Application of AISC Design Provisions for Tapered Members

G. C. LEE AND M. L. MORRELL

AISC prismatic member design. The tapering influence is

incorporated in the effective length factor. Since the formulas
are intended to be used for webtapered members, the weakaxis effective length factor can be taken the same as that for
a prismatic member. For strong-axis buckling the effective
length factor differs appreciably from a prismatic member.
The strong-axis effective length factors for tapered members,
K, have been calculated for typical tapered framing
situations2 and are included in the Addenda to the
Commentary on the AISC Specification (see Supplement No.
3).4
The allowable bending stress formulas for tapered
members in Sect. D3 differ in three aspects from the AISC
formulas for prismatic member design. First, the length
modification factors, hw and hs, appear in the formulas which
account for the tapering. These functions were determined in
a similar way as for axial compression.2 The adoption of
these two functions was dictated by the complicated
dependence of the function on the warping and St. Venant
rigidities, and by the use of the double formula procedure for
critical lateral buckling stress. Second, the use of the total
resistance formulation3 to determine the allowable bending
stress. Third, consideration of the restraining effect of
adjacent spans when a member is continuous over lateral
supports. The restraining effect is included in the coefficient
B.**
Combined axial compression and bending for tapered
members is handled in the same manner as for prismatic
members. This case is covered in Sect. D4.
AISC Specification design provisions applicable to
tapered members can be grouped into three categories (see
Table 1):

THE USE OF tapered structural members having tapered depths

and/or widths was first proposed by Amirikian1 for reasons
of economy. Typically, tapered members are used in single
story structures of one or more bays (Figs. 1a and 1b) and in
cantilevered sections of buildings (Fig. 1c). Some low-rise
structures also contain tapered members (Fig. 1d). In view of
the lack of basic understanding of the behavior of tapered
members, as well as design criteria, a joint WRC-CRC
subcommittee was established in 1966 to coordinate research
studies. In addition, a subcommittee of the MBMA Technical
Committee was established in 1973 to facilitate the
development of design guides for tapered members. Two
previous papers2,3 containing design recommendations were a
result of the technical guidance of these subcommittees. The
major thrust of these papers deal with the formulation of
allowable axial stress, allowable bending stress, and
combined axial-flexural compression for tapered members.
These design recommendations have been incorporated into
the AISC Specification as Appendix D.4
The philosophy behind the development of the allowable
stress formulas for tapered members is to use the form of the
prismatic formulas in AISC Specification Sects. 1.5.1.3,
1.5.1.4, and 1.6.1 and include a length modification factor.
The appropriate factors are summarized in Ref. 2 for axial
buckling and lateral buckling. They were determined based
on the following approach: first, the Rayleigh-Ritz Method
was used to determine the critical stress of a tapered member;
then, that stress was equated to the critical stress for a
prismatic member having the same cross section as the
smaller end of the tapered member, but of different length.
These modification factors are functions of the tapering ratios
and other geometrical properties of the member. The design
formulas of AISC Specification Appendix D are for linearly
web-tapered members only.
The forms of the allowable compressive stress formulas
for tapered members in Sect. D2* are identical to those for

A. Prismatic member provisions that may be directly

applied to tapered members, provided maximum
stresses are determined at the correct locations
(usually corresponding to the smallest net crosssectional area).

G. C. Lee is Professor and Chairman, Dept. of Civil Engineering,

State University of New York at Buffalo.
M. L. Morrell is Asst. Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, State
University of New York at Buffalo.

* Sections and equations with the prefix "D" refer to Appendix

D of the AISC Specification (Supplement No. 3).
** In Ref. 3 the restraint effect is called R.

1
FIRST QUARTER/1975
2003 by American Institute of Steel Construction, Inc. All rights reserved. This publication or any part thereof must not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.

(b) Multi-bay single story tapered frames

(a) Multiple tapered beam gable frames

(c) Tapered beam used in cantilevered situations

(d) Use of tapered members in low-rise frames

Figure 1

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B. Prismatic member provisions that have been

modified in Appendix D for application to tapered
members.

For tapered member frames free from torsion, the

element stiffness matrix (based on first order theory) may be
found in standard matrix method books dealing with
structural analysis. For problems involving warping torsion
and/or second-order effects, the appropriate elemental
matrices are contained in Ref. 5 with some examples. The
member stiffness matrix for prismatic members can be
satisfactorily used for tapered members if the tapered
member is discretized by a sufficient number of elements.
The computation of stresses in tapered members is
complicated by the fact that at least one new parameter must
be introduced into the solution to describe the variation of
cross-sectional properties along the length of the member.
For members with small angles of taper, less than 15, the
normally assumed approximations of structural mechanics
still can be applied, with the exception that the crosssectional properties vary.2 The designer must realize that,
since in general both stress resultants and cross-sectional
properties do vary, it is not always possible to find the points
of maximum stress by inspection. By calculating the stress at
several points and plotting the stress variation, the maximum
stress can be determined. Also, the equation for the stress
variation can be differentiated to find the maximum stress.

C. Prismatic member provisions that have not been

adequately investigated with regard to tapered
members. Caution should be exercised in the
application of these provisions to the design of
tapered members.
Table 1
AISC Specification Section
Category
Sect. 1.5
Allowable Stresses
1.5.1.1
Tension
A
1.5.1.2
Shear
A
1.5.1.3
Compression
B
1.5.1.4
Bending
B
1.5.1.5
Bearing
A
Sect. 1.6
Combined Stresses
1.6.1
Axial Compression and Bending
B
1.6.2
Axial Tension and Bending
A
1.6.3
Shear and Tension
A
Sect. 1.8
Stability and Slenderness Ratios
1.8.2
Sidesway Prevented
B
1.8.3
Sidesway Not Prevented
B
1.8.4
Maximum Ratios
C
Sect. 1.9
Width-Thickness Ratios
1.9.1
Unstiffened Elements Under Compression
A
1.9.2
Stiffened Elements Under Compression
C*
Sect. 1.10 Plate Girders and Rolled Beams
C
Sect. 1.11 Composite Construction
C
* For web tapered elements only.

DESIGN EXAMPLES
The primary intent of the paper is to give illustrations of the
application of AISC Specification design provisions for
tapered members, with particular emphasis on those
provisions that are modified by Appendix D (category B of
Table 1.) Some attention is given to provisions in Category
A. Several examples are presented for this purpose,
attempting to illustrate all of the options in Sects. D3
(Bending) and D4 (Combined Stresses) of Appendix D.
A special note should be made with regard to the lateral
supports. In order to apply the design formulas, it is required
that there be no lateral movement and no twisting of the cross
section at the points of lateral support. Girts and purlins are
used to attach siding and roofing to the frame; these supply
supports only to one flange, e.g., the outside flange. Under
normal situations, bracing only one flange (when in
compression) will be sufficient to meet this requirement. If,
however, this flange braced by a girt or purlin is in tension,
then an additional support must be supplied to the other
(compression) flange, indicated by an "X" in the figures.

FRAME AND STRESS ANALYSIS

The in-plane analysis of certain types of single-story tapered
frame assemblies has been shown to be simpler than the
analysis of conventional prismatic rigid frames.1 Advantage
is taken of the fact that each tapered member in the frame
(see Fig. 1a) has a pinned end condition at its smaller end
and a fixed end condition at its larger end, i.e., the bending
moment diagram is similar to that of a cantilevered beam.
This permits deflection computations of simple frames by
summing the deflections of each component member. This
approach was very appealing in the early 1950's before the
development of digital computational capabilities.
Other standard methods of structural analysis based on
either the flexibility or stiffness approach, such as moment
distribution, can be readily adapted to tapered frame
assemblies (stiffness and carry-over factors for tapered
beam-columns are given in the Appendix to this paper). For
highly redundant frames, however, a more automated
approach is desirable, and the finite element (displacement)
method has distinct advantages.

Example 1
Given:
Determine the allowable bending stress for segment 2-3 in
the tapered beam, Fig. 2, and compare it to the calculated
bending stress. Fy = 42 ksi.

3
FIRST QUARTER/1975
2003 by American Institute of Steel Construction, Inc. All rights reserved. This publication or any part thereof must not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.

Sect.#

I
x

S
x

1
2
3
4
5

25.0in.
28.5
32.0
35.5
39.0

2
12.00in.
12.88
13.75
14.63
15.50

4
1188in.
1610
2109
2694
3368

3
95.lin.
112.9
131.8
151.7
172.7

rx
9.95in.
11.18
12.39
13.57
14.74

r
y
1.23in.
1.18
1.15
1.11
1.08

r
T
1.50in.
1.47
1.45
1.43
1.40

Fig. 2. Design Examples 1 and 2: design of segments 23 and 45 of propped cantilever; Fy = 42 ksi, dimensions shown in inches

Before Fb in Formula (D3-2) can be calculated, the term B,

which includes moment gradient and/or end restraint effects,
needs to be determined from subparagraphs D3a, b, c, or d.
Case D3a can be used, since segment 2-3 has a span of equal
length on each side and the maximum moment for these three
segments occurs on segment 2-3:

Solution:
For compression on extreme fibers of tapered flexural
members, Formulas (D3-1) and (D3-2) apply. The
following quantities are needed to calculate hs and hw:
23 = (d3 d2)/d2 = (32.0 28.5)/28.5 = 0.12

ld2/Af = 106.6 28.5/(0.5 6.0) = 1013

M2 = 1508 kip-in. (occurs at 152 in.)

l rT2 = 106.6 147

. = 72.30

M1 = 318 kip-in.

hs = 1.0 + (0.0230 0.12 1013) = 1.090

M1/M2 = 0*

hw = 1.0 + (0.00385 0.12 72.30 ) = 1.004

B = 1.0 + 0.37(1.0 0) + 0.50(0.12)(1.0 0)

Next, the two terms Fs and Fw are computed:

= 1.43

Fs = 12,000/(1.090 1013) = 10.87

Fw = 170,000/(1.004 72.30)2 = 32.26

* See Spec. Appendix D, footnote to subparagraph D3a.

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Subsequently, from Formula (D3-2):

. )
(1087

Fb = 143
.

+ (32.26) = 48.68
2

Since the larger stress, in magnitude, occurs at the larger end,

case D3b applies.*

ksi

9.60

B = 1.0 + 0.58 1.0 +

19.56

However, this value is greater than

Fy = 14.0 ksi.
Therefore, Formula (D3-1) should be used.
Formula (D3-1):
Fb =

9.60

0.70 0.10 1.0 +

19.56

2
42
10
.
42
3
6 48.68
= 1.76

= 24.0 ksi < 0.6Fy =25.2 ksi

Subsequently, from Formula (D3-2):

The maximum computed bending stress for segment 2-3 is

taken as:
fb =

Fb = 176
.
(8.80) 2 + (30.20) 2 = 5536
. ksi
However, this value is greater than 1/3Fy = 14.0 ksi.
Thus, Formula (D3-1) should be used.

M2
1508
=
= 12.4 ksi < Fb
S x2
121

Formula (D3-1):

segment is o.k.

Fb =

Example 2
Given:

2
42
10
.
42

3
6 55.36

= 24.46 ksi < 0.6Fy = 25.2 ksi

Determine the allowable bending stress for segment 4-5 in

the tapered beam, Fig. 2, and compare it to the calculated
bending stress. Fy = 42 ksi.

The maximum computed bending stress for segment 4-5 is

fb5 = M5/S5 = 19.56 < Fb
segment is o.k.

Solution:

Example 3

For compression on extreme fibers of tapered flexural

members, Formulas (D3-1) and (D3-2) apply. The
following quantities are needed to calculate hs and hw:

Given:
Determine the adequacy of the column 1-2 in Fig. 3. The
column is pinned in both weak- and strong-directions at its
base, and braced at the top against lateral movement.
There is no intermediate bracing. The column is not
prevented from swaying in the plane. The column is A36
steel (Fy = 36 ksi.)

4-5(d5 d4)/d4 = (39.0 35.5)/35.5 = 0.10

ld4/Af = 106.6 35.5/(0.5 6.0) = 1261

l rT4 = 106.6 143
. = 74.8
hs = 10
. + (0.0230 010
. 1261) = 1081
.

Solution:

hw = 1.0 + (0.00385 0.10 74.8 ) = 1.003

First, the following maximum stresses are computed:

Axial stress:

Next, the two terms Fs and Fw are computed:

Fs = 12,000/(1.081 1261) = 8.80

fa = P12/A1 = 87.5/23.6 = 3.71 ksi

Fw = 170,000/(1.003 74.8)2 = 30.20

Shear stress:

Before Fb in Formula (D3-2) can be calculated, the term

B, which includes moment gradient and/or end restraint
effects, needs to be determined from subparagraphs D3a, b,
c, or d. Either case D3b or D3c may apply, but first the
following stresses must be calculated:

fv = V12/Av1 = 20.1/(10.9 0.5) = 3.69 ksi

Bending stress:
f b =M 21 S x21 = 324 12 / 254 = 15.30 ksi
Next, the allowable stresses are obtained:

f b3
f b5

M
1265
= 3 =
= 9.60 ksi
Sx3 1318
.

Allowable shear stress (AISC Spec. Sect. 1.5.1.2):

Fv= 0.4Fy = 14.5 ksi > fv = 3.69 ksi

3378
M
= 5 =
= 19.56 ksi
S x5
172.7

o.k.

* The ratio for fb /fb5 is positive for reverse curvature.

5
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Member:
12

d
o
12.4 in.

23

d
24.8 in.

t
w
0.50 in.

12.1 in.

f
0.75 in.

W 30 116

34

12.4

24.8

0.50

12.1

0.75

25

8.0

24.0

0.42

7.0

0.60

Fig. 3. Design Example 3: design of member 12 of a frame with tapered columns; Fy = 36 ksi

1-2 = (d2 d1)/d1 = (24.8 12.4)/12.4 = 1.0

Allowable compression stress (AISC Spec. Appendix D,

Sect. D2):

GT = bTI1/LIT = 720 671/(192 4930) = 0.51

The effective length factor for the weak axis is obtained by

treating the weak direction as prismatic. For a pin ended
column, Ky = 1.0. Figure CD1.5-11, AISC Commentary
Sect. D2,4 can be used to determine Kx.

GB = 10 (AISC recommended value for pinned end)

From Fig. CD1.5-11:
Kx = K = 1.35

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Slenderness ratios for the weak and strong axes:

Example 4

(Kl/r0)y = 1.0 192/3.06 = 62.7

Given:

(Kl/r0)x = 1.35 192/5.33 = 48.6

Determine the allowable bending stress for segment 8-9 in

Fig. 4 (A440 steel, Fy = 50 ksi). For compression on the
extreme fibers of tapered flexural I-shaped members,
Formulas (D3-1) and (D3-2) apply.

Thus, the weak axis governs.

Fa = 17.17 ksi (AISC Spec. Table 1-36)
> fa = 3.71 ksi

Solution:

Allowable bending stress (AISC Spec. Appendix D, Sect.

D3):

The following quantities are needed to calculate hs and hw.

8-9 = (d8 d9)/d9 = 0.17

1-2 = 1.0 (see above)

ld9/Af = 63.25 14.375/5 0.1875 = 969.8

ld0/Af = 192 12.4/(12.1 0.75) = 262.4

l rT0 = 192 / 3.33 = 57.64

l rT9 = 63.25 1.22 = 51.8

hs = 1.0 + (0.0230 1.0 262.4 ) = 1.373

hs = 1.0 + (0.0230 0.17 969.8 ) = 1.125

hw = 1.0 + (0.00385 1.0 57.64) = 1.029

hw = 1.0 + (0.00385 0.17 51.8 ) = 1.005

.
262.4) = 3331
.
Fs = 12,000 / (1373

Next the two terms Fs and Fw are computed:

Fs = 12,000/(1.125 969.8) = 11.00

Fw = 170,000 / (1029
.
57.64) 2 = 48.32

Fw = 170,000/(1.005 51.8)2 = 62.73

B = 1.75 (1.0 + 0.25 1.0 ) = 1.40

Before Fb in Formula (D3-2) can be calculated, the term B,

which includes moment gradient and/or end restraint effects,
needs to be determined from subparagraph D3a, b, c or d.
Either D3b or D3c might apply in this case, but first the
following bending stresses are needed at points 7 and 9. Case
D3a is not applicable because the tapering ratio is not linear.

since there are no adjacent spans and the moment at the

smaller end is zero (see subparagraph D2d).
Subsequently, from Formula (D3-2):
Fb = 140
.
(3331
. ) 2 + (48.32) 2 = 8216
. ksi
However, this value is greater than
Formula (D3-1) should be used.
Fb =

f b7 = M 7 S x7 = 5.68 ksi

Fy = 12 ksi. Thus,

f b9 = M 9 S x9 = 20.1 ksi

36
2
.
36 = 22.25 ksi > 0.6Fy
10

6 8216
.
3

Since the larger stress occurs at the smaller end of a two-span

segment, subparagraph D3c applies.* Then,
5.68

B = 1.0 + 0.551.0
+
20.1

Fb = 0.6Fy = 22 ksi > fb = 15.30 ksi

Combined axial compression and bending (AISC Spec.

Appendix D, Sect. D4):

5.68

2.2 0.17 1.0

20.1

From previous calculation, fa/Fa = 0.22; thus, both

Formulas (D4-1a) and (D4-1b) must be checked. Since
bending is about the strong axis,

= 1.66
Subsequently, from Formula (D3-2):

F e = 63.2 ksi (AISC Spec. Table 2)

Fb = 166
.
1100
. 2 + 62.732 = 1057
. ksi

Also, since the column is allowed to sway in its own plane,

However, this value is greater than 1/3Fy = 16.7

ksi.Therefore, Formula (D3-1) should be used.
Formula (D3-1):

Cm = 0.85
Finally, Formula (D4-1a) gives:

3.71
0.85
15.30
+

= 0.84 < 1.0

3.71
17.71
22
1.0

63.16

Fb =
o.k.

= 30.70 ksi > 0.6Fy

Fb = 0.6Fy = 30.0 ksi > fb9 = 20.1 ksi

and Formula (D4-1b) gives:

3.71 15.30
+
= 0.86 < 1.0
22
22

2
50
10
.
50

3
6 1057
.

o.k.

* The ratio fb7/fb9 is considered as negative when producing single

curvature.

o.k.
7

FIRST QUARTER/1975
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Column:
Sect.#
1
2
3
4
5

8.375in.
12.375
16.375
20.375
24.375

2
3.13in.
3.76
4.39
5.02
5.64

I
x
38.lin.4
92.2
176.4
295.7
455.1

S
x
3
9.lin.
14.9
21.5
29.0
37.3

r
x
3.49in.
4.95
6.34
7.68
8.98

r
y
1.12in.
1.02
0.94
0.88
0.83

r
T
1.31in.
1.25
1.20
1.16
1.12

24.375
21.875
19.375
16.875
14.375

5.64
5.25
4.86
4.46
4.07

455.1
350.5
262.3
189.3
130.3

37.3
32.0
27.1
22.4
18.1

8.98
8.17
7.35
6.51
5.66

0.83
0.86
0.90
0.94
0.98

1.12
1.14
1.17
1.20
1.22

Beam:
5
6
7
8
9

Fig. 4. Design Examples 4 and 5: design of segments 8-9 and 4-5 of a tapered member gable frame; Fy = 50 ksi

Solution:

Example 5

First, the following maximum stresses are computed:

Given:

Axial stress:

Determine the adequacy of the column 1-5 in Fig. 4. The

column is pinned at its base in both weak and strong
directions and laterally braced at 5-ft intervals. The column
is not prevented from sidesway. The column yield stress is
50 ksi. Each segment should be checked to find the critical
one. After having done this, segment 4-5 satisfied the
design criterion most closely. The adequacy of only this
segment is presented.

fa = P1/A1 = 10.8/3.13
= 3.45 ksi
Bending stress:
f b = M 5 S x5 = 700 37.3
= 18.8 ksi

8
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Next, the allowable stresses are obtained:

Allowable bending stress (AISC Spec. Appendix D, Sect.

D3):

Allowable compression stress (AISC Spec. Appendix D,

Sect. D2):

The following quantities are needed to calculate hs and hw:

1-5 = 1.91

The effective length factor for the weak axis is obtained by

treating the weak direction as prismatic; therefore Ky = 1.0.
The charts in the AISC Commentary, Sect. D2,4 can be
used to determine Kx. Since the column is restrained at the
top by a tapered member, an equivalent moment of inertia
needs to be determined. The equivalent moment of inertia,
Ie, can be defined by equating the stiffness coefficient of a
prismatic beam with a pinned end (3EIe/L) to that for a
tapered beam and solving for Ie:
Ie =

ld4/Af = 60 20.375/5 0.1875 = 1304

l rT4 = 60 1.16 = 51.7
hs = 1.0 + (0.0230 1.91 1304) = 1.163
hw = 1.0 + (0.00385 1.91 51.7 ) = 1.005
Now,

bT
K AA (1 C AB C BA )
3E

Fs = 12,000/(1.163 1304) = 7.91

Fw = 170,000/(1.005 51.7)2 = 62.97

where bT is the length of beam 5-9, KAA is the stiffness

coefficient at A (larger end) of a tapered beam with end B
(smaller end) fixed, CAB is the carry over factor from A to
B, and CBA is the carry over factor from B to A. The
stiffness and carry over factors are contained in Appendix
A. The following quantities are needed for the beam 5-9:

P5 = 7.0 kips

Before Fb in Formula (D3-2) can be calculated, the term

B, which includes moment gradient and/or end restraint
effects, needs to be determined. Since segment 4-5 has both
axial and bending stresses, Sect. D4 will have to be
checked later. When fa/fa > 0.15 the value of B shall be
unity (see the last paragraph in Sect. D3). For segment 4-5,
fa/Fa = 0.165; therefore B = 1.0. Subsequently from
Formula (D3-2):

Pex9 = 2 EI x9 / bT 2 = 1855
. kips

Fb = 10
. (7.91) 2 + (62.97) 2 = 6346
. ksi

P Pex9 = 0.04

However, this value is greater than 1/3Fy = 16.7 ksi; thus,

Formula (D3-1) applies.

5-9 = d5/d9 1 = 0.7

KAA = 2.3 4EI9/bT (Fig. A1)

CAB = 0.4

(Fig. A3)

CBA = 0.65

(Fig. A4)

Fb =

50
2
.
10
50
6 6346
.
3

= 28.9 ksi < 0.6Fy = 30.0 ksi

Ie = 2.3 4 130.3 (1 0.4 0.65)/3

Combined axial compression and bending (AISC Spec.

Appendix D, Sect. D4):

= 296 in.4
Using the charts in AISC Commentary Sect. D2:

From previous calculations, fa/Fa = 0.165; thus, both

Formulas (D4-1a) and (D4-1b) must be checked. Since
bending is about the strong axis,

1-5 = d5/d1 1 = 1.91

GT = bTI1/LIe = 268 38.1/(240 296)

F e = 37.3 ksi (AISC Spec. Table 2)

= 0.14

Also, since the column is permitted to sway in its plane,

GB = 10 (AISC recommended value for pinned end)

Cm = 0.85
Finally, Formula (D4-1a) gives:

Kx = K = 0.92

Slenderness ratios for the weak and strong axes are:

3.45
0.85
18.8
+

= 0.77 < 1.0

21.32
3.45 28.9
1.0 37.3

and Formula (D4-1b) gives:

(KL/r4)y = 1.0 60/0.88 = 67.9

(KL/r1)x = 0.92 240/3.49 = 63.3
Thus, the weak-axis governs.
Fa = 21.3 ksi (AISC Spec. Table 1-50)

3.45 18.8
+
= 0.77 < 1.0
30
28.9

>fa = 3.45 ksi

o.k.

o.k.

9
FIRST QUARTER/1975
2003 by American Institute of Steel Construction, Inc. All rights reserved. This publication or any part thereof must not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.

Center Column:
Sect.#
1
2-1
2-3
3

8.375in.
24.375
24.375
14.375

9.04in.2
16.6
5.64
4.07

I
x
4
101in.
1290
455.1
130.3

S
x
24.lin.3
106
37.3
18.1

r
x
3.34in.
8.83
8.98
5.66

r
y
1.14in.
0.85
0.83
0.98

r
T
1.32in.
1.13
1.12
1.22

Fig. 5. Design Example 6: design of the central column of a two-bay gable frame; Fy = 42 ksi

Solution:

Example 6
Given:

First the following maximum stresses are computed:

Determine the adequacy of the central column 1-2 in the

double bay gable frame, Fig. 5. The column is assumed to
be pinned in the strong direction at its base. The frame is
not braced against sidesway. The weak direction has a
continuous brace along the shear center axis. The material
yield stress is 42 ksi.

Axial stress:
fa = P12/A1 = 30.45/9.04 = 3.37 ksi
Shear stress:
fv = V12/Av1 = 8.39/(7.25 0.47) = 2.46 ksi

10
ENGINEERING JOURNAL/AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF STEEL CONSTRUCTION
2003 by American Institute of Steel Construction, Inc. All rights reserved. This publication or any part thereof must not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.

Bending stress:

Combined axial compression and bending (AISC Spec.

Appendix D, Sect. D4):

fb = M21/Sx21 = 2014/106 = 19.0 ksi

From previous calculations, fa/Fa = 0.22; thus, both

Formulas (D4-1a) and (D4-1b) must be checked. Since
bending is about the strong axis,

Next, the allowable stresses are obtained:

Allowable shear stress (AISC Spec. Sect. 1.5.1.2):
Fv = 0.4Fy = 17 ksi > fv = 2.46 ksi

o.k.

F e = 18.52 ksi (AISC Spec. Table 2)

Allowable compression stress (AISC Spec. Appendix D,

Sect. D2):

and for the case when the column is allowed to sway in its
plane,

Since the column is continuously supported along the

weak-axis, Ky = 0. The charts in the AISC Commentary
Sect. D2, can be used to determine Kx. Noting that the
column is restrained at the top by two tapered beams, an
equivalent moment of inertia needs to be determined in the
identical way as in Example 5. Note that both beams in
Fig. 5 are the same.

Cm = 0.85
Finally, Formula (D4-1a) gives:

3.37
085
.
19.0
+

.
= 1006

1558
.
3.37
25
.

10

1852
.

2-3 = (d2 d3)/d3 = 0.7 (for the beam)

o.k.

and Formula (D4-1b) gives:

Pex3 = 2EI3/bT2

337
.
19.0
+
= 089
.
0.6 42
25

P/Pex3 = 0 (axial force in beam is small)

o.k.

From the figures in the Appendix:

CONCLUSIONS

KAA = 2.3 4EI3/bT (Fig. A1)

CAB = 0.4 (Fig. A3)
CBA = 0.65 (Fig. A4)
Ie = 2.3 4 130 (1 0.4 0.65)/3
= 296 in.4

The examples presented here serve to illustrate the use of the

design specifications for tapered members as required by
AISC Specification Appendix D. There are still several
unanswered questions regarding the rational design of
tapered member. Three topics of current interest are (1) local
buckling limitations, (2) tension flange support
requirements,6 and (3) the Cm factor for beam-columns in
unbraced frames. The designer must still use experience and
sound engineering judgement regarding design procedures not
provided by Appendix D of the Specification.

Now, using the charts in the AISC Commentary, Sect.

D2:
1-2 = (d2 d1)/d1 = 1.9 (for the column)

GT =

I1
L

bT

101 252 252

+

= 0.72
240 296 296

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

GB = 10 (AISC recommended value for pinned end)

This paper is based on research results on tapered

member studies carried out at the State University of New
York at Buffalo. The research is financially supported by the
American Institute of Steel Construction, Metal Building
Manufacturers Association and the Naval Facilities
Engineering Command. Technical guidance of the research
was provided by the joint Column Research Council-Welding
Research Council Subcommittee on Tapered Members and
the Subcommittee on Tapered Members of the Technical
Committee of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association.

Kx = K = 1.25

The slenderness ratios for the weak and strong axes are:
(KL/r1)y = 0
(KL/r1)x = 1.25 240/3.34 = 89.8
Thus, the strong axis governs.
Fa 15.58 ksi (AISC Spec. Table 1-42)
>fa = 3.37 ksi

REFERENCES

Allowable bending stress (AISC Spec. Appendix D, Sect.

D3):

1. Amirikian, A., Wedge-Beam Framing Trans. ASCE, Vol. 117, p.

596 (1952).
2. Lee, G. C., M. L. Morrell, and R. L. Ketter Design of Tapered
Members WRC Bulletin No. 173, June 1972.
3. Morrell, M. L. and G. C. Lee Allowable Stress for Web-Tapered
Beams with Lateral RestraintsWRC Bulletin, No. 192, Feb. 1974.

For a continuously lateral supported beam the allowable

bending stress is:
Fb = 0.6Fy = 25 ksi

11
FIRST QUARTER/1975
2003 by American Institute of Steel Construction, Inc. All rights reserved. This publication or any part thereof must not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.

National Conference-Structural Engineering, April 22-26, 1974,

Cincinnati, Ohio

4. American Institute of Steel Construction Supplement No. 3 to the

Specification for the Design, Fabrication & Erection of Structural
Steel for Buildings June 12, 1974 (including Addenda to the
Commentary on the Specification.)
5. Lee, G. C. and M. L. Morrell Stability of Space Frames
Composed of Thin-Walled Members Conf. Preprint, ASCE

6. Lee, G. C. and M. L. Morrell Allowable Stress for Web-Tapered

Beams with Tension Flange Bracing m
( anuscript in
preparation).

APPENDIX:
STIFFNESS FACTORS AND CARRY-OVER FACTORS FOR WEB-TAPERED MEMBERS

Fig. A1. Stiffness factors: small end fixed

Fig. A2. Stiffness factors: large end fixed

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2003 by American Institute of Steel Construction, Inc. All rights reserved. This publication or any part thereof must not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.

Fig. A4. Carry-over factors: large end fixed

Fig. A3. Carry-over factors: small end fixed

13
FIRST QUARTER/1975
2003 by American Institute of Steel Construction, Inc. All rights reserved. This publication or any part thereof must not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.