3

STRESS IN BEAM

OBJECTIVES:
In this chapter begins with the revision in determining the centroid
and moment of inertia for the different cross sectional area of
beam. The main discussion is how to find the bending and shear
stress in a beam having a prismatic cross section and made from
homogeneous material. The basic knowledge in determining the
shear force and bending moment is very important.

REVISION
Before the calculation of bending and shear stress, the centroid of areas and
second moment of inertia must be determined. The procedures/steps in order to
determine the location of the centroid, x and y for the area is shown in figure
below.

Divide the areas into several parts.

1

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85

State the reference axis at the figures.

y
1
y1

2
y2
3

y3
Find x1, x2, x3 and y1, y2, y3 from the reference axis that you stated.
Find the centroid.
A x = A1x1 + A2x2 + A3x3
A y = A1y1 + A2y2 + A3y3
Total area, A = A1 + A2 + A3
EXAMPLE 3.1
Determine the location of the centroid for the tee shape. The reference axis can be
referred to the figure.

Section - x

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86

Compute the location of the centroid.

The neutral surface for a bending

member occurs at the centroid.
Before stress computations can be
made, the location of the centroid
must be determined.

A (in2)
3
3.8
: 6.8

SECTION
1
2

y (in)
9.5+ (0.5/2) = 9.75
9.5/2 = 4.75

Ay(in3)
29.25
18.05
:47.3

x = 0 , y = Ay = 47.3 = 6.96in
A
6.8

EXAMPLE 3.2
Determine the second moment of the shaded area shown in figure with respect to
x and y-axes through the centroid of the area.

140mm
60mm

60

160

60

(mm)

Solution;

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87

Divide the component into several parts

State the reference axis at the figures.
y

1
3
2

Determine the centroid

AREA(mm2)

PART
1
2
3

y(mm)

60(200) =
200/2 =
12000
100
160(60)=9600 60/2 = 30
60(200) =
12000

200/2 =
100

x(mm)

Ay (103)(mm3)

Ax (103) (mm3)

60/2 = 30

1200

360

60 +
[160/2] =
140
220
+60/2=
250

288

1344

1200

3000

: 2688 x 103

: 4704 x 103

: 33 600

x=

Ax
A

y=

= 140 mm

Ay
A

= 80 mm
y
s1

s3

3
d1 = d3
d2

1
_

y = 80mm

2
_

x = 140mm

Mechanics of Materials

Centroid/
neutral axis

88

Determine the second moment of inertia

2

PART

AREA(mm )

60(200) = 12000

160(60)=9600

60(200) = 12000

bh 3
12
6
(10 ) (mm4)
60( 200 3 )
12
= 40
160(60 3 )
12
= 2.88
60( 200 3 )
12
= 40

Ix =

d
(mm)

Ad2(106)(mm4)

20

4.8

50

24

20

4.8

s
(mm)

As2(106)(mm4)

110

145.2

110

145.2

: 33 600
I xx = [Ix + Ad2]1 + [Ix + Ad2]2 +[Ix + Ad2]3
= [44.8 + 26.88 + 44.8] x106
= 116.48 x106 mm4

PART

AREA(mm )

60(200) = 12000

160(60)=9600

60(200) = 12000

b 3h
Iy =
12
6
(10 ) (mm4)
60 3 ( 200 )
12
=3.6
1603 (60 )
12
=20.48
60 3 ( 200 )
12
=3.6

: 33 600

I yy = [Iy + As2]1 + [Iy + As2]2 +[Iy + As2]3

= [148.8 + 20.48 + 148.8] x106
= 318.08 x 106 mm4

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89

2.1

Introduction

2.2

Bending Stress

Pure Bending in Beam

Bending Theory
There are a number of assumptions that were made in order to develop the Elastic
Theory of Bending. These are:

The beam is initially straight and unstressed.

The beam material is homogeneous and isotropic.
Youngs Modulus, E is the same in tension and compression.
Plane cross sections remain plane during bending.
There is no resultant force acting normal to any cross section.
There is no force acting between layers of the beam material.
From symmetric bending, transverse sections will be perpendicular to
circular arcs having a common centre of curvature.
The radius of curvature of the beam during bending is large compared with
the transverse dimensions.

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90

Derivation of Bending/Flexure formula

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91

Consider an element layer e-f being stretched by bending;

Strain on this element = new length old length

old length
But old length of e-f is the same as N-N

Stress on this element:

Force on this element:

Moment of this force about Neutral Axis:

Total moment about Neutral Axis:

where

M
=
I
y
My
M
I
or =
where Z =
=
I
Z
y
If

Mechanics of Materials

where Z = section modulus

92

EXAMPLE 3.3
A simply supported beam AB is subjected to uniform distributed load, 15kN/m
has the cross section as shown below. Determine the maximum bending stress at
the top and bottom of beam. Draw the stress distribution over the cross section at
this location.
15kN/m
120mm
24mm
A

B
8m
100mm

Solution;
24mm

x
AREA(mm2)

PART
1
2

x=

120 x 24=
2880
24 x 100 =
2400
: 5280

Ax
A

= 60 mm

Mechanics of Materials

y(mm)
24/2 + 100
= 112
100/2 = 50

Ay
3
(10 )(mm3)
120/2 = 60 322.56

Ax (103)
(mm3)
172.8

48 + 24/2
= 60

144

x(mm)

120
: 442.56 x
103

y=

: 316.8 x
103

Ay
A

= 84 mm

93

ytop

d1

ytop = 124- 84 = 40mm

d2
ybottom y = 84

PART

Centroid/
neutral axis

AREA(mm )

120 x 24= 2880

24 x 100 = 2400

ybottom = 84mm

bh 3
Ix =
12
3
(10 ) (mm4)
120( 24 3 )
12
= 138.24
24(1003 )
12
= 2000

d (mm)

Ad2(103)(mm4)

28

2257.92

84 100/2 =
34

2774.4

s (mm)

As2(103)(mm4)

: 5280
I xx = [Ix + Ad2]1 + [Ix + Ad2]2
= [2396.16 + 4774.4 ] x103
= 7170.56 x 103 mm4
PART

AREA(mm )

120 x 24= 2880

24 x 100 = 2400

b 3h
Iy =
12
3
(10 ) (mm4)
1203 ( 24)
12
= 3456
24 3 (100 )
12
= 115.2

: 5280
I yy = [Iy + As2]1 + [Iy + As2]2

= [3456 + 115.2] x 103

= 3571.2 x 103 mm4
By comparison the greatest value of I is = 7170.56 x 103 mm4

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94

15kN/m

B
8m

VA= 60kN

VB= 60kN

60
(+)
(-)
Mmax = 120kNm

60

(+)
(-)
Maximum bending stress,
M y
(120 x10 3 )( 0.04)
top = max top =
= 669.5N / m 2 ( compression )
I yy
7.17 x10 6
[-ve 0.04 indicated y value is above centroid]

bottom =

M max ybottom (120 x103 )(0.084)

=
= 1405.9 N / m 2 (tension)
6
I yy
7.17 x10
669.5N/m2

1405. 6N/m2
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95

EXERCISE 3.1

Determine the second moment of area with respect to x and y axes through the
centroid of the area.

[Ans: y = 119.4mm, I = 60.59 x 10-6 m4]

EXERCISE 3.2

Two vertical forces are applied to a beam of the cross section shown in figure.
Determine the maximum tensile and compressive stresses in portion BC of the
beam.

[Ans: I = 79.7x10-6 m4, 56.5MPa, -94.1MPa]

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96

EXAMPLE 3.4

The simply supported beam has the cross sectional area shown in figure.
Determine the maximum bending stress in the beam and draw the stress
distribution over the cross section at this location. Determine the bending stress at
point B and D.
5 kN/m

6m
22.5kNm

3m

20
300

20

20

x
(all units in mm)

250
Solution;

The cross sectional area is symmetry with same dimension. So, the centroid of the
beam is, x , y = (125,170)mm.

1
d1
2
d2

y = 170
3
x = 125

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97

bh 3
AREA(mm ) Ix = 12
(106) (mm4)
250( 203 )
250(20)=5000
12
=0.167
20(3003 )
300(20)=6000
12
=45
250( 203 )
250(20)=5000
12
=0.167
2

PART

d
(mm)

Ad2(106)(mm4)

160

128

160

128

I xx = [Ix + Ad2]1 + [Ix + Ad2]2 +[Ix + Ad2]3

= [128.17 + 45 + 128.17] x106
= 301.33 x106 mm4
PART

b 3h
AREA(mm )
12
6
(10 ) (mm4)
250 3 ( 20)
250(20)=5000
12
=26.04
20 3 (300)
300(20)=6000
12
= 0.2
250 3 ( 20)
250(20)=5000
12
=26.04
2

Iy =

s
(mm)

As2(106)(mm4)

I yy = [Ix + As2]1 + [Ix + As2]2 +[Ix + As2]3

= [26.04 +0.2 +26.04] x106
= 52.28 x106 mm4
The biggest value of moment of inertia is 301.33 x106 mm4.
1
d1
2
d2

y = 170
3
x = 125
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98

The maximum bending stress is located at the centroid with y = 170 mm.
M y
max = max
I
22.5(170)
=
301.33x10 6
= 1.27 x10 5 N / mm 2

or 12.7 MPa

The bending stress at point B; point B located at 150mm from the centroid.
M max y
I
22.5(150)
=
301.33x10 6

B =

= 1.12 x10 5 N / mm 2

or 11.2 MPa (C )

The bending stress at point D; point D located at 170mm from the centroid.
D = 12.7MPa (T)
Stress distribution;
12.7MPa

20

11.2MPa

300

20

20
D

12.7MPa

250

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99

EXERCISE 3.3

The cross section of a beam is a rectangle 100mm wide and 250mm deep. The
beam is loaded and supported as shown in figure below. Determine the bending
stress at point B and D.

2.3

Shearing stress

Shear in straight members

In Figure (b) shows the top and bottom
surfaces of each board are smooth and the
boards are not bonded together. The
application of the load,P will cause the
boards to slide relative to one another and
the beam will deflect as shown.
Meanwhile, if the boards are bonded
together, then the longitudinal shear
stresses between the boards will prevent
the sliding of the boards and the beam
will act as a single unit.
As a result of the shear stress, shear
strains will be developed and these will
tend to distort the cross section in a rather
a complex manner.
The shear formula;

Mechanics of Materials

VAy
It

100

where;
=
the shear stress in the member at the point located a distance y
from the neutral axis/centroid.
V=

the internal resultant shear force determined from the method of

section and equations of equilibrium.

I=

the entire moment of inertia computed about the neutral axis.

t=

the width of the members cross sectional area measured at the

point where is to be determined.

Ay = where A is the top or bottom portion of the members cross

sectional area and is the distance to the centroid of selected area
measured from the neutral axis.

2.3.1 Rectangular cross section

max

Profile view of shear distribution

2.3.2 Web and flange cross section

Profile view of shear

distribution

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101

2.3.3 Tee cross section

max
centroid

Profile view of shear distribution

EXAMPLE 3.5

Determine the normal stress and shear stress at point B for the cantilever beam of
AC. The cross sectional area of the beam is shown in figure below.
y
35kN
B

80mm

160mm

x
C
3.5m

2.5m

35mm

Solution;
To determine the normal stress at B, the bending moment at B should be
calculated.
35kN
MB V

=MB + 35(2.5)
MB = -87.5 kNm
V = 35kN

B
2.5m

bh 3 80(160 3 )
=
= 27.31x10 6 mm 4 .
12
12
3
3
b h 80 (160)
=
=
= 6.83x10 6 mm 4 .
12
12

I xx =
I yy

The greatest I is Ixx = 27.31x106 mm 4 .

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102

The centroid of area; x , y : 40,80 .

Normal stress at B;
centroid

B =
80-35

M B yB 87.5x106 (45)
=
= 144.2 N / mm2
6
27.31x10
I

35mm
B

Shear stress at B;
Ay1 = 35(80)(62.5) = 175000mm 3 .

y = 80

y1=80-17.5

VAy1 35 x10 3 (175000)

B =
=
It
27.31x10 6 (80)

35mm

= 2.80 N / mm 2 .

B
OR

Ay1 = 125(80)(17.5) = 175000mm 3 .

y1=80-62.5

y = 80

B =

VAy1 35 x10 3 (175000)

=
It
27.31x106 (80)
= 2.80 N / mm 2 .

35mm
B

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103

EXAMPLE 3.6

The beam shown in figure below is made of wood and is subjected to a vertical
shear force of V=3kN.
a) determine the shear stress in the beam at point P
b) compute the maximum shear stress in the beam
100mm

P
50mm
125mm

37.5mm
Solution;
bh 3 100(1253 )
=
= 16.28 x106 mm 4 .
12
12
b 3h 100 3 (125)
=
=
= 10.42 x10 6 mm 4 .
12
12

I xx =
I yy

The greatest I is Ixx = 16.28 x10 6 mm 4 .

The centroid of area; x , y : 50,62.5 .

a) determine the shear stress in the beam at point P

50mm

Ay P = (50)(100)(37.5) = 187.5 x103 mm 3

y p=62.5-25

y = 62.5

Mechanics of Materials

P =

VAy p
It

3x103 (187.5 x103 )

16.28 x10 6 (100)

= 0.346 N / mm 2 .

104

b) compute the maximum shear stress in the beam

max =

1.5V 1.5(3 x10 3 )

=
= 0.36 N / mm 2
A
100(125)
OR

max occurs at the neutral axis/centroid of the area.

62.5mm
y 1=62.5/2
y = 62.5

Ay1 = (62.5)(100)(62.5 ) = 195312.5mm 3

2
3
VAy1 3x10 (195312.5)
1 =
=
It
16.28 x106 (100)
= 0.36 N / mm 2 .

EXERCISE 3.4

The moment acted at A in the simply supported beam. Draw the shearing stress
distribution diagram at the section A which is acted 2m from pinned support.
Show the value of 1 and 2.
20kNm
15kN/m
A
2m

4m

120mm

80mm
[Ans: 2.54MPa]

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105

EXAMPLE 3.7

The steel beam with standard size of UB 254 x 102 x 28 kg/m is subjected to
maximum shear force, 30kN. Sketch the shear distribution along the cross section
of beam.
A

A
10

260.4

B
6.4

240.4

C
D

10

102.1
Solution;
From the steel standard;
I = 4008 cm4 = 40.08x106 mm4.
Centroid; x , y = (51.05,130.2)

A = 0

B =

102.1

Ay B = (102.1)(10)(125.2) = 127.83x10 3 mm 3

10
B

y B =130.2 - 5

VAy B 30 x103 (127.83x103 )

=
B =
It
40.08 x10 6 (102.1)
= 0.937 N / mm 2

y = 130.2

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106

C =

102.1
AyC = (102.1)(10)(125.2) = 127.83 x103 mm 3

10
yC =130.2 - 5

C =

VAyC 30 x103 (127.83x103 )

=
It
40.08 x106 (6.4)
= 14.95N / mm 2

y = 130.2

D =

102.1
Ay C = (102.1)(10)(125.2) = 127.83x103 mm 3

10

Ay D = (6.4)(120.2)(60.1) = 46.23x103 mm 3
y D =120.2/2

= 174.06 x103 mm 3

y = 130.2

D =

VAy D 30 x10 3 (174.06 x103 )

=
It
40.08 x106 (6.4)
= 20.36 N / mm 2

Shear distribution diagram;

A

A=0
10

260.4

240.4

B=0.937N/mm2

C=14.95N/mm2
D=20.36N/mm2

6.4
10

102.1

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107

EXERCISE 3.5

Determine the shear stress at D and centroid at the cross sectional area of beam.
The supports at B and C exert only vertical reactions on the beam.
150
6.5kN/m
30

C
4m

4m

150

(all units in mm)

30
[Ans: 1.63MPa, 5.2MPa]

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108

TUTORIAL 2

1)
A simply supported beam AB carries a central concentrated load of 300kN
together with a load of 125kN/m uniformly distributed across the complete span
of 4.6m. The beam has uniform cross section as shown in Figure 1(a) and Figure
1(b).
Determine;
a) the centroid of the section taking OY and OX as the references.
b) the second moment of area about neutral axis.
c) the magnitude of bending and shear stresses across the section at C,D,E,
centroid, F and G.
d) sketch the bending and shear stresses distribution using the result
obtained in c).

Figure 1(a)

Figure 1(b)

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109

2)
A simply supported beam with a cross section is shown in Figure Q2(a) is
subjected to point load, 50kN and 45kN and moment, 10kNm at A. The section is
symmetrical and reference axis is stated as shown in Figure Q2(b). Determine;
a)
b)

The value of h if the centroid of the total area is y b = 53.8 mm.

The second moment of area (Ixx).

c)

The bending stress and shearing stress at point A, B, C and D at the cross
section.

d)

The bending stress and shearing stress distribution for the beam.

Figure 2(a)

Figure 2(b)
(FINAL EXAM SEM II 2007/2008 UTHM)

Mechanics of Materials

110

3)
The beam of simply supported is loaded by the uniform distributed load, 40kN/m
and concentrated forces of 60kN at point B as shown in Figure Q3(a). The
channel type of cross section is illustrated in Figure Q3(b).
a)

Prove the location of neutral axis in L-beam is (78.4,98.5)mm.

b)

Determine the maximum shear and moment along the beam.

c)

Calculate the moment inertia, I of the cross sectional area.

d)

Determine the maximum bending stress in tension and compression in the

beam and sketch the bending stress distribution diagrams.

e)
Calculate the shear stress at point F and G in the cross sectional area of
beam.

Figure 3(a)

Figure 3(b)
(FINAL EXAM SEM I 2007/2008 UTHM)

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111

4)
The beam of simply supported is loaded by the point load of 40kN as shown in
Figure Q4(a). By considering the section n-n, determine the largest shearing stress
and shearing stress at point a.
[Ans: I = 5553152 m4, 21.05MPa, 15.85MPa]

Figure 4(a)
Section n-n

Figure 4(b)

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112

5)
An overhanging beam ABC of length 6m is subjected to a UDL and a
concentrated load 100kN at point C. The cross section of the beam is shown in
Figure 5. Determine;
a) the location of the neutral axis and moment of inertia at x-x.
b) maximum bending stress at a section 2m from A.
c) maximum shearing stress at point Q by using V at 2m from A.

Figure 5

6)
a) Determine the location neutral axis in L-beam and calculate the moment
inertia, I as shown in Figure 6(a).
b) The beam with span 5m is subjected to a concentrated load and moment has a
L shapes cross section with the dimension as shown in Figure 6(b).
i) Determine the shear and maximum moment along that beam.
ii) Calculate the shear-stress at point E which located 2m from point A and
250mmm from top surface of the beam.
iii) Determine the bending stress in tension and compression in the beam
which positive and negative bending moments are maximum and sketch the
Mechanics of Materials

113

bending stress distribution diagrams.

10KN

25KN
40KNm
D

E
A

B
1m

C
2m

2m

Figure 6(a)
40mm

260mm

40mm

240mm

Figure 6(b)
(FINAL EXAM SEM II 2006/2007 UTHM)

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114