Design of Steel and Timber Structures

Chapter 1. Introduction.
1.1- Field of application.
1.2- Merit and drawback of steel structures.
1.3- Mechanical properties of steel. Behavior of steel under tension.
1.4- Rolled steel sections and their main uses.
1.5- Design philosophies. LMD Method.
1.6- Classification of cross-sections.
References: Class notes.
EBCS-3. Design of Steel Structures.
1.1 Field of application: Steel structural members can be used in several types of structures, as follow:
A Framework or skeleton systems, having as their main element beams, girders, trusses and columns, such as:
1. The frameworks of industrial building and structures with their internal members such as crane, girders,
platform, etc.
2. Railways, highways and urban large-span bridges.
3. Civic multistories buildings, pavilions for exhibition, domes, etc.
4. Special purpose buildings such as hangars, shipbuilding, etc.
5. Special structures like towers, mast, hydraulic engineering structures, cranes, etc.
B Shell systems.
1. Gasholders and tanks for the storage and distribution of gases.
2. Tanks and reservoirs for the storage of liquids.
3. Bunkers for the storage of loose materials.
1.2. Merits and drawbacks of steel structures.
Merits:
1. The ability to resist high loads, due to the high strength of steel. Because of the high strength of the
material, steel members are small in size, which makes them convenient for transportation.
2. Gas tightness and water tightness, which is due to the high density of steel.
3. Have a long service live, determined by the high and homogeneous strength and density properties of steel.
4. The possibility of industrializing construction work, attained by the use of prefabricated members with
mechanized erection thereof at the construction site.
5. The possibility of readily disassembling or replacing steel members, which makes it easier to reinforce or
replace parts of structures.
6. The possibility of sending steel members to any parts of the country no matter the bad conditions of site.
Drawbacks.
The principal drawback of steel members is their susceptibility to corrosion, which necessitates their painting or the
use of other methods for their protection, and less fire resistance.
1.3 Mechanical properties of steel.
1. Strength; is determined by the resistance of the material to external loads and forces.
2. Elasticity; is the property of the material to restore its initial shape after removal of the external loads.
3. Plasticity; is the reverse of elasticity, i.e. the property of a material not to return to its initial dimensions
after removal of the external loads or, in other words, the property of obtaining permanent sets.
Behavior of steel under tension.
The standard requires that the manufacturer shall carry out tension tests on specimens taken from each type of
section rolled from cast steel to ensure that the material has specified properties. A typical test specimen is shown
below. See Fig. 1.

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

If a specimen of steel is subjected to tension by gradually increasing the load P, and the resulting elongation L be
measured, the results can be used to plot an experimental tension diagram of elongation Vs load. For convenience
we plot stress Vs unit elongation. See Fig. 2.
Now; stress f = P/A; that is load/area. Units N/mm2.
Strain

L
*100 where: f Normal stress (N/mm2).
L

A cross-sectional area of the specimen. (mm2).

strain or unit elongation in percent.
L gauge length or original length of the specimen.
L longitudinal elongation of the specimen.

The relation between the stress and strain follows the Hooks Law; Robert Hook around 1678 stated his low by the
following equation: f = E.
Note that the highest stress in a material, after which the relation between stress and strain no longer remains linear,
is called yield point. After this point appears elongation without an increase in load, then, appear the yield area.
E Modulus of elasticity.
For all types of steel E = 2.1*105 Mpa is accepted.
Types of steel. (according with EBCS 3).
Thickness t (mm)
Nominal steel
grades

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t 40 mm

40 mm < t 100 mm

fy (Mpa)

fu (Mpa)

fy (Mpa)

fu (Mpa)

Fe 360

235

360

215

340

Fe 430

275

430

255

410

Fe 510

355

510

335

490

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

Materials Coefficients.
1. Modulus of elasticity
2. Shear Modulus
3. Unit mass
4. Poisons ratio
5. Coefficient of linear expansion

E = 210 Gpa.
G = 80 Gpa.
= 7850 kg/m3.
= 0.3.
= 12 x 10-6 per oC.

1.4 Rolled steel sections and their main use.

These sections are designed to achieve economy of material while maximizing strength, particularly in bending.
Bending strength can be maximized by concentrating the metal at the extremities of the section, where it can sustain
the tensile and compressive stress associated with bending. The most commonly used sections are universal beams
(Ubs) and universal columns (Ucs). See Fig.3.

W shapes. Wide flange sections. Are rolled with parallel flanges and are specified by their serial
size and mass in kg per meter, e.g. W 310 x 202. It nominal depth is 310 mm and the mass is 202
kg per meter. May be used principally as columns and also may be used as beams too.
b) S shapes. Known as universal beams. It has Iy>>Iz, for this reason is recommended to be used as
beams.
c) HP shapes. High Powered shape. Available on the USA codes. It has practically same depth
compared with wide to diminish the difference between Iy and Iz. Is recommended for columns
exclusively.
d) Standard Channels (C shapes). The difference between Iy and Iz is very significant. Are used as
purlin in the roof of industrial buildings, as a light beam to resist bending and in built-up sections
connected by batten plates.
e) Angles. Fabricated as equal legs angles and unequal legs angles. Are described by their nominal
dimensions, first number is the large leg; second number is small dimension and third number the
thickness of the section. Are used mainly as members of trusses, for ties in steel frames, etc.
f) T shapes. Available on the USA codes, is used as member in trusses and also in built-up beams
with different types of steel.
1.5 Design Philosophies.
During the history of the design of structures activities, have been used three design philosophies namely:
1. Permissible stress design method.
2. Load factor design method.
3. Limit state design method.
In permissible stress design method, the stress in the structure at working loads are not allowed to exceed a certain
portion of the yield stress of the construction material, therefore, the working stress level is within the elastic range
of the behavior of steel. The working stress is obtained by dividing the characteristic value by a unique factor of
safety.
In load factor method all safety is attached to the acting load, then the acting load is obtained by multiplying the
working loads by a load factor greater than the unity. The material supposes to work at the yield point, that is, at the
characteristic value.
The limit state design method was formulated in the former Soviet Union in the 1930s and developed in Europe in
the 1960s, this approach can perhaps be seen as a compromise between the permissible and load factor methods. It is
in fact a more comprehensive approach, which take into account both methods in appropriate ways. The majorities
of modern structural codes of practice are now based on the limit state design method.
a)

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

Limit state design method.

A structure or part of the structure is considered unfit for use when it exceeds a particular state, called Limit State
beyond which it infringes one of the criteria governing its performance for use. The Limit State can be placed in two
categories:
1. The Ultimate Limit States are those associated with collapse, or with other forms of structural failure,
which may endanger the safety of the people. States prior to structural collapse which, for simplicity, are
considered in place of the collapse itself, are treated as ultimate limit states. Normally the ultimate limit
state is concerning with the strength of the structure.
2. The Serviceability Limit States corresponds to states beyond which specified service requirements are no
longer met, e.g. deformation or deflections which affect the appearance or effective use of the structure
(including the malfunction of machines or services) or cause damage to finishes of non structural members;
vibration which cause discomfort to people.
Characteristic and design values.
Characteristic loads are normally obtained from code practices. See EBCS-1. Chapter 2.
Design loads = characteristic loads x partial safety factor for the load (f).
Design strength = characteristic strength / partial safety factor for strength (m).
In general, the ultimate limit state design method is stated as follow:
Design action Design strength.
For partial safety factor for strength m see 4.1. (2). EBCS-1.
For partial load factor and combination of actions see 2.8.2.2. EBCS-1.
1.6 Classification of cross-sections.
When plastic global analysis is used, the members shall be capable of forming plastic hinges with sufficient rotation
capacity to enable the required redistribution of moments to develop. When elastic global analysis is used, any class
of cross-section may be used for the members, provided the design of members takes into account the possible limits
of resistance of cross-section due to local buckling.
Four classes of cross-section are defined, as follow:
1. Class 1 or plastic cross-sections are those in which all elements subjected to compression comply with the
values given in Table 4.1 of EBCS-3. Design of Steel Structures for plastic elements. A plastic hinge can
be developed with sufficient rotation capacity to allow redistribution of moments within the structure.
Only Class 1 section may be used for plastic design.
2. Class 2 or compact cross-sections are those in which all elements subject to compression comply with the
values given in Table 4.1 for compact elements. The full plastic moments capacity can be developed but
local buckling may prevent development of a plastic hinge with sufficient rotation capacity to permit
plastic design. Class 2 sections can be used without restriction except for plastic design.
3. Class 3 or semi-compact sections are those in which the elements subject to compression comply with the
values given in Table 4.1 for semi-compact elements. The stress at the extreme fibbers can reach the
design strength but local buckling may prevent the development of the full plastic moment. Class 3
sections are subjected to limitations on their capacity.
4. Class 4 or thin-walled sections are those that contain thin-walled elements subjected to compression due to
moment or axial force. Local buckling may prevent the stress in a thin-walled section from reaching the
design strength. Design of Class 4 sections requires special attention.

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

Chapter 2. Tension members.

2.1 Introduction.
2.2 Design value of axial tension force.
2.3 Effective area.
2.4 Members subjected to combined tension and bending.
2.5 Slenderness ratio.
Reference: EBCS-3. Design of steel structures.
2.1 Introduction.
Axially loaded tension members are used mainly as members of the roof truss, truss for bridges and as tie to take
horizontal forces on industrial buildings.
2.2 Design value of axial tension force.
The design value of the axial force is Nt , Sd

Nt , Rd
Af y

1.

The design plastic resistance of the gross section is N pl , Rd =

2.

The design ultimate resistance of the net section at the bolt hole is N u , Rd =

M1
0.9 Aeff fu

M2

Where: A gross section area (area without reduction).

Aeff effective area.
fy stress at the yield point of the steel.
fu ultimate tensile stress.
2.3 Effective area.
The effective area is taken as Net Area. The net area of cross-section or element section shall be taken as it gross
area less appropriate deductions for all holes and openings. When calculating net section properties, the deduction of
a single hole shall be the gross cross sectional area of the hole in the plane of its axis. Provided that the fastener
holes are not staggered, the total area to be deducted for fastener holes shall be the maximum sum of the sectional
areas of the holes in any cross-section perpendicular to the member axis.
When the fastener holes are staggered, the total area to be deducted for fastener holes shall be the greater of:
1. The deduction for non-staggered holes.
2. The sum of the sectional area of all holes in any diagonal or zigzag line extending progressively across the
member or part of member, less s2t/4p for each gauge space in the chain of holes. See Fig. 4.

Therefore the net width dn can be computed by using the following formula which is known as the chain
formula.

d n = total width nd +

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as 2
4p

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

where: n number of holes in the chain of holes

a number of diagonal space p in the chain
s is the pitch, the spacing of the centers of two consecutive holes in the chain measured parallel to the
member axis
p is the spacing between the centers of the holes measured perpendicular to the ember axis
d diameter of holes.
Finally the net area should be the net width x thickness of the plate: d x t.
Note: The diameter for holes is given in Table 6.1 of the EBCS-3.
Example Nr 1.
Calculate the net critical area for the bolt distribution shown below.

Solution:
Chain (1) dn = 15 2 x 1 = 13 cm.

2 x32
= 12.5 cm
4 x3
2 x32 2 x 42
p = 3 d n = 15 5 x1 +
+
= 14.17 cm
4 x3
4 x3

Chain (2) s = 3; p = 3
Chain (3) s = 4;

d n = 15 4 x1 +

Chain (4) dn = 15 3x1 =12 cm

Therefore the Net Critical Area = 12 x 0.5 = 6 cm2.
Design example Nr = 2.
Calculate the maximum design load for the plate of the example Nr 1. Steel grade Fe = 360.
Solution:
1. The design plastic resistance of the gross section.
Gross area A = 15 x 0.5 = 7.5 cm2
Yield strength fy = 23.5 kN/cm2 (Table 3.1, EBCS-3).
Partial safety factor M1 = 1.1
(Section 4.1.1, EBCS-3).

N pl , Rd =
2.

7.5 x 23.5
= 160.2 kN
1.1

The design ultimate resistance of the section at the bolt holes.

Effective area
Aeff = 6 cm2.
Ultimate resistance fu = 36.0 kN/cm2 (Table 3.1 EBCS-3)
Partial safety factor M2 = 1.25

N u , Rd =

0.9 x6 x36
= 155.52 kN
1.25

Therefore, the design force is 155.52 kN.

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

2.4 Members subjected to combined tension and bending.

To check members under simultaneous action of tension and bending moment the following criterion may be
used:

M y , Sd
M z , Sd
N Sd
+
+
1
N pl , Rd M pl , y , Rd M pl , y , Rd
2.5 Slenderness ratio.
Even if the tension members are not under the action of reversal stress, to avoid damages during the transportation
and erecting of the members, its slenderness ratio is limited to 350.
Example Nr 3.
Determine the design strength of two angles 100 x 100 x 10 in grade Fe 430 used as a welded bracing member.
Solution:

Because there is not holes (welded connection), only design plastic resistance must be checked.
The partial safety factor for the section M1 = 1.1.
The design plastic resistance is:

N pl , Rd =

Af y

M1

2 x1920 x 275
= 960000 N = 960 kN .
1.1

Example Nr = 4.
Determine the design strength for the two angles of the example Nr 3 if now are used as a bolted bracing member
with single row of 16.5 mm holes at each leg of the angle.

The partial safety factor is M2 = 1.25

The effective area is the net area. Anet = 3840 4 x 16.5 x 10 = 3180 mm2

N u , Rd =

0.9 Aeff fu

M2

0.9 x3180 x 430

= 984528 N = 484.528 kN > 960 kN
1.25

Therefore, the design strength of the bolted bracing member is controlled by the yield strength of the full section.
Thus, Npl,Rd = 960 kN.

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

10

Example Nr 5.
Check the section used as a main tie of the roof truss shown in the Figure below. The section is formed with 2
unequal leg angle 100 x 75 x8 mm. Steel grade Fe 430 is used. The joint was made with 7 bolts diameter 20 mm as
shown. The acting tensile force is 630 kN.

Steel Grade Fe 430 fy = 275 Mpa = 27.5 kN/cm2

fu = 430 Mpa = 43.0 kN/cm2
Gross area for one angle 100 x 75 x 8 = 13.49 cm2
dhole = d + 2 = 20 + 2 = 22 mm (Table 6.1, EBCS-3)
Solution:
1). Plastic resistance of the gross section:

N pl , Rd =

2 x13.40 x 27.5
= 670 kN
1.1

2). Ultimate resistance of the net section at the bolt holes.

Calculation of the Aeff. S = 3.5 cm and p = 4.1 cm.

Calculation of Nu, Rd.

N u , Rd =

0.9 x 20.88 x 43
= 646.44 kN
1.25

Checking for the maximum slenderness ratio.

Slenderness ratio = Leff / kmin; minimum radius of gyration kmin = 1.62 mm.
Slenderness ratio = 300 / 1.62 = 185 < 350 OK.
Answer:
The design tension resistance capacity of the cross-section is 646.44 kN, therefore, because 646.44 kN > 630 kN, the
section 1-1 used for design is adequate.

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

11

Chapter 3. Compression Members and Stability Problem.

If a 6 mm diameter steel rod 1 m long is placed in a resting machine subjected to a pull, as shown in a Figure below,
it will be found to carry a load of about 7 kn before failure occurs. If on the other hand this same rod had been
subjected to compression, then the maximum load, which would have been carried, would be about 0.035 kN, a very
big difference.
Failure in the first test occurs by the fracture of the member; in the second it is due
to bending out of the line of action of the load, as indicated.
Since the load carrying capacity of a member in compression is very different from that of a similar member in
tension, requires special treatment. It is seen that failure takes place by bending. This can not occurs unless a
moment acts on a member and this moment results from a number of effects, which make an apparently axial load
acts eccentrically. The causes are:
1. The fact that no member can be made perfectly straight.
2. Imperfection in manufacturing leaving some part of the member with slightly different mechanical
properties from the remainder.
3. Inability to ensure that the load actually acts along the centre of area of the cross-section.
Types of Equilibrium.

a) Stable: The body returns to its initial position after disturbing its condition of equilibrium.
b) Neutral: The body remains in the same apparent equilibrium in its new position.
c) Unstable: The body loss its initial condition of equilibrium.
Now lets apply a disturbing force F at mid-height acting as shown in the figure.
If the strut returns to its position prior to the application of F, then it is in stable
equilibrium.
If it remains in the deflected position, it is in neutral equilibrium.
If it continues to deflect, it is in unstable equilibrium and the strut loses its load carrying
capacity and fails.
We can see that for low value of P the equilibrium is stable, but that as P is increased a load value is obtained which
causes the strut to be in a state of neutral equilibrium. This load value is known as the critical or buckling load of a
strut.
Critical load of a pin ended strut. (Euler formula).
Lets consider the strut AB with length l as shown in the following figure.

The maximum deflection is a at mid span, and at distance x from the origin, the deflection is (a y).
The differential equation of bending gives

EI

d2y
dx 2

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= M = P(a y ) ; writing 2 =

P
EI

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

12

d2y
d2y
d2y
2
2

(
)
(
)
0
a
y
or
a
y
=

=
+ 2 ( y a ) = 0 differential equation of
dx 2
dx 2
dx 2
sec ond deg ree.
The solution for this equation is: y = A sin x + B cos x + a ; where A and B are constants of integration. To
evaluate A and B it is as follows:
1. When x = 0; y = 0 0 = A sin 0 + B cos 0 + a B cos 0 + a = 0 B + a = 0 and B = a
2. When x = 0;

dy
= 0 ; (angle of rotation).
dx

dy
= A cos x. B sin x.x = 0 , therefore A cos 0o + a sin 0o = 0 ; is possible only if A = 0;
dx
Finally the solution is: y = a cos x + a = a (1 cos x)
l
l
l
Now, when x = l/2; y = a, and then a = a (1 cos ) , from which 1 = 1 cos cos = 0 ,
2
2
2
2
Pl
P
Therefore l = , and
= 2 , and finally we obtain the formula to calculate the
l = ; now squaring
EI
EI
critical load, known as Euler Formula.

PE =

2 EI
le2

; where le = effective length.

Value for Ratio le / l for different end conditions. (Theoretically).

To write the Euler formula in terms of stress, divide the critical load over the area.

PE 2 EI
E =
= 2 ; but r =
A
le A

E =

2 Er 2
le2

2E
le

r

I
I
therefore; r 2 = ; is the least radius of gyration.
A
A

. The relation

2E
le
= is the Slenderness ratio. And E = 2
r

Limitation of the Euler Formula.

The formula show that E depends only on the elastic modulus of the material and on the slenderness ratio, this
value is true only for a constant modulus of elasticity; i.e. within elastic limits of the steel.
The steel behaves elastic only up to Proportional Limit p. The Structural Stability Research Council (SSRC) of the
USA accept for p = 0.5 y, that is 0.5 the value for the yield limit to ensure perfectly elastic behaviour. Then for
mild steel like A 36, y = 24.82 kN/cm2 and E = 2 x 104 kN/cm2:

2E

2
2 x 2 x104 le
le E
= 0.5 y
=
126 . Therefore, for values of the
E =
2
r 0.5 y 0.5 x 24.82 r
le

r

slenderness ratio less than 126, Eulers formula is not valid, as shown in the following figure.

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

13

As we see, the Eulers buckling load can only represents column behaviour at higher values of the slenderness ratio.
For lower values of the le / r, empirical formulae are used.
The SSRC of the USA recommended the following formula, which is accepted by the AISC (American Institute for
Steel Construction) code.

crit

l 2
e
r
= 1 + 2 y . In which Cc =

2Cc

2 2 E

, and for mild steel like A 36 Cc = 126.

Design of Axially loaded Columns.

According with EBCS 3. Design of Steel Structures, section 4.5.4,1; the compression resistance of cross section is
as follows:
1. For member in axial compression, the design value of the compressive force Ncom,Sd at each cross-section
shall satisfy:

N com, Sd N com, Rd .
Where Ncom,Rd is the design compression resistance of the cross-section, taken as the smaller of:
a) The design plastic resistance of the gross section, N pl , Rd =

Af y

Mo

, (for classes 1 3 cross-sections)

b) The design local buckling resistance of the gross section, N o , Rd =

Aeff f y

M1

where Aeff is the effective

area of the cross section (for class 4 section).

2.

Buckling Resistance of Axially Loaded Compression Members (Nb,Rd).

A = 1 for Class 1, 2 or 3 cross sec tions

N b, Rd =

A Af y
M1

; Where

A =

Aeff

for Class 4 cross sec tions

A
is the reduction factor for the relevant buckling mod e.

For the constant axial compression in members of constant cross-sections, the value of for the appropriate
non-dimensional slenderness

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()

2
+ 2

0.5

, may be determined from:

but 1.

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

Where:

14

) ()

2
= 0.51 + 0.2 +

is an imperfection factor.
0.5

Af

= A y = ( A )0.5
1
N cr
is the slenderness ratio for the relevant buckling mod e.
E
1 =
f y
235
=

f y
N cr

0.5

0.5

= 93.9

( f y in MPa )

is the elastic critical force for the relevant buckling mod e.

Notes:
- The imperfection factor corresponding to the appropriate buckling curve shall be obtained fromTable 4.8,
page 21 of EBCS-3.
- The selections for a buckling curve for a cross-section shall be obtained from Table 4.11, page 24 of
EBCS-3.
-

Values for the reduction factor for the appropriate non-dimensional slenderness
Table 4.9, page 21 of EBCS-3.

may be obtained from

Buckling length of compression members.

For the basis about buckling length read 4.5.2.1, EBCS-3. When the column belong to a building frame, the
procedure is as follow.

The frames are divided into 2 types, as shown in the figure above. The coefficient for buckling length ratio (k)
depends of the type of frames; as shown, if sway is not allowed, k < 1, other case if sway occur then k > 1.
According to Appendix A of EBCS-3,
1 The buckling length l of a column in non-sway mode may be obtained from Fig. A.2.1.
2 The buckling length l of a column in a sway mode may be obtained from Fig. A.2.2.

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

15

The distribution factors at the ends of the member 1 and 2 are obtained from:

K columns
K columns + K beams

The symbol includes only those members rigidly connected to the joint. For example:

The distribution factors are:

Kc + K2
K c + K 2 + K 21 + K 22
K c is the column stiffness coefficient = I column L
K ij is the effective beam stiffness coefficient = I beam L
Kc
K c + K11 + K 22

1 =

and 2 =

Finally, the slenderness ratio shall be taken as follows:

l
r

= ; Where r is the radius of gyration about relevant axis, determined using the properties of the gross
cross-section.
The values of the slenderness ratio shall not exceed the following:
1 For members resisting loads other than wind loads
2 For members resisting self weight and wind loads only
3 For any member normally acting as a tie but subject to
reversal of stress resulting from the action of wind

180
250
350

Design step for loading compression members:

1. Determine the axial load, Nsd.
2. Determine the buckling length, l, which is a function of the column length, L, and the statical system of the
column.
3. Select a trial section (take into consideration economy, i.e. least weight per unit length).
4. Determine the Class of the section according to Section 4.3.2 and Table 4.1. If the cross-section is
classified as Class 4, determine Aeff according to Section 4.3.4 and Table 4.4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

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Determine the non-dimensional slenderness ratio (Section 4.5.4.3).

Using Table 4.11 determine the appropriate buckling curve.
Using Table 4.9 find the value of . Interpolation must be used to determine more exact values.
Calculate the design buckling resistance Nb,Rd of the member. Buckling about both principal axes must be
checked.
Check the computed buckling resistance against the applied load. If the calculate value is inadequate or is
too high, select another section and go back to Step 4.

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

16

Chapter 3. Columns.
Example Nr1.
The column B E on the Figure shown below is under the action of NSd = 2800 kN. Both sides are pinned. Check
the resistance of the column. Steel grade Fe 430 is used.

Solution:
Step 1: Axial load NSd = 2800 kN.
Step 2: Buckling length L = 4000 mm (pinned end both sides. Frame non-sway mode).
Step 3: The section is given.
Step 4: Determine the class of the cross-section and check for a local buckling. The section is subjected to uniform
compression. For the section to be classified as at least class 3, in order to avoid any modification to the full cross
sectional area due to local buckling, the limiting width to thickness ratio for class 3 section are (See Table 4.1
EBCS-3).
Outstand element of compression flange: c / tf 15 .
Web subject to compression only: d / tw 39 .
For Fe 430 steel grade fy = 275 N / mm2. Thus

= 235 275 = 0.92

This gives the following limiting values:

Outstand element of compression flange: c / tf = (254/2) / 16.3 = 7.78 < 15 x 0.92 = 13.8 OK.
Web subject to compression only: d / tw = (310-2 (33)) / 9.1 = 26.8 < 39 x 0.92 = 35.88 OK.
Therefore, the section belongs to at least Class 3. Thus, A = 1.0
Step 5: Determine the non-dimensional slenderness ratio.
For Fe 430 steel grade, 1 = 93.9 = 93.9 x 0.92 = 86.39
Slenderness ratio about y-axis: y = L / iy = 4000 / 135 = 29.63
Slenderness ratio about z-axis: z = L / iz = 4000/63.6 = 62.89
Hence, the non-dimensional slenderness ratio is determined as:

( )

y
A = 29.63 86.39 1 = 0.34
1

y =

( )

z = z A = 62.89 86.39 1 = 0.73

Step 6: Determine the appropriate column curves (Table 4.11 EBCS-3).

h = 310
= 1.22 and
b
254

t f = 16.3 mm < 40

Use curve a for buckling about y-axis and curve b for buckling about z-axis.
Step 7: Determine value of . Using Table 4.9 and interpolating:
For y-axis: curve a for

y = 0.34 y = 0.97

For z-axis: curve b for z = 0.73 z = 0.77

Therefore, buckling about the z-axis becomes critical.

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

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Step 8: Calculate the design buckling resistance.

N b, Rd =

A Af y 0.77 x1x11000 x 275

=
= 2117500 N = 2117.5 kN
1.1
M1

Step 9: Because 2800 kN > 2117.5 kN, the column do not resist.
Solution 1. Add an additional hinged support at mid-height to increase the resistance about the minor axis.
Go to Step 5.
Slenderness ratio about z-axis = 29.63 (dont varies)
Slenderness ratio about z-axis = 2000 / 63.6 = 31.45
Non dimensional slenderness ratio

y = o.34

z =

dont varies

31.45
(1) = 0.36
86.39

Values of :
y-axis: y = 0.97 dont varies
z-axis: Curve b for

z = 0.36 z = 0.94

Hence buckling about the z-axis becomes critical

N b, Rd =

0.94 x11000 x 275

= 2585 kN < 2800 kN . don' t resist
1.1

Solution 2: Add 2 plates 200 x 10 mm to reinforce the weak axis.

Now: I z = I zW + 2

iz =

Iz
=
A

10 x 2003
= 44.5 x106 + 13.3 x106 = 5.78 x107 mm 4
12
4000
5.78 x107
= 64.52 and
= 62 mm ; then z =
4
62
1.5 x10

z =

64.52
= 0.72
86.39

For column curve b; z = 0.77

And N b , Rd =

WU-KiT

0.77 x1.0 x15000 x 275

= 2887.5 kN > 2800 kN
1.1

OK

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

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Example Nr 4.
Determine the design buckling resistance of a 457 x 152 x 52 UB used as a pin-ended column. The column is 3.00 m
long and its steel grade is Fe 360.

Step 2: Buckling length = 3000 mm.

Step 3: The section is given.
Step 4: Determine the class of the cross-section and check for local buckling.
For Fe steel grade fy = 235 N / mm2. Thus,

= 235 f = 1
y

These limiting values are:

Outstand element of compression flange: c / tf 15 = 15
Web subject to compression only: d / tw 39 = 39
For the 457 x 152 x 52 UB profile, the actual values are:
Outstand element of compression flange: c / tf = (152.4 / 2) / 10.9 = 7 < 15 OK.
Web subject to compression only: d / tw = (449.8 2 x 10.9 2 x 10.2) / 7.6 = 53.60 > 39
Therefore, the flange satisfies the Class 3 requirement, but the web is Class 4 section. Consequently, there must be a
reduction in the strength of the section to allow for the load buckling which will take place in the web. Therefore,
the effective area, Aeff must be determined for the web.
Explanation for the effect.

The effective width is beff = reduction factor x b = x b.

The method to calculate the effective area (Aeff) is explained in section 4.3.4 of EBCS-3.
To calculate the reduction factor is as follow.
a). = 1;
b).

if

p 0.673

if

= p 0.22

Where

p2

p = b t 28.4 k

p > 0.673

In which : t is the relevant thickness.

k is the buckling factor corresponding to the stress ratio from Table 4.3 or 4.4 as appropriate.

b = d for webs.

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Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

19

In our example, since the column is axially loaded the stress distribution is uniform, i.e. 1 = 2. Table 4.3 is used to
calculate the effective width.
Thus, 1/ 2 = 1, and k = 4.0 (see lower part of table 4.3)

b = d = 407.6 mm
b

tw

= 407.6

7.6

= 53.6

p = 53.6

(28.4 x1x 4 ) = 0.944 > 0.673

= ( 0.22) = (0.944 0.22 )
p

0.9442

And

= 0.812

beff = b = 0.812 x 407.6 = 331.2 mm

Therefore the area that should be ignored at the center of the web is:
And then

A =

Aeff
A

= (6650 581.4)

6650

A = (407.7 331.2)x7.6 = 581.4 mm2

= 0.913

Step 5: Determine the non-dimensional slenderness ratio (axis-z govern).

3000
= 96.5
31.1
1 = 93.9 = 93.9

z =

Hence the non dimensional slenderness ratio

z = z A = (96.5) 93.9 0.913 = 0.98

Step 6: Appropriate column curve.

For h / b = 449.8 / 152.4 = 2.95 > 1.2; and tf = 10.9 < 40 mm; use curve b for buckling about z-axis.
Step 7: Determine the value of .
Using Table 4.9 and interpolating, z-axis: curve b for
Step 8: Calculate the design buckling resistance.

N b, Rd =

A Af y 0.6034 x0.913x6650 x 235

=
= 782660 N
M1
1.1

Answer: The design buckling resistance

WU-KiT

z = 0.98 z = 0.6034

N b, Rd = 782.66 kN .

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

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20

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

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21

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

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Table 4.9 Imperfection Factors.

Buckling Curve
Imperfection factor

a
0.21

b
0.34

c
0.49

d
0.76

Table 4.9 Reduction Factors.

0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
2.0
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
3.0

WU-KiT

Buckling curve
a

1.0000
0.9795
0.9258
0.9243
0.8900
0.8477
0.7957
0.7339
0.6656
0.5960
0.5300
0.4703
0.4179
0.3724
0.3332
0.2994
0.2702
0.2449
0.2229
0.2036
0.1867
0.1717
0.1585
0.1467
0.1362
0.1267
0.1182
0.1105
0.1036

1.0000
0.9641
0.9261
0.8842
0.8371
0.7837
0.7245
0.6612
0.5970
0.5352
0.4781
0.4269
0.3817
0.3422
0.3079
0.2781
0.2521
0.2294
0.2095
0.1920
0.1765
0.1628
0.1506
0.1397
0.1299
0.1211
0.1132
0.1060
0.0994

1.0000
0.9491
0.8973
0.8430
0.7854
0.7247
0.6622
0.5998
0.5399
0.4842
0.4338
0.3888
0.3492
0.3145
0.2842
0.2577
0.2345
0.2141
0.1962
0.1803
0.1662
0.1537
0.1425
0.1325
0.1234
0.1153
0.1079
0.1012
0.0951

1.0000
0.9235
0.8504
0.7793
0.7100
0.6431
0.5797
0.5208
0.4671
0.4189
0.3762
0.3385
0.3055
0.2766
0.2512
0.2289
0.2093
0.1920
0.1766
0.1630
0.1508
0.1399
0.1302
0.1214
0.1134
0.1062
0.0997
0.0937
0.0882

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

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Table 4.11 Selection of Buckling Curve for a Cross-section.

Buckling
about axis

Buckling curve

Cross-section

Limits

Rolled I sections

h/b > 1.2:

tf 40 mm

yy
zz

a
b

40 mm < tf 100 mm

yy
zz

b
c

h/b 1.2:
tf 100 mm

yy
zz

b
c

tf > 100 mm

yy
zz

d
d

tf 40 mm

yy
zz

b
c

tf > 40 mm

yy
zz

c
d

Hot rolled

any

Cold formed
-using fyb

any

Cold formed
-using fya

any

Generally
(except as below)

any

Thick welds and

b/tf < 30
h/tw < 30

yy
z-z

Welded I sections

Hollow section

Welded box sections

c
c

U, L, and Solid Sections

any

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

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Chapter 4. Bending Members.

4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5

Introduction.
Plastic behaviour of steel beams.
Laterally restrained beams.
Laterally unrestrained beams.
Resistance of web to transverse forces.

4.1 Introduction.
Beams work principally under the action of the vertical loads, which rise to bending of the beam. The principal
dimensions are the length and the depth. There are 3 types of length as shown in the figure.

The minimum d recommended to avoid excessive deformation is as follows.

/L=1/r0

1/1000

1/750

1/600

1/500

1/400

1/250

1/200

dmin/L

1/6

1/8

1/10

1/12

1/15

1/25

1/30

Beam arrangement.

Tributary area.
Secondary beam a x b
Main beam
bxL
For column
bxL
Secondary beams should be continuous for better structural behaviour as shown in the figure below.

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

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4.2. Plastic behaviour of steel beams.

Let study a beam of any cross-section.

In stage (1) the beam behaves elastically, the extreme fibbers rich the yield point.
For elastic behaviour

f =

M
fy
W

where W =

Inertia
is the elastic sec tion mod ulus. And the
c

maximum value for f is the yield limit fy.

Stage (2) is partially plastic, yield stress go deep into the cross-section.
Stage (3) is fully plastic, the section rotate and plastic hinge is formed. The section is under the action of the Plastic
Moment MP

M p = A f y dA y = A f y ydA + A f y ydA = f y A ydA + A ydA

2
1
2
1
but

ydA = S

Therefore

is the First Moment of Area.

M p = f y (S1 + S 2 ) and for symmetric section S1 = S 2 = S .

Hence M p = f y 2 S ; doing W p = 2 S -- Plastic Modulus. S is the first moment of area for the half section.
Finally we can write (by similarity) M p = f yW p .
Then;
Plastic behaviour

Elastic behaviour

M = fy W

MP = fy WP

To compare M with MP let evaluate We and WP for rectangular section.

bh 2
h h bh 2
W =
and WP = 2S = 2b =
4
6
2 4

Now the ratio between Plastic Moment and Elastic one is MP / Me

f yWP bh 2 4 6
MP
=
=
= = 1.5
Me
f yWe bh 2 / 6 4

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

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MP
= C ; Where C is the Shape Coefficient of the section.
Me

For the general cases

The most common values of the shape coefficient are as follow.

4.3 Laterally restrained beam.

A beam is prevented from moving side ways, by a floor resistance due to the use of bracing or insitu or precast floor
construction.

Resistance to bending moment.

According to EBCS-3, for bending about one axis in the absence of shearing force, the design value of bending
moment M Sd M c , Rd . The design moment resistance of a cross-section without holes for fasteners may be
determined as follows:

W pl f y

a)

Class 1 or 2 cross-sections: M c , Rd =

b)

Class 3 cross-sections:

M c , Rd =

Wel f y

c)

Class 4 cross-sections:

M c , Rd =

Weff f y

M0
M0
M 1

Fastener holes in the tension flange need not be allowed for, provide that for the tension flange:

0.9 A f , net f y M 2

Af
fu M 1

Resistance to shear.
The design value of the shear force VSd at each cross-section shall satisfy: VSd V pl , Rd
Where V pl , Rd =

Av f y

M0

) is the plastic shear resistance. A is the shear area.

v

For simplicity, a rectangular distribution of shear stress is accepted and Av = 1.04 h tW for a rolled I, H or channel
section, load parallel to web.

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

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Resistance for bending and shear.

The theoretical plastic resistance moment of a cross-section is reduced by the presence of the shear. For small values
of the shear force this reduction is not significant and may be neglected. However, when the shear force exceeds half
of the plastic shear resistance, allowance shall be made for its effect on plastic resistance moment.
Hence, if the value of the shear force VSd does not exceed 50% of the design plastic shear resistance no reduction
need be made in the resistance moments. When VSd exceeds 50% the design resistance moment of the cross-section
should be reduced to Mv,Rd obtained as follows:
a) For cross-sections with equal flanges, bending about the mayor axis

M v , Rd

A2 f y
= W pl v
4t w M 0

but M v , Rd

2V

M c , Rd ; = Sd 1
V pl , Rd

b) For other cases Mv,Rd should be taken as the design plastic resistance moment of the cross-section,
calculated using a reduced strength (1 ) fy for the shear area, but not more than Mc,Rd.
Deflections.
Deflection belongs to serviceability limit states; the loads used to calculate deflections are characteristic loads that
are unfactored loads. For vertical deflection the value for the maximum deflection is calculated as follows:

max = 1 + 2 0
Where: max is the sagging in the final state relative to the straight line joining the supports
0 is the pre-camber of the beam in unloaded state, (state 0)
1 is the variation of the deflection of the beam due to the permanent loads immediately after load, (state 1)
2 is the variation of the deflection of the beam due to the variable loading plus any time dependent
deformation due to the permanent load, (state 2).
Limiting values.
For buildings, the recommended limits values for vertical deflections are given in Table 5.1 of EBCS-3, in which L
is the span of the beam. For cantilever beams, the length L to be considered is twice the projecting length of the
cantilever. The vertical deflection to be considered is illustrated in the following Figure.
Limits

Conditions

max

Roof generally
Roof frequently carrying personnel other than
for maintenance.
Floor generally
Floors and roofs supporting plaster or other
brittle finish or non-flexible partitions.
Floors supporting columns (unless the
deflection has been included in the global
analysis for the ultimate limit state).

L/200

L/250

L/250
L/250

L/300
L/300

L/250

L/350

L/400

L/500

Where max can impair the appearance of the

building

L/250

For horizontal deflection the recommended limits at the tops of the columns are:
1. Portal frames without gantry cranes:
h/150
2. Other single storey building:
h/300
3. In multi-storey building:
(i) in each storey
h/300
(ii) on the structure as a whole
h0/500
Where h is the height of the column or of the storey
h0 is the overall height of the structure.

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Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

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Lost of Stability
General Stability (Lateral torsional buckling)
Stability

Due by skear on the web.

Local Stability
Due by compressive stress on the flange.

During bending, part of the web and one flange at least is under compressive stress, therefore can be subjected to the
loss of stability.
Let study first the problem of local stability.
1). Shear buckling resistance. Near the support, where there is a considerable acting shear force, the web of the beam
can lost its stability as follows:

Because the action of the shearing stress, appear on the web

folds of buckles.

This problem is prevented by putting in place transverse stiffness as shown in the figure belows.

The shear buckling resistance of the web depends on the depth to thickness ratio d/tw and the spacing of any
intermediate web stiffeners. All webs with d/tw greater than 69 shall be provided with transverse stiffeners at the
supports. Webs with d/tw greater than 69 for an unstiffened web, or 30 k for stiffened web, shall be checked
for resistance to shear buckling.
Normally, a/d > 3 is used, for these beams the simple post critical method is recommended.
According with this method, the design shear buckling resistance Vbe,Rd should be obtained from:
Vba , Rd = dt w ba / M 1 , Where ba is the simple post-critical shear strength and should be determined as follows:

(
) if 0.8
= [1 0.625( 0.8)]( f / 3 ) if
= (0.9 / )( f / 3 ) if 1.2

ba = f yw / 3
ba
ba

in which

yw

0.8 < < 1.2

yw

d / tw
is the web slenderness.
37.4 k

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

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k is the buckling factor for shear, is given by the following:

a). for webs with transverse stiffeners at the supports but no intermediate transverse stiffeners k = 5.34
b). for webs with tranverse stiffenerss at the supports and intermediate transverse stiffeners

k = 4 + 5.34 / (a / d )2

if

a/d <1

k = 5.34 + 4 / (a / d )

if

a/d 1

2). Flange induced buckling.

As we can see in the figure below, the upper flange is under the action of the compressive stress and may lose it
local stability.

To prevent the possibility of the compression flange buckling in a plane of the web, the ratio d/tw of the web shall
satisfy the following criterion:

d / t w k E / f yf

) (Aw / A fc )

Where Aw is the area of the web.

Afc is the area of the compression flange

and fyf is the yield strength of the compression flange.
The values of k shuold be taken as follows:
Class 1 flanges
= 0.3
Class 2 flanges
= 0.4
Class 3 or Class 4 flanges = 0.55

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

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4.4 Laterally unrestrained beams. (Lateral torsional buckling).

Lateral torsional buckling should be present on laterally unrestrained beams. When the beam has a higher bending
stiffness in the vertical plane compared with the horizontal plane, the beam can twist sideways under the action of
the load as shown in the Figure belows:

Design Buckling Resistance Moment.

The design buckling resistance moment of laterally unrestrained bean shall be taken as:

M b, Rd = LT wW pl , y f y / M 1
Where

w = 1
w = Wel W pl , y
w = Weff , y W pl , y

for Class 1 or Class 2 cross-sections

for Class 3 cross-sections
for Class 4 cross-sections.

And the value of LT is the reduction factor for lateral-torsional buckling, is calculated as follows for appropriate
non-dimensional slenderness

LT .

but LT 1
2 0.5
2

LT + LT LT

2
Where LT = 0.51 LT LT 0.2 + LT

LT =

The value of the imperfection factor

LT = 0.21
LT = 0.49

LT for lateral-torsional buckling should be taken as follows:

for rolled sections.

for welded sections.

Values of the reduction factor LT for the appropriate non-dimensional slenderness

LT may

be obtained from

Table 4.9 with = LT and = LT using:

1. for rolled sections curve a ( = 0.21)
2. for welded sections curve c ( = o.49)

LT

1 = 93
LT
0.5
where
=
235
( w )
=
1
f

and

f y in MPa

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Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

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The geometrical slenderness ratio LT for lateral-torsional buckling is given for all cases by:

2 EW pl , y
=

M cr

LT

0.5

Mcr is the elastic critical moment for lateral-torsional buckling and for beam of uniform symmetrical cross-section
with equal flanges, under standards conditions of restraint at each end, loaded trough its shear centre and subjected
to uniform moment is calculated as follows:

M cr = C1

2 EI z I w

(kL )2

L2GI t
+

2
I z EI z

0.5

Factor C1 depends on the loading conditions (See table 4.12 and 4.13 of EBCS-3)
The most common values for C1 are as follows:

The rest of the terms are:

G=

E
= 80 GPa
2(1 + )

It is the torsion constant.

Iw is the warping constant.
Iz is the second moment of area about the minor axis.
kL is the length of the beam between points which have lateral restraint.
k = 0.5 for full fixity.
k = 1.0 for no fixity.
k = 0.7 for one end fixed and one end free.

Notes:
1. A beam with full restraint does not need to be checked for lateral-torsional buckling.
2.
3.

Where the non-dimensional slenderness 0.4 no allowance for lateral-torsional buckling is necessary.
The standard conditions of restraint at each end are:
- Restrained against lateral movement.
- Restrained against rotation about the longitudinal axis
- Free to ratate in plan.

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Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

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4.5 Resistance of web to transverse forces.

Due to high vertical stresses directly over a support or under concentrated load, the beam web may actually crush, or
buckle as a result of these stresses, as illustrated in a figure below.

The resistance of an unstiffened web to transverse forces applied through a flange, is governed by one of the
following modes of failure:
a) Crushing of the web close to the flange, accompanied by plastic deformation of the flange. See (a).
b) Crippling of the web in the form of localized buckling and crushing of the web close to the flange,
accompanied by deformation of the flange. See (b).
c) Buckling of the web over most of the member. See (c).
A distinction is made between two types of load application, as follows:
1. Forces applied through one flange and resisted by shear in the web, See Fig (a). in this case the resistance
of the web to transverse fosces should be taken as the smaller of:
I)
The crushing resistance.
II)
The crippling resistance.
2.

Forces applied to one flange and transferred through the web directly to the other flange. See Fig (b). In this
case the resistance of the web to transverse forces should be taken as the amaller of:
I)
The crushing resistance.
II)
The buckling resistance.

(I). Crushing Resistance.

The design crushing resistance Ry,Rd of the web of an I, H or U section should be obtained from:

R y , Rd =
S y = 2t f

(Ss + S y )tw f yw , in which S is given by:

(b f

M1

)(

)[ (

t w f yf f yw 1 f , Ed f yf

)2 ] but b should not be taken as more than 25 t and

f

f,Ed

is the

longitudinal stress in the flange.

Sy represents the length over which the applied force is effectively distributed. At the end of the member Sy should
be halved.
SS is the length of the stiff bearing. See Fig. 4,28 and 4.29 of EBCS-3.

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

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For wheel loads from cranes, transmitted through a crane rail bearing on a flange but not welded to it, the design
crushing resistance of the web Ry,Rd should be taken as:
R y , Rd = S y t w f yw / M 1 , in which:

I f + IR

S y = k R
tw
Where: hR
If
IR
kR

[1 (

f , Ed

/ f yf

)2 ] or more approximately S y = 2(hR + t f ) [1 ( f , Ed

f yf

)2 ]

is the height of the crane rail.

is the second moment of area of the flange about its horizontal centroidal axis.
is the second moment of area of the crane rail about its horizontal centroidal axis.
is a constant taken as follows:
a). When the crane rail is mounted directly on the flange, kR = 3.25
b). When a suitable resilient pad not less than 5 mm thick is interposed between the crane rail and the
beam flange. KR = 4.0

II).Crippling Resistance.
The design crippling resistence Ra,Rd of the web of an I, H or U section should be obtained from:

Ra , Rd = 0.5t w2 Ef yw

[t

t w + 3 t w t f (S s d ) / M 1 , but Ss/d should not be taken as more than 0.2

Where the member is also subjected to bending moments, the following criteria should be satisfied;

FSd
M Sd
1.5
+
Ra , Rd M c, Rd
III). Buckling Resistance.
For the web the design buckling resistance should be obtained by considering the web as a virtual compression
member with an effective breath beff..
The buckling resistance should be determuned from Chapter 3 using buckling
curve c and = 1. The buckling length of the virtual compression member
should be determined from the conditions of lateral and rotational restraint at the
flanges at the point of load application, but not less than 0.75d

Transverse stiffeners.
End stiffeners and intermediate stiffeners at internal support normally be double sided and symmetric about the
centerline of the web.
When checking the buckling resistance, the effective cross-section of a stiffener should be taken as including a
width of the web plate equal to 30tw, arranged with 15tw each side of the stiffener, as shown in Fig. 4.30. At the
ends of the member (or openings in the web) the dimension of 15tw should be limited to the actual dimension
available.
In addition to checking the buckling resistance, the cross-section resistance of a load bearing stiffeners should also
be checked adjacent to the loaded flange. The width of web plate included in the effective cross-section should be
limited to Sy and allowance should be made for any opening cut in the stiffener to clear the web-to-flange welds. For
intermediate transverse stiffeners it is only necessary to check the buckling resistance, provided that they are not
subjected to external loads.

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Civil Engineering Department

10

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

34

Chapter 4. Beams.
Built-up beams.
Dimensions of the section.

h = 1.2

Try that

b fl =

Wreq
tw

where Wreq =

M SD
fy

and

t w, Min = 8 mm

Mo

h
69
tw

Wreq
ht fl

ht w
6t fl

use t w t fl 3t w ; t fl , Max = 40 mm . Try that c/tfl satisfies Class 1 or 2 conditions.

Now, with all the dimensions defined:

twd 3
+ 2b fl t fl d12
12
t fl b3fl
Iz = 2
12
2I y
Wel , y =
and W pl , y = 1.12Wel , y
h
I z h 2f
Warping Constant I w =
4
b fl t 3fl
biti3 dhw3
=
+2
Torsion Constant I t =
3
3
3
Iy =

Thickness of the plates multiples of 2 mm.

Width of the plates multiples of 20 mm.

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Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

35

Values for Mcr.

For beams with doubly symmetric cross-sections and with no end fixity.

M cr = C1

2 EI z I w
L2

Iz

L2GI t

2 EI z

Factor C1 depends on the loading conditions (see table 4.12 and 4.13 of EBCS-3)

C1 = 1.88 1.44 + 0.52 2 2.7 ,

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But the most commons values for C1 are as follows:

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

36

Example Nr 1.
Design a simple supported beam of Fe 430 steel grade. The span of the beam is 5.00 m. The top flange is embedded
in a reinforced concrete floor providing sufficient restraint against lateral-torsional buckling. The beam carries a
uniformly distributed load of 20 kN/m permanent load and 20 kN/m imposed load.
Solution:
The factored loads are: Imposed load: 1.6 x 20 = 32 kN/m
Permanent load: 1.3 x 20 = 26 kN/m.
Step 1: Maximum bending moment.

Step 2. Required plastic modulus.

W pl =

M
fy

Mo

181.3 x106 N mm
= 7.25 x105 mm3 = 725 cm3
275 / 1.1

Step3: Selection of the profile: Try 310 x 52 W Shape.

h = 317
b = 167
tfl = 13.2 mm
tw = 7.6 mm
d = 257 mm

Class of the section:

235
= 0.92
275

Mass = 0.52 kN/m

Wy,el = 747 cm3
Wy,pl = 837 cm3
Iy = 11800 cm4

167

2 = 6.33 < 9.5

13.2

and

257
= 33.82 < 83
7.6

OK

Satisfies conditions for Class 2.

Step 4. Resistance moment.

M pl , Rd =

W pl f y

Mo

837 x103 x 275

=
= 209.25 kN m > 181.3 kN m OK .
1.1

Check of the self-weight of the beam.

w = 0.52 kN/m; additional factored dead weight moment = 1.3 x 0.52 x 52 / 8 = 2.11 kN-m
Total moment: MSd = 181.3 + 2.11 = 183.41 < Mpl,Rd OK.
Step 5: Check for shear.
Maximum shear force is 145 kn + 1.3 x 5/2 = 146.69 kN.
Shear resistance of section. Un stiffened web: shear buckling resistance must not be verified if d/tw 69.
d/tw = 257/7.6 = 33.82 < 69 x 0.92

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Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

Therefore:

f
V pl , Rd = Av y

37

Mo where

Av = 1.04 x317 x7.6 = 2506 mm 2

Av = 1.04hwt w

then V pl , Rd =

2506 275
1.1

) = 361.7 kN

Effect of shear force on the resistance moment.

VSd
146.69
=
= 0.41 < 0.5
V pl , Rd
1.1

Therefore no reduction of design resistance moment required.

Step 6. Check for deflection.

5 wL4
384 EI
0.52
Deflection due to un factored load w = 20 + 20 +
= 40.10
5
5 x 40.10 x103 x50004
=
= 13.17 mm
384 x118 x106 x 2.1x105
For a simple span uniformly loaded beam

Assumption: - beam is not pre-cambered.

-beam is carrying a reinforced concrete floor.
Limiting values for vertical deflections (see Table 5:1 EBCS-3)
1. Total deflection of the span: max = L 250 = 5000
2.

Live load deflection at span (2):

max

250 = 20 mm > 13.17

= L 300 = 5000 350 = 14.3 > 12 mm

Step 7. Check for lateral-torsional buckling.

Since the reinforced concrete floor provides sufficient restraint against lateral movement, the beam is not checked
for lateral-torsional buckling.
Step 8. Check for resistance of web to transverse forces.
The beam must be checked at the support. Suppose the support as follows:

8.1 Check for web crushing:

1
S y = 2t f
2

bf

t
w

R y , Rd =

(Ss + S y )tw f y, w

f yf f , Ed

f 1 f
yf
yw

M1

where Ss = 70 mm (length of stiff bearing) and

at the end Ss is half .

bf = 167 mm < 25 x 13.2 = 330 mm OK

tw = 7.6 mm
fyf = fyw = 275 N/mm2
f,Ed = 0 (at the support there is no moment)

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

Sy =

38

(70 + 62)x7.6 x 275 = 250 kN > 146.69 OK

1
167
(1)(1) = 62 mm then R y , Rd =
2 x13.2
2
1.1
7.6

8.2 Check for web crippling.

tf
t S
+ 3 w s / M 1 but Ss / d = 70 / 257 = 0.27 therefore take Ss / d = 0.2
Ra , Rd = 0.5t w2 Ef yw
t f d
t w

13.2

7.6
Ra , Rd = 0.5 x7.62 2.1x105 x 275
+ 3
(0.2) / 1.1 = 332 kN > 146.69 OK
13.2
7.6

8.3 Check the web buckling: Un stiffened web at the point where concentrated load (reaction acts).

h 2 + S 2 70 317 2 + 702 70
s
=
= 127.32
=
a
2
2

beff = 70 + 127.32 = 197.32 mm.

Therefore; the virtual compression member for the web is:

Assumptions: Web is partially fixed at top and bottom; thus the effective length is taken no less than 0.75 d
l = 0.75 x 257 mm = 193 mm.
Radius of gyration of the web is i =

beff t w3
I
t2
7.6
t
=
= w = w =
= 2.19 mm
A
12beff t w
12
12
12

Web slenderness ratio = 193/2.19 = 88.19 and 1 = 93.9 = 93.9 x 0.92 = 86.39
Relative slenderness ratio

= 88.19 86.39 = 1.02

Using curve c of table 4.9 of EBCS-3; the reduction factor = 0.48

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Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

39

Hence; the buckling resistance of the web is:

Rb, Rd =

A Af y
; A = 1; A = beff t w = 197.32 x7.6 = 1499.6 mm 2 ; f y = 275 N mm 2 and M 1 = 1.1
M1

Rb, Rd =

0.48 x1x1499.6 x 275

= 180.2 kN > 146.69 kN
1.1

OK

Step 9: Check for flange induced buckling.

Aw

k E

f
A fc
yf

167
2
Since c
=
= 6.33 < 8.5 = 8.5 x0.92 = 7.82 , the flange is Class 1; therefore, k = 0.3
13.2
tf
The ratio d

tw

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tw

5
257

= 33.81 ? 0.3 2.1x10

275

7 .6
33.81 < 215.6 OK

(257 x7.6)

167 x13.2

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

40

Example Nr 2. Beams.
A simply supported beam 7.00 m span is laterally supported at the third points and carries un factored uniform loads
of 18.5 kN/m and 9.4 kN/m permanent load. In addition the beam carries at mid span un factored concentrated load
of 50 kN permanent load and 50 kN imposed load. Find a universal beam of grade Fe 430.
Solution:
Geometry, materials and loads.
Factored loads:
Imposed loads: q = 1.6 x 18.50 = 29.60 kN/m
Q = 1.6 x 50.00 = 80.00 kN.
Permanent loads: g = 1.3 x 9.40 = 12.20 kN/m
G = 1.3 x 50.00 = 65.00 kN.
Fe 430; fy = 275 N/mm2 (assume t 40 mm)

Step 1. Maximum bending moment and shear force.

max M =

(29.6 + 12.2)x7 2 + (80 + 65)x7 = 509.8 kN m

8
4
(29.6 + 12.2)x7 + (80 + 65) = 218.8 kN
max V =
2
2
Step 2. Required plastic modulus.

W pl =

M
f y M1

509.8 x10 2 (kN cm)

= 2039 cm3 . Tray 533 x 210 x 92 UB.
2
27.5 (kN / cm ) 1.1

Step 3. Selection of the profile.

The relevant section properties are:
h = 533.1 mm
d = 476.5 mm
tf = 15.6 mm
w = 10.2 mm
b = 209.3 mm

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w = 0.92 kN/m
A = 118 cm2
Iy = 55400 cm4
Iz = 2390 cm4
Wel,y = 2080 cm3
Wpl,y = 2370 cm3

It = 76.2 cm4
Iw = 1.6 x 106 cm6

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

Class of section.

41

235
= 0.92 .
275

209.3 2

= 6.70 < 11x0.92 OK

15.6
The section is Class 2 at least.
476.5
= 46.7 < 83 x0.92 OK
10.2

Step 4. Resistant moment. (for class 2 section).

M pl , Rd =

W pl f y

Mo

2370 x 275 x103

=
= 592.5 kN m
1.1

Check of self-weight of the beam. (w = 0.92 kN/m)

Factored weight: 1.3 x 0.92 = 1.2 kN/m
Additional moment: (1.2 x 72)/8 = 7.35 kN-m.
Total moment: 509.8 + 7.35 = 517 kN-m < 592.5 kN-m OK.
Step 5: Check for shear.
Maximum shear force, VSd = 218.8 + (1.2 x 7)/2 = 223 kN.
Shear resistance of section.

d 476.5
=
= 46.7 < 69 x0.92 = 63.5 OK . Shear buckling resistance must not be verified.
tw
10.2
V pl , Rd =
and

AV f y

Mo

) = 1.04 x533.1x10.2(275 3 ) x10

1.1

= 816.4 kN > 233 kN

OK .

233
VSd
=
= 0.27 < 0.5 Therefore, no reduction of design resistance moment is required.
V pl , Rd 816.4

Step 6: Check for deflection.

For uniformly distributed load:

For concentrated load:

5wL4
384 EI y

PL3
5
14
14
2
and EI y = 2.1x10 x55400 x10 = 1.1634 x10 N mm .
48EI y

5 x9.4 x70004
50 x103 x70003
Dead load deflection:
LL =
+
= 5.59 mm.
385 x1.1634 x1014 48 x1.1634 x1014
5 x18.5 x70004
50 x103 x70003
Imposed load deflection: IL =
+
= 8.04 mm .
384 x1.1634 x1014 48 x1.1634 x1014

L
7000
=
= 20 mm. > 8.04 mm OK .
350 350
Total deflection max = 5.59 + 8.04 = 13.63 mm .
L
7000
Allowable total deflection =
=
= 28 mm > 13.63 mm OK .
250
250

Allowable deflection for imposed load

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

42

Step 7: Check for lateral torsional buckling.

LT wWol , y f y
= 6.70 < 10 x0.92 = 9.2 .
. c = 209.3
tf
15.6
M1
The section is Class 1 and w = 1 .
M b, Rd =

Determination of Mcr.
Lateral support to the beam is provided at the ends at the third points. Therefore the effective buckling length is
L = span/3 = 7000/3 = 2333 mm.
The critical moment for lateral-torsional buckling is:

2 EI z

I w L2GI t
.
+
I z 2 EI z
L2
G
80000
and 2 = 2
= 0.039
E x 210000
M cr = C1

M cr =

C1 = 1.132 for the worse condition; G = 80 Gpa

1.132 2 x 2.1x105 x 2390 x10 4

23332

2 EW pl , y

LT =

M cr

1.6 x1012
0.39 x 23332 x76.2 x10 4
+
= 2.67 x109 N mm .
4
4
2390 x10
2390 x10

2 x 2.1x105 x 2370 x103

2.67 x109

= 42.9

42.9
= 0.4942 > 0.4
86.8
= 0.9250

1 = 93.9 = 93.9 x0.92 = 86.8 and LT =

For rolled section curve a is used. Therefore

M b, Rd =

LT

0.9250 x1x 2370 x10 x 275

x10 6 = 548 kN m > 517 kN m
1.1

Therefore, resistance of the member is adequate in bending.

Step 8.1. Check for web crushing (at the support).
R y , Rd = S s + S y t w f yw / M 1 ; Where Ss = 75 mm; Sy is the length over which the applied force is effectively

distributed.

1
S y = 2t f
2

bf

tw

Check if bf < 25 tf ;

f yf f , Ed
1

f yw
f yf

209.3 < 25 x 15.6 = 390 OK.

f , Ed = 0 at the sup port.

(75 + 70.66)10.2 x 275 x103

1
2 x15.6 209.3 10.2 = 70.66 mm and R y , Rd =
2
1.1
= 371.3 kN > 223 kN OK

Then S y =

R y , Rd

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at the end S y is half .

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

43

8.2 Check for web crippling.

Crippling resistance:
Ss = 75 mm < 0.2 d = 0.2 x 476.5 = 95.22 mm. OK.

tf
t S
Ra , Rd = 0.5t w2 Ef yw
+ 3 w s / M 1
t f d
t w

Ra , Rd =

0.5 x10.2

210000 x 275

[ (15.6 10.2) + 3(10.2 15.6)(75 476.5)]10

1.1

= 660.6 kN > 233 kN

Interaction at mid-span. Where the member is also subjected to bending moments, the following criteria should be
satisfied.

FSd
M Sd
1 ; Substituting the value of Mc,Rd = 592.5 kN-m
+
Ra , Rd M c , Rd
(80 + 65) + 517 = 1.09 < 1.5 OK .
660.6
592.5
8.3 Check for web buckling (at the support). Ss = 75 mm.

beff = 0.5 h 2 + S s2 +

75
Ss
= 0.5 533.12 + 752 +
= 306.7 mm
2
2
i=

beff tw3
I
t
=
= w
12beff hw
A
12

assuming that l = o.7 d = 0.7 x 476.5 = 333.6 mm.

Radius of gyration of the web is:

i=

10.2
tw
=
= 2.94 mm
12
12

333.6
235
= 113.5; 1 = 93.9 = 93.9
= 86.8; and
2.94
275
h 533.1
=
= 2.55 > 1.2 and t f = 15.6 mm 40 mm
b 208.7

Using buckling curve c for solid section = 0.3848.

The buckling resistance of the web is: Rb , Rd = A Af y / M 1;

113.5
= 1.31
86.8

A = 1; and

A = beff t w

A = 306.7 x10.2 = 3124 mm.

0.3848 x1x3124 x 275
Rb, Rd =
x103 = 300.5 kN > 223 kN . OK .
1.1

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Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

44

Step 9. Check for flange induced buckling.

E Aw
d

k
f yf A fc
tw

c 209.3 2
=
= 6.7 < 10 ; therefore, the fange is class 1; k = 0.3
15.6
tf

533.1x10.2
d 476.5
=
= 46.7 < 0.3 210000
= 296 ok .
275
10.2
209.3x15.6
tw
Step 10. Check for transverse force on the web.
In the absence of shear force the web of a member subject to transverse force in the plane of the web shall also
satisfy the following condition:
2

x, Ed z , Ed x, Ed z , Ed

1
f yd f yd f yd f yd
x , Ed Is the design value of the local longitudinal stress due to moment and axial force at the point.

z , Ed

fy

f y,d =

x , Ed

Is the design value of the stress at the same point due to the transverse force.

Mo
and z , Ed shall be taken as positive for compression and negative for tension.

The point to be considered is the joint between flange and web.

x , Ed

M
= Sd
Wel

z , Ed =

(h 2 t ) =
fl

517 x106 533.1 2 15.6

= 234 N / mm 2
x
3
533.1 2
2980 x10

(80 + 65)x103 = 134 N / mm2 ; assume S = 75 mm

FSd
=
s
S s + t fl t w (75 + 15.6)x10.2

Therefore:
2

234 134 234 134

250 + 250 250 250 = 0.66 < 1 OK .

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Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

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45

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

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46

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

47

Chapter 5. Beam column members.

In the foregoing consideration has been given to a columns carrying axial loads only. Loads are rarely concentrically
applied in practice and the effect of eccentricicy of loading must be taken into account.

Buckling Resistance of compression members with moments.

The total stress due by the combined action of axial force and bending moment is:

M + M , y + M ,z
and finally:

N
A f y M1

fy

M1
+

, then we can write

My
Wy f y M 1

M,y
N
Mz
1
+
+
f y M1 f y M1 f y M1

Mz
1 . Now, taking into account the problem of the loss
Wz f y M 1

of stability, the design according with EBCS-3 is as follows:

a). When lateral-torsional buckling is not a potential failure mode, for Class 1 and 2 cross-sections.

k y M y , Sd
k z M z , Sd
N Sd
+
+
1. 0
min A f y M 1 W pl , y f y M 1 W pl , z f y M 1
for Class 3 sections: Wpl,y = Wel,y
for Class 4 sections: Wpl,y = Weff,y and A = Aeff
min is the lesser of y and z (reduction factor)

ky = 1

y N Sd
1 .5
y Af y

y = y (2 My 4) +
W pl Wel
Wel

My

and

kz = 1

W pl , y Wel , y
Wel , y

z N Sd
1.5
z Af y

0.90 and z = z (2 Mz 4) +

W pl , z Wel , z
Wel , z

0.90

= 0 for Class 3 nd 4 sections.

and

Mz

are equivalent uniform factors to be obtained from the following Table according to the shape

of the bending moment diagram between the relevant braced points as follows:
Factor
My
Mz
MLT

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Moment about axis

y-y
z-z
y-y

Points braced in direction

z-z
y-y
y-y

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

When Lateral torsional buckling is a potential failure mode (When

48

> 0.4 ), these members shall also satisfied:

k LT M y , Sd
k z M z , Sd
N Sd
+
+
1.0
z A f y M 1 LTW pl , y f y M 1 W pl , z f y M 1

k LT = 1

LT N Sd
z Af y

but k LT 1

LT = 0.15 z M , LT 0.15 but LT 0.90

Equivalent Uniform Moment Factors.

The values of Factors C1, C2, and C3 corresponding to values of factor k are obtained from the following Table.
Notes:
k = 1 For no fixity at the ends.
k = 0,7 for one end fixed and one end free.
k = 0.5 For full fixity at both ends.

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

49

Values of factors C1, C2, and C3

Loading and
support
conditions

Bending moment diagram

of K

C1

C2

C3

1.0
0.7
0.5

1.000
1.000
1.000

1.000
1.113
1.144

1.0
0.7
0.5

1.141
1.270
1.305

0.998
1.565
2.293

1.323
1.473
1.514

= + 1/2

1.0
0.7
0.5

0.992
1.556
2.271

= + 1/4

1.0
0.7
0.5

1.563
1.739
1.788

0.977
1.531
2.235

1.879
2.092
2.150

=0

1.0
0.7
0.5

0.939
1.473
2.150

= - 1/4

1.0
0.7
0.5

2.281
2.538
2.609

0.855
1.340
1.957

= - 1/2

1.0
0.7
0.5

2.704
3.009
3.090

0.676
1.059
1.546

2.927
3.009
3.093

= - 3/4

1.0
0.7
0.5

0.366
0.575
0.837

2.752
3.063
3.149

=-1

1.0
0.7
0.5

0.000
0.000
0.000

= +1

= + 3/4

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Values of factors

Value

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

50

Chapter 5. Example 1.
A 4.00 m pin-ended column supports a beam with a reaction of 100 kN permanent load and 150 imposed load.
Assuming the beam reaction to be applied 75 mm from the face of the flange. Check the adequacy of a 203 x 203 x
46 UC grade 430 steel profile.
Solution:

Step 1: Applied axial forces and moments.

Partial safety factor

Factored load

Permanent load

100 kN

1.30

130 kN

Imposed load

150 kN

1.60

240 kN

Moment (beam is connected to the flange of the column).

M y , Sd = 370(0.2032 2 + 0.075) = 65.34 kN m

Step 2: Effective length of column.
Since both column ends are hinged, the effective length is l = 4.00 m.
Step 3: Select the trial section. (Section are given).
Step 4: Check the classification of the cross-section; check the section local buckling. If necessary determine the
effective cross-section and its properties.

c 203.2 2
=
= 9.24 < 11 = 11 235 275 = 10.2 (Limit for Class 2.)
tf
11.00

a)

Flanges.

b)

Web (assuming = 1) (web generally).

66
d 160.9
=
= 22 <
= 60.70
7.4
0.4 + 0.6
tw

(Web is Class 1).

The whole cross-section is Class 2.

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

51

Step 5: Check the first condition:

k y M y , Sd
k z M z , Sd
N Sd
+
+
1 . Since there is no bending about the minor axis, Mz,Sd = 0.
min Af y / M 1 W pl , y f y / M 1 W pl , z f y / M 1
Determination of the parameters:
5.1 Determonation of min
5.1.1 Buckling about y-y axis.
Slenderness ratio:

y =

Relative slenderness:

400
= 45.4
88.1

y =

y
=
1

45.4
= 0.523
235
93.9
275

h 203.2
=
= 1 < 1.2 ; Thus, buckling curve b has to be used (see Table 4.11) and y = 0.8763.
b 203.3
5.1.2 Buckling about z-z axis.

400
= 78.3
51.1
78.3
= 0.906
Relative slenderness: z =
93.9 x0.92
h
= 1 < 1.2 ; Thus, buckling curve c has to be used and z = 0.5962 (is the critical value for this case).
b
Therefore min = 0.5962
Slenderness ratio:

z =

5.2 Determination of ky.

ky = 1

y N Sd
1 .5
y Af y

y = y (2 My 4) +

M , y = M , +
Where:

MQ
M

W pl , y Wel , y
Wel , y

0.90

( M ,Q M , )

is the ratio of the end moments (is = 0 in our case).

M , = 1.8 0.7
MQ is the maximum moment from the lateral load.
M ,Q = 1.3 for uniformly distribuited lateral load and
= 1.4 for a central lateral point load.
M is the maximum span moment, to which the maximum end moment is added if the sign of the
diagram changes.

Thus:

= 0 and M , = 1.8

MQ = 0 (no lateral load between top and botton of the column).

M , y = 1.8

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Design of Steel and Timber Structures

y = 0.523

52

(refer to step 5.1.1)

y = 0.523(2 x1.8 4 ) + (497 449 )

ky = 1

449

= 0.1023 < 0.9 OK

0.1023 x370 x103

= 1.026 < 1.5
0.8763x5880 x 275

5.3. Substituting into the interaction equation for first condition:

370 x103
1.025 x65.3 x106
+
= 0.420 + 0.540 = 0.96 < 1 OK
0.5962 x5880 x 275 / 1.1 497 x103 x 275 / 1.1
Thus, the section is adequate to carry the combined compression and bending.
Step 6: Check for the second condition. (If
6.1 -

LT =
M cr =

2 EW pl , y
M cr .
C1 2 EI z
L2

LT > 0.4 ).

for all the cases.

I w L2GI t
+
I z 2 EI z

Value of C1 See Table 4.2; for = 0 and k = 1; C1 = 1.879

M cr =

1.879 2 210000 x1540 x10 4 1.42 x105 40002 x0.39 x 22.3 x104
+
1540
40002
1540 x104

M cr = 5.07 x108 N mm

2 x 210000 x 497 x103

LT =

5.07 x108

1 = 93.9 = 93.9

LT =

= 45.07

235
= 86.8
275

45.07
= 0.519 > 0.4 . Then, check the second condition is valid.
86.8

6.2 The interaction equation for Class 2 section is:

k LT M y , Sd
N Sd
+
1
z Af y / M 1 LT W pl , y f y / M 1

LT = 0.15 z M , LT 0.15 M , LT = 1.8 as in step 5.2

LT = 0.15 x0.906 x1.8 0.15 = 0.0946
k LT = 1
Value for

0.0946 x370 x103

LT N Sd
= 1
= 0.964 < 1 OK
0.5962 x5880 x 275
z Af y

LT :

For rolled sections, curve a is used; the corresponding value for

LT = 0.519 is LT = 0.9178(Table 4.9 ) .

Finally:

370000
0.964 x65.34 x10
+
= 0.422 + 0.552 = 0.974 < 1
0.5 x5880 x 275 / 1.1 0.9178 x 497 x103 x 275 / 1.1

Therefore the section is satisfactory in respect of lateral-torsional buckling and axial compression.

WU-KiT

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

53

Analysis and design of Bases.

The base of a column is designed to distribute the concentrated column load over a certain definite foundation area
and to ensure connection of the lower column end to the foundation.
Two basic types of bases are distinguished, namely pinned and rigid ones.
Pinned bases. Used to transmit axial load only.
The minimum thickness is: t =

2.5
w a 2 0.35b 2 t f , where:
f yp , d

a is the greater projection of the plate beyond the column

b is the lesser projection of the plate beyond the column
w is pressure of underside of the plate assuming an uniform distribution
Check that w 0.4 fcu
fyp,d is the design strength of the plate. See Table 6.4 bolow
tf is the flange thickness of the column.
Thickness less than or equal
Design strength fyp,d (Mpa)
(mm)
16
40
63

170
265
255

100

245

Rigid base.
In these case both axial load and bending moment are present. Two cases are to be considered:
1. The combined effect of axial load and bending moment produce a uniformly varying presure (compression)
over the entire underside of the base (use 4 anchor bolts).
2. The combined action produces a zone of compression and a zone of tension (use anchor bolts to take the
tension force in this zone).
C is the resultant of compressive zone
T is total force in all the anchor bolts located at one side of the footing

P 6M
0.4 f cu (design compressive stress of concrete)
+
BL BL2
P 6M
f min =

BL BL2
M Pa
Taking moment with respect to C. T = M Pa Ty = 0 T =
y
L x
f max
x
L; and y = L e
Where: a = ; x =
2 3
3
f max + f min
f max =

To calculate the thickness of the plate t.

f =

WU-KiT

M 6M
=
f yp , d from which t
W
1xt

6M
f yp , d

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

54

For round columns.

t=

w
D p D p 0.9 D
2.4

D is diameter of the column.

Dp is the length of the side or diameter of the cup of the base plate, but not
less than 1.5(D+75) mm.
Notes.
1.
2.

The design resistance of the holding down bolts shoud be determined from section 6.2.4 of EBCS 3.
The anchorage length shoud be such as to prevent bond failure before yielding of the bolt.

Example Nr 1.
Find the general dimension for the base plate for the following column. Consider fc at 28 days = 20 Mpa.

w=

250
P
= 312.5 cm 2
= 0.4 x 2.0kN / mm 2 BL =
0.8
BL

Using square plate

B = L = 312.5 = 17.18 cm less than 15.24 cm

Therefore use base plate 30 mm greater than each side to allow
welding.

B = L = 215 mm.

215 152.4
= 31.3 mm
2
250
w=
= 0.54 kN / cm2 < 2.0 kN / cm2
21.5 x 21.5
2.5 x0.54
3.132 0.3 x3.132 = 3.4 cm
t =
0.4 x 2
t = 34 mm > 6.8 mm OK .
a=b=

WU-KiT

OK

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

55

Example Nr 2
For the base of the crane column shown below, calculate the thickness of the base plate and the tensile force for
anchor bolts. The caracteristic concrete steength at 28 days of the foundation is 20 MPa.
Factored axial force is 590 kN.
Factored acting bending moment is 196 kN-m.
Solution:
1. The stress distribution.

P 6M
590
6 x196 x100
+ 2 =
+
BL BL
51.72 x61.26 51.72 x61.26 2
f c = 0.186 + 0.606 = 0.792 kN / cm 2 < 0.4 x 2 OK

fc =

ft = 0.186 0.606 = 0.42 kN / cm2 tensile stress.

2.

Thickness of the plate.

0.535 x132 1
2

+ (0.792 0.535)(13) x13

2
2

3
M = 59.69 kN cm
M =

suppouse 16 t 40 mm, then fyp,d = 26.5 kN/cm2

t=

6 x59.69
= 3.67 cm , take 3.8 cm = 38 mm > 35.4 mm OK.
26.5

3. Tensile force: T

M Pa
y
x
fc
0.792
L=
y = L e; e = 75mm, x =
61.26 = 40.3 cm.
f c + ft
0.792 + 0.42
3

T=

40.3
7.5 = 40.42 cm
3
L x 61.26 40.03
a= =

= 17.29 cm then finally :

2 3
2
3
196 x102 590 x17.29
T=
= 235.53kN .
40.42
235.53
= 116.26 kN each bolt.
For 2 bolts : T1bolt =
2
y = L

WU-KiT

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

56

Chapter 6. Connections
Bolted Connections
Bolted connections are employed mainly in structures subjected under reversed and vibration loads, over all in
members with heavy conditions.
The black hexagon bolt shown in the Figure below with nut and washer is the most commonly used structural
fastener.

Behaviour of bolts in joints.

Three types of behaviour appear for bolted connection as follows:
1. Shear due to shearing of their shank.

If the force P is large enough, the bolt could fail in shear; breaking by sliding of its fibres along the shear planes.
The area of the steel bolt resisting the failure is the circular area of the bolt shank. The resisting force depends
upon the number of shear planes.
2.

Bearing due to bearing of steel plates or bolt material.

3.

Tension in the direction of the acting force along the shank of the bolt.

Shear and bearing should be present at the same time in the joint. It will be seen that bolt may be designed on the
basis of their strength in shear or their strength in bearing.
In actual design the lesser of these two values will have to use.
When designing of this type of connection, the following questions should be asked:
1. Is the connection in single or double shear?
2. What is the safe appropriate shear load on one bolt?
3. What is the safe bearing load on one bolt?

WU-KiT

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

57

Effective area of bolts.

Since threads can occur in the shear plane, the area As for resisting shear should normally be taken at the bottom of
the threads. When threads do not occur in the plane As may be taken as the shank area.
Tensile stress area for bolts as determined by ISO Standards shank and tensile areas area tabulated below.
Bolt diameter
(mm)
12
16
20
22
24
27
30

Shank area
(mm2)
113
201
314
380
452
572
707

Tensile area
(mm2)
84
157
245
303
353
459
561

Shear capacity
Provided that no reductions are required for long joints the shear capacity for shear plane Fv,Rd of a bolt shall be
taken as:

Fv , Rd = f v , d As Where the design shear strength f v , d =

0.6 fub

but

0.87 f yb

Bearing capacity.
The effective capacity of a bolt in bearing on any ply shall be taken as the lesser of the bearing capacity of the bolt
and the bearing capacity of the connected ply.
The bearing capacity of the bolt. Fbb , Rd = dtf bb , d
Where d is the nominal diameter of the bolt
t
is the thickness of the ply (the minimum thickness on one part of the joint)
fbb,d is the design bearing strength of the bolt.
The bearing capacity of the connected ply. Fbp , Rd = dtf bp , d

but 1 2e1 tfbp , d

Where fbp,d is the design bearing strength of the connected parts.

is the edge distance.
e1

fbb, d =

0.9 f ub + f yb

Where fyb
fub
M
fy
fu

and

f bp , d =

0.8 fu + f y

M2

is the specified minimum yield strength of the fastener

is the specified minimum ultimate tensile strength of the fastener
is the partial safety factor Mr or Mb; as the case may be
is the specified minimum yield strength
is the specified minimum ultimate strength.

Bolt subjected to tension.

The tension capacity of a bolt Ft , Rd = f t , d As
Where the design tension capacity strength f t , d =

0.7 f ub

but

1.0 f yb

The partial safety factor for all the cases are M = 1.25

WU-KiT

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

58

Combined shear and tension.

When bolts are subjected to both shear and tension then in addition to the conditions studied before the following
relationship shall be satisfied:

Fv , Sd
Fv.Rd

Ft , Sd
Ft , Rd

1.4

Where Fv,Sd is the design shear force per bolt for the ultimate limit state
Ft,Sd
is the design tensile force per bolt for the ultimate limit state
Fv,Rd is the shear capacity per bolt
Ft,Rd is the tension capacity per bolt.
Notes:
1. The size of the holes are given in Table 6.1
2. The edge distances and spacing of holes for fasteners are given in Table 6.2

Table 6.1 Maximum dimensions of holes

Clearance
Oversize
Bolt shank
hole
hole
diameter
diameter
diameter
(mm)
(mm)
(mm)
14
14d22
24
27

d+1
d+2
d+2
d+3

Short slotted hole

dimensions
(mm)

Long slotted hole

dimensions
(mm)

d+1
d+2
d+2
d+3

d+1
d+2
d+2
d+3

d+4
d+5
d+6
d+8

d+4
d+6
d+8
d + 10

2.5d
2.5d
2.5d
2.5d

Table 6.2 Edge distances and spacing of holes for fasteners.

1
1

Edge distances

Minimum
edge
distance

For a rolled, machine

Flame cut, sawn or
Planned edge
For sheared or hand
flame cut
edge and any end

e1
e2

Hole distances
e1
e2
e1
e2

1.25 do

1.4 do

4
Maximum
Edge
distance

12 t
or
150 mm

Minimum
hole
distance p1

2.5 d0

Maximum
Hole
distance p1
in
unstiffeded
plates

14 t
or 200
mm

t is the thickness of the thinner outside ply

d o is the diameter of hole

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Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

59

Where the members are exposed to corrosive influences the maximum distances shall not exceed:
(a) for edge distances: 40 mm + 4t
(b) for hole distances: 16t or 200 mm.
Bolt grades.
The grade of the bolt is given by two figures separated by a point. The first figure is 1% of the minimum ultimate
strength in N/mm2 and the second is 1/10th of the percentage ratio of the minimum yield strength. Thus 5.6 grade
means that the minimum ultimate strength is 500 N/mm2 and the yield strength is 60% of this strength which is 300
N/Mm2. the nominal values of the yield strength fyb and the ultimate strength fub to be adopted as characteristic
values in calculations are given below.
Bolt grade
fyb (N/mm2)
fu (N/mm2)

WU-KiT

4.6
240
400

4.8
320
400

5.6
300
500

5.8
400
500

6.8
480
600

8.8
640
800

10.9
900
1000

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

60

Bolted connections.
Example Nr 1. The connection shown in the Figure below is subjected to a design tensile force of 240 kN. The steel
Grade is Fe 430, the bolt Grade 8.8 and its diameter is 20 mm. Check that the connection is adequate.

Check for the geometry.

Bolts M 20; Grade 8.8 fyb = 640 N/mm2 , fub = 800 N/mm2
Diameter of the holes: (see Table 6.1). The hole diameter shall be d0 = d + 2 mm = 20 + 2 = 22 mm.

Minimum edge dis tan ce e1 = 1.25d 0 = 1.25 x 22 = 27.5 mm < 30 ok

Minimum hole dis tan ce p1 = 2.5d 0 = 2.5 x 22 = 55 mm < 50 ok
Maximum edge dis tan ce e1 = 12t = 12 x7 = 84 mm > 50 ok
Maximum hole dis tan ce p1 = 14t = 14 x7 = 98 mm > 80 ok

Shear capacity of bolts.

Assumptions: - There are two shear planes per bolts.
- Threads are in the shear plane i.e; As = 245 mm2
Shear capacity of bolt.

Fv, Rd = f vd As =

2 x0.6 f ub As

Mb

2 x0.87 f yb As

Mb

2 x0.6 x800 x 245 x103

= 188 kN (Governs the design)
1.25
2 x0.87 x640 x 45 x10 3
and =
= 218 kN
1.25
240
is OK
Therefore, because there are 2 bolts: 188 >
2
=

Bearing capacity of members and bolts.

The bearing capacity of the bolts is:
Fbb, Rd = d t f bb, d ; where t = 14 mm (the gusset plate is not the critical member since t = 15 mm > 2 x 7 = 14 mm)

Fbb, Rd =

WU-KiT

[ (

dt 0.9 f ub + f yb

Mb

)] = 20 x14 x0.9(800 + 640)x103 = 290.3 kN ( per bolt ) > 240

1.25

OK

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

61

The bearing capacity of the gusset plate is:

1
e1 t f bb, d ( per bolt )
2
dt 0.8 f u + f y

Fbp , Rd = d t f bp , d
Fbp , Rd =

[ (

)]

M2

240
20 x15 x0.8(430 + 275)x10 3
= 135.36 >
= 120 kN . Ok
2
1.25
1 50 x15 x0.8(430 + 275)x103
and
x
= 169.2 > 135.36 OK
2
1.25
Fbp , Rd =

( governs design)

The bearing capacity of one angle is:

Fbp , Rd =

d t [0.8( f u + ft )]

1
e1t fbp , d
2

20 x7[0.8(430 + 275)]x103
240
= 63.2 kN >
= 60 kN ( per angle)
1.25
2 x2
1 50 x7 x0.8(430 + 275)x103
x
79.0 > 63.2 OK
2
1.25
=

and

Example Nr 2.
Check that the secondary girder to primary girder connec tion by means of an gles shown in the figure below is
adequate. All data required are provided in the figure.

Main girder, Secondary girder and Angles L 90 x 9 with Steel Grade Fe 430, fu = 275 N/mm2.
Bolts Grade 8.8, fyb = 640 N/mm2, fub = 800 N/mm2; Diameter 22 mm.
Bolt area at the bottom of the thread: As = 303 mm2.
Applied load: Shear force V = 890 kN (at the centreline of the web of the main girder).
Solution:
Diameter of holes d0 = d + 2 = 22 + 2 = 24 mm.
Minimum edge distance, e1 = 1.25 d0 = 1.25 x 24 = 30 mm < 40 mm. OK.
Minimum hole distance, p1 = 2.50 d0 = 2.50 x 24 = 60 mm = 60 mm OK.
Maximum edge distance, e1 = 12 t = 12 x 9 = 108 mm > 40 mm OK.
Maximum hole distance, p1 = 14 t = 14 x 9 = 126 mm > 60 mm OK.

WU-KiT

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

62

Shear Capacity of bolts.

Assumptions: - one shear area per bolt.
- threads area in the shear plane.
Shear capacity of a bolt:

Fv , Rd = f vd =

0.6 f ub As

Mb

0.87 f yb As

Mb

0.6 x800 x303 x10

890
= 116.4 >
= 49.4 kN
1.25
2 x9
0.87 x640 x303 x103
and
= 135 > 116.4 kN OK
1.25
=

Capacity of connection main girder and connection angle.

Bearing capacity of bolts.
Since the web thickness of the beam tw = 18.5 mm is grater than t he angle leg thickness ta = 9 mm, the angle is the
critical member.

Fbb, Rd = d t f bb, d =

[ (

dt 0.9 fub + f yb

Bearing Capacity of angle.

Fbp , Rd =

[ (

dt 0.8 fu + f y

Mb

Mb

1.25

)] 1 e t f
2

)] = 22 x9 x0.9 x(800 + 640)x103 = 205.3 kN > 49.4 kN

OK

bp , d

22 x9 x0.8(430 + 275)x103
=
= 89.3 kN > 49.4 OK
1.25
1 40 x9 x0.8(430 + 275)x103
and = x
= 81.2 < 89.3 but > 49.4 kN
2
1.25

OK .

Capacity of connection Secondary Girder and connection Angle (welded).

Design Moment Msd = V * e = 890 x 9 = 8010 kN-cm.

Resistance condition:

f R , w f vw, d = 0.63

f ye

Mw

but 0.65

Area of welded section = 2 x 0.566 cm x 56 cm = 63.9 cm2

fv, w =

WU-KiT

fu

Mw

890 kN
= 14.04 kN / cm2
2
63.9 cm

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

Section modulus of the weld section Wweld =

fb, w =

63

2 x0.566 x56 2
= 591.66 cm3
6

8010 kN cm
= 13.54 kN / cm 2
3
591.66 cm

Finally, for point B.

f R, w =

fb2,w + f v2,w

f R , w = 13.542 + 14.042 = 19.51 < 0.65

WU-KiT

43
= 22.36 kN / cm 2
1.25

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

64

Welded Connections.
Electric welding is the most widespread method of connecting the elements of steel members. The welding process
is shown in the following figure.

Types of weld.
The commom types of weld are illustrated in Table 6.3. To study the behaviour of the joints they are divided mainly
into 2 types, Butt weld and Fillet ones.
Butt welds. This type is used mostly to weld steel plates of same or similar thickness. You can use it also in welding
of beams with sections I or C. Their disadvantage consists in to achieve complete penetration. For foils thickness
bigger than 10 mm it is necessary to prepare the borders appropriately, that wich requires of special cares and
appropriate facilities. This work is carried out in shops where the welding process can be controlled with quality.

Behaviour of the butt joint.

Then, the tensile stress due to the axial force P on the welding section 1 1 is: f st =

P
P
= f t = , it is similar
bt
Lst

to the tension that take place in a section 2 2 for the base metal. Usually if the resistance of the material of
contribution of the electrode is bigger than that of the base netal, the resistance of the joint is guaranteed and it is not
necessary further calculation.
Fillet welds.
Fillet welds may be used for connecting parts where the fusion faces form an angle of between 600 and 1200.
Smaller angles are also permitted. However, in such a cases the weld shall be considered to be partial penetratrion
butt weld.
Fillet welds terminating at the ends or sides of parts should be returned continuously around the corners for a
distance of not less than twice the length s of the weld unless access or the configuration renders this impracticable.
This detail is particularly important for filled welds on the tension side of parts carrying a bending load.
In lap joints the minimum lap shall be no less than 4t where t is the thickness of the thinner part joined. Single fillet
welds should only be used where the parts are restrained to prevent opening of the joint.

WU-KiT

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

65

As it is observed in the figure, the tensions that appear in the welding chord are of shear, being the points of the
ends (A and B) the most loaded for what reach the yiend point first. Then the interior points go reaching the yield
point gradually and in the moment of the failure, all the points of the welding chord will be working contributing the
maximum resistance evenly. Numerous researsh works show that the failure really happens for the half plane of the
cord, that which defines the efective area as the product of multiplying the effective with of the throat of the cord (a)
for the longitude of the chord.
Throat thickness.
The effective throat size a of a fillet weld shall be taken as the perpendicular distance from the root of the weld to a
straight line joining the fusion faces wich lies within the cross-section of the weld. It is not, however, be taken as
greater than 0.707 times the effective leg with s.
The throat thickness of a fillet weld should not be less than 3 mm.
Design Strength.
The codes usually use they calculate the maximum force that resists the unit of longitude.
The design strength Fw,Rd of a fillet weld per unit of length shall be obtained from:

Fw, Rd = f vw, d a ; where f vw, d is the design shear strength of the weld and shall be determined from:
f vw, d =

0.63 f ye

Mw

but f v , w

0.65 fu

Mw

where fye is the minimum tensile strength of the electrodes.

fu is the specified minimum ultimate tensile strength of the weaker part joined.
Mw = 1.25.
Long joints.
In lap joints the design resistance of a fillet weld shall be reduced by multipliying it by a reduction factor Lw to
allow for the effects of non-uniform distribution of the stresses along its length.
This provision is not apply when the stress distribution along the weld corresponds to the stress distribution in the
adjacent base metal, as for esample, in the case of weld connecting the flange and the web of a plate girder.
Generally in lap joints longer than 150a reduction factor Lw should be taken as Lw,1 given by:

Lw,1 = 1.2 0.2 L j /(150a) but Lw.1 1.0 ; where Lj is the overall length of the lap in the direction of
the force transfer.
For fillet welds longer than 1.7 meters connecting transverse stiffeners in plated members, the reduction factor Lw
may be taken as Lw.2 given by:

Lw, 2 = 1.1 Lw / 17 but 0.6 < Lw, 2 1.0 ; where Lw is the length of the weld in meter.
Types of elctrodes.
For a common structural steel, the AWS (American Welding Society) recommends electrodes types E 60 XX and E
70 XX. E denotes electrode, the first 2 numbers represent the tensile strength of the electrode in Ksi (kilopound
per square inches); then for the electrodes abobe the tensile strength are 60 Ksi (414 Mpa) and 70 Ksi ( 483 Mpa)
respectively.

WU-KiT

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

66

Table 6.3 Common types of welded joints.

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Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

67

Welded Connections.
Example Nr 1. (Checking problem).
In the beam to column connection shown in the figure, the steel plate is supporting a support factored reaction of
525 kN from the beam. If the size of the weld is 8 mm and steel Grade Fe 360, check if the connection is adequate.

Geometry, materials and loading.

Plate t = 16 mm. Fe 360, fy = 235 N/mm2 and fu = 360 N/mm2.
Size of the welds s = 8 mm.
Throat thickness: a = 0.707 s = 0.707 x 8 = 5.66 mm.
Length of the weld l = 2 x 295 + 260 4 x 8 = 818 mm.
1). Check the dimension of the chords:
Minimum weld length l = 40 mm or 6 x a = 6 x 5.66 = 34 mm < 260 mm. OK.
Maximum weld length l = 150 a = 150 x 5.66 = 849 mm > 295 OK.
2). The design strength per unit length is Fw, Rd = f vw, d a
where f vw, d =

0.63 f ye

Mw

0.65 fu

Mw

In most practical cases, the quality of the electrodes are greater than that of the base metal and then the ultimate
tensile strength of the weaker part joined, that is, the base metal govern the design. Therefore the second statement
of the equation is checked.

0.65 x360
x5.66 = 1059.55 N / mm
1.25
3
And the total resistance force F = 1059.55 N / mmx818 mmx10 = 866 kN > 525 kN
Fw, Rd =

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OK .

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

68

Example Nr 2. (Design problem).

Special case (Eccentrically loaded joint. Unsymmetrical section).
When securing an unsymmetrical section, for example two angles to a plate, attention is paid to uneven distribution
of the load between the welds transmitting the force field from the angles to the plate.

The Force F is discomposed into F1 and F2

Taken moment with respect to point o.

F
2
2
F b = F1b F1 = F ; Thus F2 =
3
3
3
therefore; F1 is taken by two chord (filled weld) length L1each and F2 is taken by the lower two fillet weld length L2
each.
Example: Compute the welds required for connecting two angles 75x75x8 mm to a gusset plate with a thickness 10
mm. The factored tensile force in the angle is 450 kN. The material is steel Grade 430.
Geometry, Materials.
Plate and angles Grade 430 steel,
fy = 275 N/mm2 ;
Size of the welds 8 mm; take s = 6 mm.
Throat thickness a = 0.707 x 6 = 4.24 mm.

fu = 430 N/mm2

1). Acting Force F1 and F2.

2
2
F1 = x 450 kN = 300 kN
3
3
450
F2 =
= 150 kN
3

F1 =

2). Design strength per unit length. (Suppose the weaker part is the base steel).

Fw, Rd =

0.65 x 430
x 4.24 = 948 N / mm.
1.25

3). Length of fillets:

L1 =

F1
2 ( fillet welds ) Fw, Rd

300 x10 3 N
=
= 158.2 mm
2 x948 N / mm

Actual length if no round a corner L1 = 158.2 mm + 2 s = 158.2 + 2 x 6 = 170 mm each side.

And L2 = 158.2 + 2 x6 = 91.1 mm

(take 92 mm)

4). Check the dimension of the fillets.

6 x 4.24 < 92 and 170 < 150 x 4.24 OK

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Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

69

- Joints in beams under the action of bending moment and shear force.
Suppose a beam such that:

Principle: The flanges take the acting bending moment and the web takes shear force.
M is discomposed into a couple of forces F.
F = M/h acting on the flange levels.
Then

F=

284 kN m
= 532 kN .
0.533 m

Design of cover plates.

The design plastic resistance of the gross section N pl , Rd =

A = 180tc , p =
tc , p

Mo x532 x103
fy

Af y

Mo

= 532 kN

1.1x532 x103
= 2128 mm 2
275

2128 mm 2
=
= 11.82 mm take 12 mm.
180 mm
-

suppose size of the weld 8 mm < 12 mm.

throat thickness a = 0.707 x8 mm = 5.66 mm

0.65 x 430
x5.66 = 1266 N / mm
1.25
F
532 x103 N
The length of the filled weld L1 =
=
= 210 mm each sides + (round 2 x6 mm)
2 Fw, Rd 2 x1266 N / mm
-

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strength per unit length Fw, Rd =

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

70

Design of the central plate for shear.

0.65 x 430
x 4.24 = 948 N / mm
1.25
3
The total resistance force = 948 N / mm x 350 mm x 10 = 331.8 kN > 142 kN

OK .

WU-KiT

Civil Engineering Department

Strength per unit length

Fw, Rd =

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

71

Chapter 7 Timber Structures.

1.
2.
3.
4.

Introduction. Basis for design.

Design of compression members.
Design of flexural members.
Columns subject to bending and axial compression.

Reference: Chanakya Arya. Design of structural elements. Page 328.

1. Introduction.
In Ethiopia around 100 different varieties of trees types are used in timber structures.
Advantages of timber structures:
1. Easy availability.
2. Easy to work on even with simple tools.
3. It has acceptable strength in compression, tension and bending.
4. It is a lightweight material.
5. Has a good resistance to acid and salts
6. Non conductor of electricity.
7. Temperature expansion/contraction is negligible.
Disadvantages:
1. It is inflammable.
2. Insect and piants, termits, fungus and worms deteriorate it.
3. The drying, sawing and other processes on wood to get timber as construction material is
time consuming.
4. Moisture reduces the strength and volume of timber.
5. Organic structure changes the quality and volume of timber.
6. Joinary and use of fastenery need due attention and skilled working.
Basis of design.
Limit state principles: The terms ultimate and serviceability limit states apply in the same way
as is understood in other limit state codes. Thus ultimate limit states are those associated with
collapse, while serviceability limit states correspond to states beyond which specific service
criteria are no longer met.
Actions:
G Permanent actions.
Q Imposed load. Wind, earthquake, snow loads.
The design values of actions, Fd, are obtained by multiplying the characteristic actions, Fk, by
the appropriate partial safety factor F
Fd = F Fk
The partial safety factors for permanent actions, G, and variable actions, Q, states on EBCS 1
shall be used.
For permanent actions G = 1.30 (unfavourable effect)
G = 1.00 (favourable effect)
For variable actions

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Q = 1.60

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

72

Material properties. (strength classes).

European code specifies 15 strength classes. The typical characteristic strength and stiffness
values and densities for each are given in table 11.3.
The characteristic strength values given in Table 11.3 are related to a depth in bending and
witdth in tension of solid timber of 150 mm. For depth in bending or widths in tension of
solid members, h les than 150 mm the characteristic strength may be increased by the factor
kh which is given by:
150 0 .2

kh =
h
The characteristic strength, Xk, are converted to design values, Xd, by dividing them by a
partial coefficient for material properties, m, and multiplying by a factor kmod. Both factor as
follows
X d = k mod

Xk

(Equation 11.3)

Values for m.
-

Ultimate limit states.

Fundamentals combinations: timber and wood based materials
Steel used in joints
Accidental combinations
- Serviceability limits states

Values of kmod.

Loads duration class

service class
1

order of duration

0.60

0.50

Permanent

0.60

Long term

0.70

0.70

Medium term

0.80

0.80

0.70

Short term

0.90

0.90

0.70

< 1 week

Instantaneous

1.10

1.10

0.90

accidental impact.

0.55

m
1.3
1.1
1.0
1.0
examples.

> 10 years

self weight

6 month 10 years

imposed storage.

1 week 6 month

imposed
occupational loads
wind, snow.

kmod takes into account the effect on the stre ngth parameters of duration of loading and
climatic conditions.

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Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

The service classes are:

Service class

moisture contents

73

typical service conditions

12 %

20 0 C, 65 % R H

20 %

20 0 C, 85 % R H

> 20 %

Climatic conditions leading to

a higher moisture content
than in service class 2.

2. Design of Compression Members.

Members subject to axial compression only should be designed according to the following
expression provided there is no tendency for buckling to occur.

c,o d fc,o,d

where c,o d = N/A; N Axial factored load and A cross-sectional area.

fc,o,d is the design compressive strength parallel to the grain obtained from Eq. 11.3.
3. Design of flexural members.
It involves principally:
1. Bending.
2. Deflection.
3. Shear.
4. Bearing.
5. Vibration.
6. Lateral buckling.
Description of methods.
3.1 Bending
If member is not to fail in bending, the following conditions should be satisfied:
km

m, y ,d
f m,y ,d

m,y ,d
f m,y ,d

+ km

m,z ,d
f m,z ,d

m,z ,d
f m,z ,d

1
1

Where m,y,d and m,z,d are the design bending stresses about axes y-y and z-z.
fm,y,d and fm,z,d are the design strengths from equation 11.3 and km the bending factor as
follows: For rectangular sections km = 0.7
For other cross sections km = 1.0

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Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

74

For a beam whit rectangular cross-section:

My
My
M
M
and m,z ,d = z = 2 z
m,y ,d =
= 2
Zy
Zz
bh
hb
6
6
My and Mz are the design bending moments about axes y-y and z-z and Zy and Zz the moduli
of elasticity about axes y-y and z-z.
3.2. Deflection.
The components of the deflection are:
u0 Precamber (if applied)
u1 deflection due to permanent loads.
u2 deflection due to variable loads.

Limiting values.
1. Instantaneous deflection due to variable load,
u2,inst, should not exceed:
u2,inst 1/300 x span.
u2,inst 1/150 x span (for cantilever)
2. Final deflection due to variable load only
u2,fin, should not exceed:
u2,fin 1/200 x span.
u2,fin 1/100 x span (for cantilever)
3. Final deflection due to all the loads and any precamber, unet, fin
u2,net,fin 1/200 x span.
u2,net,fin 1/100 x span (for cantilever).
The instantaneous deflection due to the variable loads, u2,inst, and the final deflection due to
the total load, u2,net,fin, can be calculated using the formulae given in Table 6.9 and should be
based on E0,mean or E90,mean. The final deflection due to variable loading, u2,fin, is derived from
the instantaneous deflection using the following expression:
u fin = uinst 1 + k def

Where kdef is the deformation factor which takes into account the increase in deformation with
time due to the combined effect of creep and moisture. Values of kdef are given as follow.
Load duration class.
Permanent
Long term
Medium term
Short term

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Service class
2

0.80
0.50
0.25
0.00

0.80
0.50
0.25
0.00

3
2.00
1.50
0.75
0.00

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

75

3.3 Shear.
In flexural members are not to fail in shear, the following condition should be satisfied:

d f v ,d
where d is the design shear stress and fv,d the design shear strength.
For beam with a rectangular cross-section, the design shear stress occurs at the neutral axis
and is given by:
3V
d = d ; where Vd is the design shear force and A the cross-sectional area.
2A
k mod f v ,k
; where fv,k is the characteristic shear strength.
f v ,d =

For beam notched at the ends as shown in Fig. Below, the following condition should be
checked:
d k v f v ,d ; where kv is the shear factor which may attain the following values:
a). For beams notched on the unloaded side kv = 1
b). For beams of solid timber notched on the loaded side kv is taken as the lesser of kv = 1 and
11
. i 1.5
51 +

,
kv =

x 1
2

h ( 1 ) + 0 .8

where = he/h and x is the distance from line of action to the corner.

3.4 Bearing. (Compression perpendicular to grain).

For compression perpendicular to grain the following condition should be satisfied:

c ,90 ,d kc ,90 f c ,90 ,d

where: c,90,d is the design compressive stress perpendicular to grain
fc,90,d is the design compressive strength perpendicular to grain from equation 11.3
kc,90 is the compressive strength factor.
Here kc,90 takes into account that the load can increased if the loaded length, l in Fig.belows is
short.

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Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

76

Values for kc,90 for various combination of a, l and l1 are given in the following table.
l1 150 mm

L l 150 mm

150 > l 15 mm

15 mm > l

l1 > 150 mm
a 100 mm

a < 100 mm

1 + (150 l)/170 1 + a(150 l)/ 17000

1.8

1 + a/125

3.5 Vibration. (Applied to residential floors).

The method given in E.C. # 5 assumes that the floor is supported on four edges.
The fundamental frequency of vibration of a rectangular residential floor supported on four
edges, fI can be estimated using:
( EI ) l

f1 = 2 =
; where m is the mass equal to the self-weight of the floor and other
m
2l
permanent actions per unit area(kN/m2)
l is the floor span (m).
(EI) l is the equivalent bending stiffness in the beam direction.
Unit (Nm2/m).
For residential floors with a fundamental frequency greater than 8 Hz the following
conditions should be satisfied:

u 1.5 mm / kN
F

and

100 ( f1 1)

where is the damping coefficient, normally taken as 0.01

u is the maximum vertical deflection caused by a concentrated static force F = 1 kN
and is the unit impulse velocity.
The transverse distribution of load can be taken as 50%, i.e., 0.5 kN on the loaded joist and 25
% on the adjacent ones.
The value of the unit impulse velocity may be estimated from:
= 4( 0 .4 + 0 .6 n 40 ) / ( mbl + 200 ) mN 1 S 2 ; where b is the floor width (m) and n40 the number
of first order modes with natural frequencies below 40 Hz given by.
2
b 4 ( EI ) l
40

; where (EI)l is the equivalent plate bending stiffness parallel

n 40 = 1
f 1
l ( EI ) b
to the beam.
3.6. Lateral buckling.
The following condition shall be satisfied.

m,d k inst f m,d

where m,d is the design bending stress
fm,d is the design bending strength
kinst is the instability factor, given by:

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Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

for rel ,m 0.75

k inst = 1
k inst = 1.56 0.75 rel ,m
k inst = 1

77

for 0.75 < rel ,m 1.4

for 1.4 < rel ,m

where rel,m is the relative slenderness ratio for bending.
For beams with rectangular cross-section, rel,m can be calculated from the following
expression:
l ef hf m,k
E0 ,mean
where l ef is the effective length of the beam and is obtained
rel ,m = 2
b E0 ,k 05 Gmean
from the figure below.
b is the width of the beam
h is the depth of the beam
fm,k is the characteristic bending strength (table 11.3)
E0,k05 is the characteristic modulus of elasticity parallel to the grain (Table 11.3)
E0,mean is the mean modulus of elasticity parallel to the grain (Table 11.3)
Gmean is the mean shear modulus = E0,mean/16.

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2
rel
,m

Civil Engineering Department

Design of Steel and Timber Structures

4.

78

Column subjects to bending and compression.

Eurocodes gives two sets of conditions for designing columns resisting combined bending and
axial compression. Provided that the relative slenderness ratios about both the y-y and z-z
axes of the column; rel,y and rel,z respectively, are not greater than 0.5, i.e. rel,y 0.5 and
rel,z 0.5. The suitability of the design can be assumed using the more stringent of the
following condition:
2
c ,0 ,d m, y ,d
m,z ,d
+ km
1

+
f m, y ,d
f m,z ,d
f c ,0 ,d
c ,0 ,d
m, y ,d m,z ,d
+
1

+ km
f m, y ,d
f m,z ,d
f c ,0 ,d
2

In all other cases the stress should satisfy the more stringent of the following conditions:
c ,0 ,d m , y ,d
m,z ,d
+ km
1

+
f m ,z ,d
k c , y f c ,0 ,d f m , y ,d
c ,0 ,d
m, y ,d m,z ,d
+
1

+ km
f m, y ,d
f m,z ,d
k c ,z f c ,0 ,d

Where c,0,d is the design compressive stress = N/A

fc,0,d is the the design compressive strength (Equation 11.3)
km = 0.7 for rectangular sections and 1.0 for other cross-sections.
f c ,0 ,k
f c ,0 ,k
2 E0 .05
and rel ,z =
rel ,y =
where c ,crit =
2
c ,crit ,z
c ,crit , y
Values of l ef

m is the bending stress due to any lateral or eccentric loads.

1
2
kc =
where k = 0 .5 1 + c ( rel 0 .5 ) + rel
2
2
k + k rel

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and

l ef
i

and c = 0.2 for solid timber.

Civil Engineering Department