MODULE 6: STRESSES IN BEAMS.

LESSN 2: ECONOMIC SECTION

After Studying this lesson, the learner shall be able to:
1. select the economical structural section to be used as a beam, and
2. determine the actual maximum stress that develops on a beam.
DISCUSSION:
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENTS:
1. A 8-m beam simply supported at the ends carries a uniformly 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
maximum stress in the beam selected?
2. A 14-ft beam simply supported at the ends carries a concentrated load of 8000 lb at midspan. Select the lightest
S section that can be employed using an allowable stress of 18 ksi. What is the actual maximum stress in the
beam selected?
3. A beam simply supported at the ends of a 24-ft span carries a uniformly distributed load of 1200 lb/ft over its
entire length. Select the lightest S section that can be used if the allowable stress is 20 ksi. What is the actual
maximum stress in the beam selected?
4. A beam simply supported on a 36-ft span carries a uniformly distributed load of 4000 lb/ft over the middle 18 ft.
Using an allowable stress of 20 ksi, determine the lightest suitable W shape beam. What is the actualmaximum
stress in the selected beam?
5. A simply supported beam 20 ft long carries a uniformly distributed load of 2000 lb/ft over its entire length and a
concentrated load of 12 kips at 8 ft from left end. If the allowable stress is 18 ksi, select the lightest suitable W
shape. What is the actual maximum stress in the selected beam?