓𝑣

𝑉
𝑓𝑣 =
𝑑𝑡𝑤

𝑉
0.40(250) =
(353)(9.55)

𝑽 = 𝟑𝟑𝟕𝟏𝟏𝟓 𝑵
𝑽 = 𝟑𝟑𝟕. 𝟏𝟐 𝒌𝑵

b. Shearing stress at the junction of the web and the flange

254(353)3 122.25(320.2)3 (2)

𝐼= −
12 12
𝐼 = 262.16 𝑥106 𝑚𝑚4
Q = Ay
 Q = (254)(16.4)(168.3)
Q = 701070.48 mm3
VQ
fv =
Ib
(300,000)(701070.48)
fv =
(262.16 𝑥106 )(9.55)
𝐟𝐯 = 𝟖𝟒. 𝟎𝟏 𝐌𝐏𝐚

c. Shear stress at the neutral axis

Q = Ay
Q = (254)(16.4)(168.3) + 160.01(9.55)(80.05)
Q = 823394.52 mm3
VQ
fv =
Ib
(300,000)(823394.52)
fv =
(262.16 𝑥106 )(9.55)
𝐟𝐯 = 𝟗𝟖. 𝟔𝟔 𝐌𝐏𝐚
Sample Problem 3
The first span of a simply supported W4x14 A36 continuous steel beam is 4 m long, the
second span is 2 m long and the third span is 4 m long. Over the first span there is a
uniformly distributed load 2 kN/m, and over the third span there is a uniformly distributed
load of 4 kN/m. At the midpoint of the second span, there is a concentrated load of 10 kN.
Neglect the weight of the beam.
Properties of W4x14
A (mm2) d (mm) tw (mm) bf (mm) tf (mm) Ix (mm4)
2471 105.66 7.11 103.12 8.76 5 x106

a. What is the shear capacity of the section?

b. What is the maximum shearing stress of the section due to the loads?
c. Is the section adequate for the continuous beam?

Solution:
a.

Using Three Moment Equation to determine the reactions at the supports.

6𝐴1 ậ1 6𝐴2 ậ2
𝑀𝐴 𝐿1 + 2𝑀𝐵 (𝐿1 + 𝐿2 ) + 𝑀𝐶 𝐿2 + + =0
𝐿1 𝐿2
Considering ABC
𝑤𝐿1 3 3𝑃𝐿2 2
0(2) + 2𝑀𝐵 (4 + 2) + 𝑀𝐶 (2) + + =0
4 8
2(4)3 3(10)(2)2
12𝑀𝐵 + 2𝑀𝐶 + + =0
4 8
12𝑀𝐵 + 2𝑀𝐶 = −47 − − − −−> 𝑒𝑞. 1

Considering BCD
 3𝑃𝐿1 2 𝑤𝐿2 3
𝑀𝐵 (2) + 2𝑀𝐶 (2 + 4) + 𝑀𝐷 (2) + + =0
8 4
3(10)(2)2 4(4)3
2𝑀𝐵 + 12𝑀𝐶 + + =0
8 4
2𝑀𝐵 + 12𝑀𝐶 = −79 − − − −−> 𝑒𝑞. 2
Solving equations simultaneously (eq.1 and eq. 2), we can get the value of MB and MC
𝑀𝐵 = −2.9 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚
𝑀𝑐 = −6.1 𝑘𝑁 − 𝑚

Solving for the reactions at A, B, C and D, we can get

𝑅𝐴 = 3.275 𝑘𝑁
𝑅𝐵 = 8.125 𝑘𝑁
𝑅𝐶 = 16.125 𝑘𝑁
𝑅𝐷 = 6.475 𝑘𝑁
 h
√Fy ≤ 998
tw

h = d − 2t f
h = 105.66 − 2(8.76) = 88.14 mm

88.14
√248 ≤ 998;
7.11

195.22 ≤ 998 (Satisfy)

. : Fv = 0.40Fy

Fv = fv

V
fv =
dt w

V
0.40(248) =
(105.66)(7.11)

𝐕 = 𝟕𝟒. 𝟓𝟐 𝐤𝐍

b.
V
fv =
dt w

V = 9.525 kN (based on the shear diagram)

9525
fv =
105.66(7.11)

fv = 12.68 MPa
c. .
fv < Fv
12.68 < 0.4Fy
12.68 < 99.2 . : Satisfy
. : 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞
Module XX: Deflection of Beams
Excessive deflections of steel beams may cause damage of other material
attached or supported by the beams and will also damage the appearance of the
structures. Beams and Girders supporting floors and roofs shall be proportioned with due
regard to the deflection produced by the design loads. Beams and girders supporting
plastered ceiling shall be proportioned that the maximum deflection does not exceed
1/360 of span.
Note: Look for some other deflection formula based on the type load and its support.
Sample Problem 1

A W14x87 beam has a simple span of 9 m which is laterally supported every 3 m. Use
Grade 50 steel with Fy = 344.5 MPa. Neglect the weight of the beam.
Properties of W4x87
A (mm2) d (mm) tw (mm) bf (mm) tf (mm) Ix (mm4) Sx (mm4)
16516.10 355.6 10.67 368.3 17.48 402.5 x106 2261.4 x103

a. Compute the value of “w” if flexural stress governs.

b. Compute the value of “w” if shear stress governs.
c. Compute the value of “w” if deflection governs. Allowable deflection is 1/360 of
span.

Solution:

a.

∑ Ma = 0;

4w(3) + 4w(6) + 9w(4.5) = 9R1

R1 = 8.5w kN
𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 8.5 w
(8.5w + 5.5w)(3) 1.5w(1.5)
Mmax = +
2 2
Mmax = 22.125 w kN − m
L = 3 m = 3000 mm (laterally supported every 3 m)
Lc is smaller of
200bf 200(368.3)
= = 3968.60 mm
√Fy √344.5
137900 137900
or = = 7246.97 mm
d 355.6
( ) √Fy ( ) (344.5)
Af 368.3x17.48

Lc = 3968.60 mm
since L < Lc , Case I
Check for Compact

bf 368.3
√Fy ≤ 170; √344.5 ≤ 170
2tf 2(17.48)

195.54 > 170 (Not Satisfy)

d 355.6
√Fy ≤ 1680; √344.5 ≤ 1680
tw 10.67
618.57 < 1680 (Satisfy)
 Check for Partially Compact

bf
170 < √F < 250
2tf y

170 < 195.54 < 250 (Satisfy)

d 540
√Fy ≤ 1680; √248 ≤ 1680
tw 20

618.57 < 1680 (Satisfy)

Therefore Section is Partially Compact!

bf
Fb = Fy [0.79 − 0.000762 √F ]
2tf y

368.3
Fb = 344.5 [0.79 − 0.000762 √344.5]
2(17.48)

Fb = 220.83 MPa

M
Fb =
Sx
M
220.83 =
2261.4x103
M = 499.38 kN − m
M = Mmax
499.38 = 22.125 w
w = 22.57 kN/m

b.
h
√Fy ≤ 998
tw

h = d − 2t f
h = 355.6 − 2(17.48) = 320.64 mm

320.64
√344.5 ≤ 998;
10.67
 557.76 ≤ 998 (Satisfy)

. : Fv = 0.40Fy

Fv = fv

V
fv =
dt w

V
0.40(344.5) =
(355.6)(10.67)

V = 522.85 kN

Vmax = 8.5 w

V = Vmax

522.85 kN = 8.5w
𝐰 = 𝟔𝟏. 𝟓𝟏 𝐤𝐍/𝐦

c. .
5wL4 23PL3
δ= +
384EI 648 EI

P = 4w kN
L 9000
δ= = = 25 mm
360 360

5w(9000)4 23(4w)(9000)3 (1000)

25 = +
384(200000)(402.5x106 ) 648 (200000)(402.5x106 )

𝐰 = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟔𝟓 𝐤𝐍/𝐦
Sample Problem 2
Design the most economical W section to carry the the load shown on the figure so that
will limit the maximum deflection of 15 mm. The depth of the section must not exceed to
300 mm. (10 points)

Solution:

∑ MB = 0;

1 1
MB = (600)(5) [2 + (5)]
2 3

MB = 5500 kN − m

∑ FV = 0;
1
R B = (600)(5)
2

R B = 1500 kN
 1
t A/B = (Area AB)(XA )
EI

1 1 1 1 3
−15 = {[ (3000)(2) (8 + (2))] − [5500(2)(9)] − [ (2500)(5) (5 + (5))]} (1000)3
EI 2 3 4 4

−94875(1000)3
−15 =
(200000)I

I = 31.625 x106 mm4

With the solve value of I, choose a section from the ASEP with greater than the computed
I with less than 300 mm in depth.
𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐖𝟏𝟎𝐱𝟏𝟕