SIN 323

STRUCTURAL STEEL DESIGN

THEME 6-3
LATERALLY SUPPORTED (RESTRAINED)
BEAMS
8. WHAT IS LATERAL RESTRAINT?

A beam can be restrained laterally (in the horizontal direction)

by purlins or a floor slab.

These restraints would prevent the beam from deflecting out of

the vertical plane. (i.e. the beam can only deflect in the vertical
plane.)

Plastic distribution can only be reached if:

• Lateral buckling does not occur (lateral restraint required); and
• Local buckling does not occur (section sufficiently compact).
9. MOMENT OF RESISTANCE OF BEAMS WITH
FULL LATERAL RESTRAINT

This refers to beams where the compression flange is fully

prevented from moving horizontally:

Mr =  Ze fy for class 3 (non-compact) sections

 = 0.9
Ze = elastic section modulus

Mr =  Zpl fy for class 1 (plastic) or class 2 (compact) sections

 = 0.9
Zpl = plastic section modulus