UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Design of Flexural Timber Members

I. Introduction
Flexural members are members subjected to bending. Other examples are solid rectangular beams, floor
joists, rafters, and purlins. This chapter will discuss the general considerations for the design of the
flexural timber beams.

II. Objectives
After completion of this course, you should be able to:

1. Be familiar with the NSCP provisions in the design and Analysis of Beams.
2. Apply the provisions of NSCP regarding analysis and design of flexural members

III. Analysis of Timber Beams

A. Design Considerations.
The main design considerations for the design of flexural members are as follow:
1. bending stress and prevention of lateral buckling
2. Deflection
3. Shear stress
4. Bearing stress
The cross-sectional properties of all flexural members have to satisfy elastic strength and service
load requirements. In general, bending is the most critical criterion for medium-span beams,
deflection for long-span beams, and shear for heavily loaded short-span beams.

B. Bending Stress.

C. Shear Stress

1 STRUCTURAL DESIGN 2 BY: ANGELINE C. BULACAN

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Example 2.1
A timber beam 4 m long is simply supported at both ends as shown in Figure 2.1. It carries a uniform
load of 10 kN/m including its own weight. The wooden section has a width of 200 mm and a depth
of 260 mm and is made up of 80% grade Apitong. Use dressed dimension by reducing its dimensions
by 10 mm.
Properties of Apitong:
Bending and tension parallel to grain = 16.5 MPa
Shear parallel to grain = 1.73 MPa
Modulus of elasticity in bending = 7.31 GPa
i. What is the maximum flexural stress of the beam?
ii. What is the maximum shear stress of the beam?
iii. What is the maximum deflection of the beam?

Solution :

i. Maximum Flexural Stress:

Maximum Moment
wL2 10(4) 2
M   20 kN.m
8 8 Figure 2. 1
1kN .m  (10) 6 N .mm
Bending stress
6M N .mm N
Fb  2
 2
  MPa
bd mm(mm) mm 2
6 M 6(20)(10) 6
fb    10.11MPa
bd 2 190(250) 2

ii. Maximum Shear Stress:

iii. Maximum deflection:

Maximum deflection for a simply supported beam subjected to a uniform load:

5wL4

384 EI
5(10)(4000) 4
  18.43mm
190(250) 3
384(7310)
12

2 STRUCTURAL DESIGN 2 BY: ANGELINE C. BULACAN

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Example 2.2
A 50 mm by 200 mm floor joists carries a dead load of 2.8 kPa and live load of 2.4 kPa. The joist is
provided with adequate lateral supports with a simple span of 3.5 m. Wood weighs 7.8 kN per cubic
meter. Allowable stress for bending is 15.9 MPa and for shear 1.0 MPa. Deflection is limited to 1/300
of span with modulus of elasticity of wood of 13800 MPa. Determine the maximum spacing of the
joists that will satisfy the above mentioned condition.

Solution :

Solve for the loads carried by the beam:

Uniform dead and live load

W= (2.8+2.4)S=5.2S

Figure 2. 2
Weight of Beam
WB = 0.05(0.2) (7.8)=0.08kN/m

Total uniform Load

WT  5.2S  0.08

Considering Flexure: Considering Shear:

WT L2 (5.2 S  0.08)(3.5) 2 V 
WT L

(5.2 S  0.08)(3.5)
M  
8 8 2 2
 1.53(5.2 S  0.08)kN .m  1.75(5.2 S  0.08)kN

6M 3V
Fb  fv 
bd 2 2bd
6(1.53)(5.2 S  0.08)(10) 6 3(1.75)(5.2 S  0.08)1000
15.9  1
50( 200) 2 ( 2)50( 200)
3.46  5.2 S  0.08  S  0.65m 3.81  5.2 S  0.08  S  0.72m

Considering Deflection:

5wL4 L 3500
 max    max    11.67 mm
384 EI 300 300
5(5.2 S  0.08)(3500) 4
11.67   5.37  5.2 S  0.08  S  1.02m
50(250) 3
384(13800) Use the smallest value:
12
S =0.65 m

3 STRUCTURAL DESIGN 2 BY: ANGELINE C. BULACAN

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Example 2.3
A footbridge is simply supported on a span of 9.0 m as shown in figure 2.3. The bridge is composed
of logs of approximately constant diameter. Each log supports a load of 6.5 kN/m including its
weight. Determine the minimum diameter of this log if the allowable bending and shearing stresses
are 8.6 MPa and 0.70 MPa respectively.

Solution:

Considering Flexure:
Figure 2. 3
Max moment: For circle:

W L2 (6.5)(9) 2 D πD 4
M T   65.81kN .m c &I 
8 8 2 64

Mc
fb 
I
D
65.81(10) 6 6 6
8.6  2  D 3  65.81(10) (32)  D  3 65.81(10) (32)  427.16mm
D 4  (8.6)  (8.6)
64

Considering Shear: For the value of statical moment of area:

D
4
wL 6.5(9) 4R 2D
V   29.25kN y  2 
2 2 3π 3π 3π

D 2 2D
Q  Ay  A &y
8 3
D 2 2 D D 3
Q 
8(3) 12

VQ
fv 
Ib
3
D
29.25(1000)
0.7  12  0.7  29.25(1000)64
D 4 12D 2
D
64
29.25(1000)64 29.25(1000)64
D2  D  266.34mm
12 (0.7) 12 (0.7)
Use the larger value:
D = 427.16mm or
D = 430mm

4 STRUCTURAL DESIGN 2 BY: ANGELINE C. BULACAN

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Example 2.4
A cantilever beam 3.0 m long has its end resting on rigid supports
and carries a uniform load of 4.6 kN/m including its own weight.
The section of the beam the beam is in the form of an I-framed by
four 200 mm x 50mm planks as shown in figure 2.4. Determine the
additional concentrated load that can be applied at the free end if
the bending stress is not to exceed 12 MPa and the shearing stress
not to exceed 0.8 MPa.

Solution:

Compute the Moment of Inertia, I.

Figure 2. 4

Compute the Statical Moment of Area, Q.

I  I BR  I SR
3 Q  QBR  QSR   Ay
200(300) 3 100(200)
I   383.33x106 mm 4
12 12 Q  200(150)75  100(100)50  1750 x103 mm3
b  100mm

Considering Flexure:

Mc
fb 
I M  4.6(3)1.5  3P
12 
M (150) 4.6(3)1.5  3P  30.67
M
383.33(10) 6 P  3.32kN
383.33(10) 6 (12
M  30.67 x10 6 N .mm
150
M  30.67kN .m

Considering Shear:

VQ V (1750)(10) 3
fV   0.8  V  P  3(4.6)  17.52  P  4.6(3)
Ib 383.33(10) 6100
P  3.72kN
V  17,524 x103 N  17.52kN .m
V
Use the smaller value:
P = 3.32 kN

5 STRUCTURAL DESIGN 2 BY: ANGELINE C. BULACAN

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

D. Allowable bending stress:

a) Size adjustment Factor

When the depth of rectangular sawn lumber bending member 125 mm or thicker exceeds
300 mm the allowable bending stress Fb shall be multiplied by the size factor Cf.

Where:
Fb’ = allowable bending stress considering size
adjustment Factor
d = depth of the beam

Note:
For beams of circular cross section having a diameter of 340 mm or greater, the size
factor may be determined on the basis of an equivalent conventionally loaded square
beam.

b) Form Factor

The form factor shall be cumulative with the size factor

adjustment except for lumber I-beams and box beams.

Example 2.5
A single span wooden beam 250 mm by 350 mm has a simple span of 6 m as shown in figure 2.5.
If the allowable bending and shearing stresses are 10.8 MPa and 0.75 MPa respectively,

Determine the following:

i. Size factor adjustment

ii. Allowable bending stress considering size factor adjustment
iii. Maximum concentrated load that could be applied at the mid-span based on size factor
adjustment for flexure and allowable shearing stress

Solution :

i. Size factor adjustment:

1 1
300 9 300 9
Cf  ( ) ( )  0.98
d 350 Figure 2.5

6 STRUCTURAL DESIGN 2 BY: ANGELINE C. BULACAN

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

ii. Allowable bending stress considering size factor adjustment.

Fb '  C f Fb  0.98(10.8)
Fb '  10.58MPa

iii. Maximum concentrated load that could be applied at the mid-span.

6M 6M
Fb '   10.58  PL P ( 6)
bd 2
250(350) 2 M  54 
4 4
10.58( 250)(350) 2 P  36kN
M   54kN .m
6(10) 6

c) Slenderness Factor

When the depth of a bending member exceeds its breadth, lateral support maybe required
and the slenderness factor Cs shall be computed using the following relation:

Where
Cs = slenderness Factor
Led
Cs  d = depth of the beam
b2 Le = effective length of beam
b = breadth of the beam

EFFECTIVE LENGTH OF BEAMS

Type of beam span and nature of load Effective length, Le

1. Single span beam, concentrated load at center Le =1.61Lu

2. Single span beam, uniformly distributed load Le =1.92Lu
3. Single span beam, equal end moments Le =1.84Lu
4. Cantilever beam, load concentrated at unsupported end Le =1.69Lu
5. Cantilever beam, uniformly distributed load Le =1.06Lu
6. Cantilever beam, uniformly distributed load
with concentrated load at the cantilever end Le =1.69Lu
7. Single span or cantilever beam, any other load Le =1.92Lu

Where: Lu = unsupported Length

Short Un-braced Beams

If Cs < 10,
Fb'  Fb

7 STRUCTURAL DESIGN 2 BY: ANGELINE C. BULACAN

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Intermediate Un-braced Beams

1 C
If 10 < Cs < Ck, Fb'  Fb [1  ( s ) 4 ]
3 Ck

For visually graded sawn lumber: For glued laminated beams and machine stress
rated lumber:
E E
C k  0.811 C k  0.956
Fb Fb

Long Un-braced Beams

If Cs > Ck where Cs < 50,

For visually graded sawn lumber: For glued laminated beams and machine stress
rated lumber:
0.438E 0.609E
Fb'  Fb' 
Cs2 Cs2

Where:
E = modulus of elasticity of wood
Fb = allowable unit stress for extreme fiber in bending
Fb’ = allowable unit stress for extreme fiber in bending adjusted for slenderness

NOTE:
Unless stated in the problem, use the formula for visually graded sawn lumber.

Example 2.6
A simply supported beam 9 m long is to support a concentrated load at its mid-span as shown in
figure 2.6. The beam is 200 mm wide and 350 mm deep. Allowable bending stress is 9.8 MPa and
the modulus of elasticity of wood is 14000 MPa. Neglecting the weight of the beam;

Determine the following:

i. Allowable bending stress with size factor

adjustment
ii. Allowable bending stress slenderness
factor adjustment
iii. Safe concentrated load P that the beam
can carry at the mid-span

Figure 2.6

8 STRUCTURAL DESIGN 2 BY: ANGELINE C. BULACAN

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Solution:

i. Allowable bending stress with size factor adjustment:

1 1
300 9 300 9 Fb '  C f Fb  0.98(9.8)  9.6 MPa
Cf  ( ) ( )  0.98
d 350

ii. Allowable bending stress slenderness factor adjustment:

Le  1.61Lu  1.61(9000)  14490mm

Le d 14490(350)
Cs   11.2610
b2 ( 200) 2

CS > 10, check CK:

E 14000
Ck  0.811  Ck  0.811  30.65
Fb 9 .8
10  C s  Ck Therefore, the beam is intermediate un-braced beam.

1 C
Fb'  Fb [1  ( s ) 4 ]
3 Ck
1 11.26 4
Fb '  9.8[1  ( ) ]  9.74 MPa
3 30.65

iii. Safe concentrated load P that the beam can carry at the mid-span:

6M
Fb'  Use smaller value: Fb’ = 9.6 MPa
bd 2
6M 6M
9.6   9.6 
bd 2 200(350) 2
9.6( 200)(350) 2
M   39.2kN .m
6(10) 6

Maximum Moment for simply supported beam with a concentrated load at the Mid-span:

PL
M
4
P(9)
39.2 
4
P  17.42kN

9 STRUCTURAL DESIGN 2 BY: ANGELINE C. BULACAN

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Example 2.7
A cantilever beam 4.5 m long supports a concentrated load P at its free end as shown in figure 2.7.
The beam is 100 mm wide and 400 mm deep. Allowable stress for bending is 12.6 MPa and
modulus of elasticity is 5600 MPa.
Determine the following:

i. Allowable bending stress with slenderness factor

adjustment.
ii. Maximum Value of P

Figure 2.7
Solution:

i. Allowable bending stress with slenderness factor adjustment:

Le  1.69 Lu  1.69( 4500)  7605mm

Le d 7605( 400)
Cs   17.44  10
b2 (100) 2

CS > 10, check CK:

E 5600
Ck  0.811  Ck  0.811
Fb 12.6
Ck  17.1
10  C s  Ck , C s  50 Therefore, the beam is long un-braced beam.

0.438 E
Fb' 
Cs2
0.438(5600)
Fb'   8.06 MPa
(17.44) 2

ii. Allowable Maximum Value of P

6M bd 2 Fb ' 100(400) 2 8.06

Fb'   M    21.49kN .m
bd 2 6 6(10) 6

M  4.5 P
M 4.5 P  21.49
P  4.78kN

10 STRUCTURAL DESIGN 2 BY: ANGELINE C. BULACAN