UNIVERSITY OF THE CORDILLERAS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

MECH 3 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

MODULE 5: STRESSES IN BEAMS

UNIT 1: FLEXURAL STRESS

Prepared by:
Brian Jhay Guzman, CE, RMP, ME-1 Melkisidick Angloan, CE, ME-1
 UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES
In this unit, here are the following desired learning outcomes:
✘ Derive the formula for flexural stress.
✘ Compute for the maximum flexural stress present in a beam.

2
STRESSES
IN BEAMS
3
 STRESSES IN BEAMS
It is convenient to imagine a beam to be
composed of an infinite number of thin
longitudinal fibers. Each longitudinal fiber is
assumed to act independently of every other fiber.
The beam of 𝐹𝑖𝑔. 7 − 1, for example, will deflect
downward and the fibers in the lower part of the
beam undergo elongation, while those in the
upper part are shortened. These changes in the
lengths of the fibers set up stresses in the fibers.
Those that are elongated have tensile stresses
acting on the fibers in the direction of the
longitudinal axis of the beam, while those that are
shortened are subject to compressive stresses.

4
 NEUTRAL SURFACE/AXIS
There always exists one surface in the beam
containing fibers that do not undergo any
extension or compression, and thus are not
subject to any tensile or compressive stress. This N.S.
surface is called the neutral surface of the beam.
The intersection of the neutral surface with any
cross section of the beam perpendicular to its
longitudinal axis is called the neutral axis. All fibers
on one side of the neutral axis are in a state of
tension, while those on the opposite side are in
compression.
N.S.

5
FLEXURAL
STRESS
6
 NORMAL STRESSES IN BEAMS
Let us find a relationship between the bending
moment acting at any section in a beam and the
bending stress at any point in this same section.
Assume Hooke’s law holds so that all fibers in the
beam are in the elastic range of the material.

The free-body diagram of the portion of the beam

to the left of this cutting plane now appears as in
𝐹𝑖𝑔. 7 − 2(𝑏). A moment 𝑀 must act over the
cross section cut by the plane so that the left
portion of the beam will be in static equilibrium.
The moment M acting on the “cut” section
represents the effect of the right portion of the
beam on the left portion.
7
 NORMAL STRESSES IN BEAMS

It is convenient to consider the beam to be

composed of an infinite number of thin
longitudinal fibers. It is assumed that every
longitudinal fiber is subject only to axial tension or
compression. Further, it is assumed that a plane
section of the beam normal to its axis before
loads are applied remains plane and normal to the
axis after loading.

8
 NORMAL STRESSES IN BEAMS
Next, let us consider two adjacent cross sections
𝑎𝑎 and 𝑏𝑏 marked on the side of the beam, as
shown in 𝐹𝑖𝑔. 7 − 3. Prior to loading, these sections
are parallel to each other. After the applied
moments have acted on the beam, these sections
are still planes but they have rotated with respect
to each other to the positions shown, where 𝑂
represents the center of curvature of the beam.
Evidently the fibers on the upper surface of the
beam are in a state of compression, while those
on the lower surface are in tension.

9
 NORMAL STRESSES IN BEAMS
O

The line 𝑐𝑑 is the trace of the surface in which the

fibers do not undergo any strain during bending 𝑑𝜃
and this surface is called the neutral surface, and
its intersection with any cross section is called the
neutral axis. The elongation of the longitudinal 𝜌
fiber at a distance 𝑦 (measured positive
downward) may be found by drawing line de
parallel to aa. If 𝜌 denotes the radius of curvature
of the bent beam, then from the similar triangles
𝑐𝑂𝑑 and 𝑒𝑑𝑓 we find the strain of this fiber to be
c d
𝑑𝜃 𝑦
𝑒𝑓 𝑑𝑒 𝑦
𝜀= = = e f
𝑐𝑑 𝑐𝑂 𝜌
10
 NORMAL STRESSES IN BEAMS
Thus, the strains of the longitudinal fibers are
proportional to the distance 𝑦 from the neutral
axis. Since Hooke’s law holds,
𝐸 = 𝜎 / 𝜀 , or 𝜎 = 𝐸𝜀,
it immediately follows that the stresses existing in
the longitudinal fibers are proportional to the
distance 𝑦 from the neutral axis, or

𝐸𝑦
𝜎=
𝜌

11
 NORMAL STRESSES IN BEAMS
Let us consider a beam of rectangular cross
section, although the derivation actually holds for
any cross section which has a longitudinal plane of
symmetry. In this case, these longitudinal, or
bending, stresses appear as in 𝐹𝑖𝑔. 7 − 4.
Let 𝑑𝐴 represent an element of area of the cross
section at a distance 𝑦 from the neutral axis. The
stress acting on 𝑑𝐴 is given by the above
expression and consequently the force on this
element is the product of the stress and the area
𝑑𝐴, that is,

𝐸𝑦
𝑑𝐹 = 𝑑𝐴
𝜌
12
 NORMAL STRESSES IN BEAMS
However, the resultant longitudinal force acting
over the cross section is zero (for the case of pure
bending) and this condition may be expressed by
the summation of all forces 𝑑𝐹 over the cross
section. This is done by integration:

𝐸𝑦 𝐸
𝑑𝐴 = 𝑦𝑑𝐴
𝜌 𝜌

13
 NORMAL STRESSES IN BEAMS
Evidently 𝑦𝑑𝐴 = 0. However, this integral
represents the first moment of the area of the
cross section with respect to the neutral axis,
since 𝑦 is measured from that axis. But, from
statics we may write 𝑦𝑑𝐴 = 𝑦𝐴, where 𝑦 is the
distance from the neutral axis to the centroid of
the cross-sectional area. From this, 𝑦𝐴 = 0, and
since 𝐴 is not zero, then 𝑦 = 0.

Thus the neutral axis always passes through the

centroid of the cross section, provided Hooke’s law
holds.

14
 NORMAL STRESSES IN BEAMS
The moment of the elemental force 𝑑𝐹 about the
neutral axis is given by

𝐸𝑦 𝐸𝑦 2
𝑑𝑀 = 𝑦𝑑𝐹 = 𝑦 𝑑𝐴 = 𝑑𝐴
𝜌 𝜌

The resultant of the moments of all such

elemental forces summed over the entire cross
section must be equal to the bending moment M
acting at that section and thus we may write

𝐸𝑦 2 𝐸
𝑀= 𝑑𝐴 = 𝑦 2 𝑑𝐴
𝜌 𝜌
15
 NORMAL STRESSES IN BEAMS
But we know from calculus that But previously we had

𝐸𝑦 𝐸𝑦
𝑦 2 𝑑𝐴 = 𝐼 → 𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑛 𝐼𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑎 𝜎= →𝜌=
𝜌 𝜎
Eliminating 𝜌 from these last two equations, we
* It is to be carefully noted that this moment of obtain
inertia of the cross-sectional area is computed 𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝑦
with respect to the axis through the centroid of =
𝑀 𝜎
the cross section.
We have 𝑀𝑦
𝐸𝐼 𝐸𝐼 𝜎=
𝑀= →𝜌= 𝐼
𝜌 𝑀

16
 FLEXURAL STRESS
𝑀𝑦
𝜎=
𝐼
Where:
𝜎 = 𝐵𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑟 𝐹𝑙𝑒𝑥𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠.
𝑀 = 𝑏𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛.
𝐼 = 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠-𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎
𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠.
𝑦 = 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑢𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑖𝑏𝑒𝑟
𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑.

The value of y at the outer fibers (topmost or bottommost) of the

beam is frequently denoted by 𝑐. At these outer fibers the bending
stresses are maximum and there we may write

𝑀𝑐
𝜎𝑀𝑎𝑥 =
𝐼 17
 BENDING IN RELATION TO FLEXURAL STRESS
Recall:

“The customary sign conventions for shearing force and bending

moment are represented in Fig. 6-7. Thus a force that tends to
bend the beam so that it is concave upward is said to produce a
positive bending moment.”

A final point of interest is the elastic curve which shows the

actual shape of the beam under the given loading, assuming the
beam to be quite flexible. Segments where the beam has a
positive bending moment (above the horizontal line of the
moment diagram) should concave upward. Meanwhile segments
of negative bending moment (below the horizontal line of the
moment diagram) should concave downward.)
18
BENDING IN RELATION TO FLEXURAL STRESS

19
BENDING IN RELATION TO FLEXURAL STRESS

20
 BENDING IN RELATION TO FLEXURAL STRESS

Positive Bending Moments (Concave Upward) Negative Bending Moments (Concave Downward)

N.S. N.S.

𝑇𝑂𝑃 𝐹𝐼𝐵𝐸𝑅𝑆 → 𝐶𝑂𝑀𝑃𝑅𝐸𝑆𝑆𝐼𝑂𝑁 𝑇𝑂𝑃 𝐹𝐼𝐵𝐸𝑅𝑆 → 𝑇𝐸𝑁𝑆𝐼𝑂𝑁

𝐵𝑂𝑇𝑇𝑂𝑀 𝐹𝐼𝐵𝐸𝑅𝑆 → 𝑇𝐸𝑁𝑆𝐼𝑂𝑁 𝐵𝑂𝑇𝑇𝑂𝑀 𝐹𝐼𝐵𝐸𝑅𝑆 → 𝐶𝑂𝑀𝑃𝑅𝐸𝑆𝑆𝐼𝑂𝑁

21
EXAMPLE 1.
𝑀𝑦 𝑀𝑐
𝜎= ⋮ 𝜎𝑀𝑎𝑥 =
𝐼 𝐼
Consider the given loaded Solution:
beam below. Determine:
It is obvious that before any beam
a. Maximum Flexural stresses can be computed, the
Stress (Tension) shear and moment diagrams must
b. Maximum Flexural first be drawn.
Stress (Compression)
𝑀𝑦
𝜎=
𝐼

For Maximum Stress

𝑀 = 𝑀𝑀𝑎𝑥 →Largest Bending

Moment in the beam.

𝑦 = 𝑐 →The outermost fibers are

experiencing the largest stress.

𝐼 = 𝐼𝑁𝐴 →Moment of Inertia about

the Neutral Axis.

Therefore:
𝑀𝑀𝑎𝑥 𝑐
𝜎𝑀𝑎𝑥 =
𝐼𝑁𝐴
22
 EXAMPLE 1.
Consider the given loaded beam below. Determine: 𝑀𝑦 𝑀𝑐
a. Maximum Flexural Stress (Tension) 𝜎= ⋮ 𝜎𝑀𝑎𝑥 =
𝐼 𝐼
b. Maximum Flexural Stress (Compression)

Solution: 𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 1.333 × 109 𝑚𝑚4

For 𝑀𝑀𝑎𝑥 Maximum Flexural Stress (Tension)

𝑀𝑀𝑎𝑥 = 26 𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚 →Positive (26 × 106 𝑁 ∙ 𝑚𝑚) 200 𝑚𝑚

Bending. 𝜎𝑀𝑎𝑥𝑇 =
1.333 × 109 𝑚𝑚4

𝑐𝑇𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 200 𝑚𝑚 →Distance of 𝜎𝑀𝑎𝑥𝑇 = 3.90 𝑀𝑃𝑎

the outermost fiber under tension
from the N.A. Maximum Flexural Stress (Compression)

𝑐𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 200 𝑚𝑚 →Distance (26 × 106 𝑁 ∙ 𝑚𝑚) 200 𝑚𝑚

of the outermost fiber under 𝜎𝑀𝑎𝑥𝐶 =
1.333 × 109 𝑚𝑚4
compression from the N.A.
𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝜎𝑀𝑎𝑥𝐶 = 3.90 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑇𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛
1
𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 12 𝑏ℎ3 →Centroidal Moment
Outermost
fiber under 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 of Inertia of a Rectangle
compression

1
𝑇𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐼𝑁𝐴 = (250 𝑚𝑚)(400 𝑚𝑚)3
12
Outermost
fiber under
tension
23
EXAMPLE 2.
𝑀𝑦 𝑀𝑐
𝜎= ⋮ 𝜎𝑀𝑎𝑥 =
𝐼 𝐼
Consider the given loaded Solution:
beam below. Determine:
It is obvious that before any beam
a. Maximum Flexural stresses can be computed, the
Stress (Tension) shear and moment diagrams must
b. Maximum Flexural first be drawn.
Stress (Compression)
𝑀𝑦
𝜎=
𝐼

For Maximum Stress

𝑀 = 𝑀𝑀𝑎𝑥 →Largest Bending

Moment(s) in the beam.

𝑦 = 𝑐 →The outermost fibers are

experiencing the largest stress.

𝐼 = 𝐼𝑁𝐴 →Moment of Inertia about

the Neutral Axis.

Therefore:
𝑀𝑀𝑎𝑥 𝑐
𝜎𝑀𝑎𝑥 =
𝐼𝑁𝐴
24
EXAMPLE 2.
Consider the given loaded beam below. Determine: 𝑀𝑦 𝑀𝑐
a. Maximum Flexural Stress (Tension) 𝜎= ⋮ 𝜎𝑀𝑎𝑥 =
𝐼 𝐼
b. Maximum Flexural Stress (Compression)

SHAPE 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑚𝑚2 𝑦𝑖 𝑚𝑚 𝑑𝑁.𝐴. 𝑚𝑚

Solution:
20
1. 60 20 = 1200 20 + 80 + = 110 110 − 50 = 60
For 𝐼𝑁𝐴 2

80
Since the neutral axis lies on 2. 10 80 = 800 20 + = 60 60 − 50 = 10
2
the centroid of the cross-
1
section of the beam, 𝑦 must 20
3. 100 20 = 2000 = 10 50 − 10 = 40
2 first be determined. 2
𝐴 𝑇 = 4000 𝑚𝑚2
Recall from statics:
𝑦
Σ 𝑎𝑖 𝑦𝑖 1200 110 + 800 60 + (2000)(10)
𝑦= =
3
𝐴𝑇 4000
𝑦 = 50 𝑚𝑚
𝐼 = Σ 𝐼 + 𝐴𝑑 2 𝐼𝑁.𝐴. = 8.133 × 106 𝑚𝑚4
𝐼𝑁.𝐴.
These formulas give the 60 20 3
= + 1200 60 2
centroid and moment of 12
inertia for composite figures. 10 80 3
+ + 800 10 2
12
100 20 3
+ + 2000 40 2
25 12
EXAMPLE 2.
Consider the given loaded beam below. Determine: 𝑀𝑦 𝑀𝑐
a. Maximum Flexural Stress (Tension) 𝜎= ⋮ 𝜎𝑀𝑎𝑥 =
𝐼 𝐼
b. Maximum Flexural Stress (Compression)

𝑇𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛

𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛
𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛
𝑇𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛
Outermost Outermost
fiber under fiber under
tension compression

For 𝑀𝑀𝑎𝑥 Outermost

Outermost
fiber under
fiber under
compression
tension
𝑀𝑀𝑎𝑥 = 40 𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚 →Positive Bending.
For 𝑀𝑀𝑎𝑥 = 9 𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚 → Negative Bending For 𝑀𝑀𝑎𝑥 = 40 𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚 →Positive Bending
𝑀𝑀𝑎𝑥 = 9 𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚 → Negative Bending.
𝑐𝑇𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 70 𝑚𝑚 →Distance of the 𝑐𝑇𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 50 𝑚𝑚 →Distance of the
Since the beam experiences two types of outermost fiber under tension from the outermost fiber under tension from the
bending, two sets of tensile and compressive N.A. N.A.
flexural stresses shall be computed. Using both
the Maximum Positive and Negative Moments. 𝑐𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 50 𝑚𝑚 →Distance of the 𝑐𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 70 𝑚𝑚 →Distance of the
outermost fiber under compression from outermost fiber under compression from
the N.A. the N.A.
26
EXAMPLE 2.
Consider the given loaded beam below. Determine: 𝑀𝑦 𝑀𝑐
a. Maximum Flexural Stress (Tension) 𝜎= ⋮ 𝜎𝑀𝑎𝑥 =
𝐼 𝐼
b. Maximum Flexural Stress (Compression)

Using 𝑀𝑀𝑎𝑥 = 40 𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚 →Positive Bending.

Flexural Stress (Tension)

(40 × 106 𝑁 ∙ 𝑚𝑚) 50 𝑚𝑚

𝜎𝑇 =
8.133 × 106 𝑚𝑚4

𝜎𝑇 = 245.91 𝑀𝑃𝑎

Flexural Stress (Compression)

(40 × 106 𝑁 ∙ 𝑚𝑚) 70 𝑚𝑚

𝜎𝐶 =
8.133 × 106 𝑚𝑚4

𝜎𝐶 = 344.28 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛
𝑇𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛
Outermost
fiber under
compression

Outermost
fiber under
tension 27
EXAMPLE 2.
Consider the given loaded beam below. Determine: 𝑀𝑦 𝑀𝑐
a. Maximum Flexural Stress (Tension) 𝜎= ⋮ 𝜎𝑀𝑎𝑥 =
𝐼 𝐼
b. Maximum Flexural Stress (Compression)

𝑀𝑀𝑎𝑥 = 9 𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚 → Negative Bending.

Flexural Stress (Tension)

(9 × 106 𝑁 ∙ 𝑚𝑚) 70 𝑚𝑚
𝜎𝑇 =
8.133 × 106 𝑚𝑚4

𝜎𝑇 = 77.46 𝑀𝑃𝑎

Flexural Stress (Compression)

𝑇𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 (9 × 106 𝑁 ∙ 𝑚𝑚) 50 𝑚𝑚

𝜎𝐶 =
8.133 × 106 𝑚𝑚4
𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝜎𝐶 = 55.33 𝑀𝑃𝑎

Outermost
fiber under
tension

Outermost
fiber under
compression 28
EXAMPLE 2.
𝑀𝑦 𝑀𝑐
𝜎= ⋮ 𝜎𝑀𝑎𝑥 =
𝐼 𝐼
Consider the given loaded
beam below. Determine: For the Maximum Stresses, choose
a. Maximum Flexural the largest between the two
Stress (Tension) Tensile and Compressive Stresses.

b. Maximum Flexural Using 𝑀𝑀𝑎𝑥 = 40 𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚 →Positive

Stress (Compression) Bending.

𝜎𝑇 = 245.91 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝜎𝐶 = 344.28 𝑀𝑃𝑎

𝑀𝑀𝑎𝑥 = 9 𝑘𝑁 ∙ 𝑚 → Negative
Bending.

𝜎𝑇 = 77.46 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝜎𝐶 = 55.33 𝑀𝑃𝑎

Therefore:

𝜎𝑀𝑎𝑥𝑇 = 245.91 𝑀𝑃𝑎

𝜎𝑀𝑎𝑥𝐶 = 344.28 𝑀𝑃𝑎

29
 UNIVERSITY OF THE CORDILLERAS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

MECH 3 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

MODULE 5: STRESSES IN BEAMS

UNIT 2: HORIZONTAL
SHEARING STRESS
Prepared by:
Brian Jhay Guzman, CE, RMP, ME-1 Melkisidick Angloan, CE, ME-1
 UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES
In this unit, here are the following desired learning outcomes:
✘ Derive the formula for horizontal shearing stress.
✘ Compute for the maximum horizontal shearing stress at the
neutral axis.

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HORIZONTAL SHEARING STRESS
In a beam loaded by transverse forces The theory to be developed applies
acting perpendicular to the axis of the only to a cross section of rectangular
beam, not only are bending stresses shape. However, the results of this
produced parallel to the axis of the analysis are commonly used to give
beam but shearing stresses also act approximate values of the shearing
over cross sections of the beam stress in other cross sections having a
perpendicular to the axis of the beam. plane of symmetry.
Let us express the intensity of these
shearing stresses in terms of the
shearing force at the section and the
properties of the cross section.
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HORIZONTAL SHEARING STRESS

Let us consider an element of length dx cut from a

beam as shown in 𝐹𝑖𝑔. 7 − 5. We shall denote the
bending moment at the left side of the element by
𝑀 and that at the right side by 𝑀 + 𝑑𝑀, since in
general the bending moment changes slightly as
we move from one section to an adjacent section
of the beam.

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HORIZONTAL SHEARING STRESS

If 𝑦 is measured upward from the neutral axis,

then the bending stress at the left section 𝑎 − 𝑎 is
given by
𝑀𝑦
𝜎=
𝐼
where 𝐼 denotes the moment of inertia of the
entire cross section about the neutral axis.
Similarly, the bending stress at the right section
𝑏 − 𝑏 is

(𝑀 + 𝑑𝑀)𝑦
𝜎=
𝐼
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HORIZONTAL SHEARING STRESS
Let us now consider the equilibrium of the shaded
element 𝑎𝑐𝑑𝑏. The force acting on an area 𝑑𝐴 of
the face ac is merely the product of the intensity
of the force and the area; thus

𝑀𝑦
𝜎𝑑𝐴 = 𝑑𝐴
𝐼
The sum of all such forces over the left face ac is
found by integration to be

𝑐
𝑀𝑦
𝑑𝐴
𝑦 𝐼

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HORIZONTAL SHEARING STRESS

Likewise, the sum of all normal forces over the

right face bd is given by

𝑐
(𝑀 + 𝑑𝑀)𝑦
𝑑𝐴
𝑦 𝐼
Evidently, since these two integrals are unequal,
some additional horizontal force must act on the
shaded element cd to maintain equilibrium.

38
HORIZONTAL SHEARING STRESS

Since the top face 𝑎𝑏 is assumed to be free

of any externally applied horizontal forces,
then the only remaining possibility is that
there exists a horizontal shearing force
along the lower face 𝑐𝑑. This represents the
action of the lower portion of the beam on
the shaded element. Let us denote the
shearing stress along this face by 𝜏 as
shown.

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HORIZONTAL SHEARING STRESS

Also, let 𝑏 denote the width of the beam at the

position where 𝜏 acts. Then the horizontal
shearing force along the face 𝑐𝑑 is 𝜏𝑏𝑑𝑥. For
equilibrium of the element 𝑎𝑐𝑑𝑏 we have

𝑐 𝑐
𝑀𝑦 𝑀 + 𝑑𝑀 𝑦
Σ𝐹𝑥 = 𝑑𝐴 − 𝑑𝐴 + 𝜏𝑏𝑑𝑥 = 0
𝑦 𝐼 𝑦 𝐼
Solving,

𝑐
1 𝑑𝑀
𝜏= ∙ 𝑦𝑑𝐴
𝐼𝑏 𝑑𝑥 𝑦
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HORIZONTAL SHEARING STRESS

Recall:
𝑑𝑀
𝑉=
𝑑𝑥
Where 𝑉 represents the shearing force at the
section (Shear Diagram/Equation). Substituting,

𝑐
𝑉
𝜏= 𝑦𝑑𝐴
𝐼𝑏 𝑦

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HORIZONTAL SHEARING STRESS
𝑐
We can replace 𝑦 𝑦𝑑𝐴 which means the sum of
the moments of the differential areas 𝑑𝐴 about
the neutral axis, by its equivalent 𝐴′𝑦.

𝑉
𝜏= 𝐴′𝑦
𝐼𝑏

Where 𝐴′ is the partial area of the section above or

below (whichever is easier to compute) the layer
at which the shearing stress is being computed
and 𝑦 is the moment arm of this area with respect
to the neutral axis.
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HORIZONTAL SHEARING STRESS

A variation of the product 𝐴′𝑦 is the symbol 𝑄.

which is frequently used to represent the static
moment of area.

𝑉𝑄
𝜏=
𝐼𝑏

The units of 𝑄 are cubic units.

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 HORIZONTAL SHEARING STRESS
𝑉
𝜏 = 𝐴′𝑦
𝐼𝑏
Where:
𝜏 = 𝐻𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑆ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠.
𝑉 = 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛.
𝐼 = 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 − 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠.
𝐴′ =the partial area of the section above or below (whichever is easier to compute) the layer at which the
shearing stress is being computed .
𝑦 = moment arm of this area with respect to the neutral axis
= perpendicular distance from the centroid of the partial area to the neutral axis.
𝑏 = 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 layer at which the shearing stress is being computed .

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 HORIZONTAL SHEARING STRESS
𝑉
𝜏 = Σ 𝐴′ 𝑖 𝑦𝑖
𝐼𝑏

(𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑜𝑟 𝑓𝑖𝑔𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑠)

If the cross section of the beam is a composite figure, the solution for 𝐴′𝑦 can be simplified by dividing the
partial area into common geometric shape and summating their individual static moment of area.

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EXAMPLE 1.
𝑉
𝜏= 𝐴′𝑦
𝐼𝑏
Consider the given loaded beam
below. Determine:
a. Maximum Horizontal Shearing Solution:
Stress at the Neutral Axis.
It is obvious that before any beam
stresses can be computed, the
shear and moment diagrams must
first be drawn.

𝑉
𝜏= 𝐴′𝑦
𝐼𝑏

For Maximum Stress

𝑉 = 𝑉𝑀𝑎𝑥 →Largest Shearing

Force in the beam. (Either positive
or negative)

For 𝑉𝑀𝑎𝑥

𝑉𝑀𝑎𝑥 = 17 𝑘𝑁

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EXAMPLE 1.
Consider the given loaded beam below. 𝑉
Determine: 𝜏= 𝐴′𝑦
𝐼𝑏
a. Maximum Horizontal Shearing Stress
at the Neutral Axis.

For 𝐼𝑁𝐴 For b For 𝐴′𝑦

1
𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 12 𝑏ℎ3 →Centroidal Moment The width of the layer where 𝐴′ = 250 𝑚𝑚 200 𝑚𝑚 = 50000 𝑚𝑚2
of Inertia of a Rectangle shearing stress is being
considered (at neutral axis) is the 200 𝑚𝑚
𝑦= = 100 𝑚𝑚
1 width of the beam itself. 2
𝐼𝑁𝐴 = (250 𝑚𝑚)(400 𝑚𝑚)3
12
𝑏 = 250 𝑚𝑚
𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 1.333 × 109 𝑚𝑚4

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EXAMPLE 1.
Consider the given loaded beam below. 𝑉
Determine: 𝜏= 𝐴′𝑦
𝐼𝑏
a. Maximum Horizontal Shearing Stress
at the Neutral Axis.

For 𝜏𝑀𝑎𝑥

𝑉𝑀𝑎𝑥
𝜏𝑀𝑎𝑥 = 𝐴′𝑦
𝐼𝑏

(17 × 103 𝑁)
𝜏𝑀𝑎𝑥 = 50000 𝑚𝑚2 100 𝑚𝑚
1.333 × 109 𝑚𝑚4 250 𝑚𝑚

𝜏𝑀𝑎𝑥 = 0.255 𝑀𝑃𝑎

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EXAMPLE 2.
𝑉
𝜏= Σ 𝐴′ 𝑖 𝑦𝑖
𝐼𝑏
Consider the given loaded beam
below. Determine:
a. Maximum Horizontal Shearing Solution:
Stress at the Neutral Axis.
It is obvious that before any beam
stresses can be computed, the
shear and moment diagrams must
first be drawn.

𝑉
𝜏= 𝐴′𝑦
𝐼𝑏

For Maximum Stress

𝑉 = 𝑉𝑀𝑎𝑥 →Largest Shearing

Force in the beam. (Either positive
or negative)

For 𝑉𝑀𝑎𝑥

𝑉𝑀𝑎𝑥 = 14 𝑘𝑁

49
EXAMPLE 1.
Consider the given loaded beam below. 𝑉
Determine: 𝜏= Σ 𝐴′ 𝑖 𝑦𝑖
𝐼𝑏
a. Maximum Horizontal Shearing Stress
at the Neutral Axis. For Σ 𝐴′ 𝑖 𝑦𝑖

Partial Area Above the Neutral Axis

Σ 𝐴′ 𝑖 𝑦𝑖
= 60 𝑚𝑚 20 𝑚𝑚 60 𝑚𝑚
+ 10 𝑚𝑚 50 𝑚𝑚 25 𝑚𝑚

Σ 𝐴′ 𝑖 𝑦𝑖 = 84500 𝑚𝑚3

For 𝐼𝑁𝐴 Partial Area Below the Neutral Axis

𝐼𝑁.𝐴. = 8.133 × 106 𝑚𝑚4 Σ 𝐴′ 𝑖 𝑦𝑖 “The choice of which
half of the cross-section
For the solution, refer to the discussion for = 100 𝑚𝑚 20 𝑚𝑚 40 𝑚𝑚 to use in computing
Flexural Stress. + 10 𝑚𝑚 30 𝑚𝑚 15 𝑚𝑚 Σ 𝐴′ 𝑖 𝑦𝑖 for composite
sections depends on
the complexity of the
For b Σ 𝐴′ 𝑖 𝑦𝑖 = 84500 𝑚𝑚3 partial area. Generally
the simpler one is used.
The width of the layer where shearing stress
Nevertheless the
is being considered is at neutral axis.
answer should be the
same.”
𝑏 = 10 𝑚𝑚
50
EXAMPLE 1.
Consider the given loaded beam below. 𝑉
Determine: 𝜏= Σ 𝐴′ 𝑖 𝑦𝑖
𝐼𝑏
a. Maximum Horizontal Shearing Stress
at the Neutral Axis.

For 𝜏𝑀𝑎𝑥

𝑉𝑀𝑎𝑥
𝜏𝑀𝑎𝑥 = Σ 𝐴′ 𝑖 𝑦𝑖
𝐼𝑏

(14 × 103 𝑁)
𝜏𝑀𝑎𝑥 = 84500 𝑚𝑚3
8.133 × 106 𝑚𝑚4 10 𝑚𝑚

𝜏𝑀𝑎𝑥 = 14.55 𝑀𝑃𝑎

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 thanks!
Any questions?

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