Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

UNRESTRAINED BEAMS

Dr. H Narendra
Professor, Department of Civil Engineering
M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore

1.1 Introduction
A transversely loaded member that is bent about major axis may buckle sideways if its
compression flange is unstable during the beam buckling . At the critical loading there is a
tendency for the compression flange tends to bend sideways and remaining of the cross-
section which is stable to resist from doing so . The entire section rotates and moves laterally.

Fig 1.1 Lateral Buckling of Beams

Consider a beam incrementally loaded. The beam first deflects downwards. When the
applied load exceeds a value it will tilt sideways due to immovability of the compression
flange

The beam distorts; that is it undergoes vertical displacement and rotation The beam cross
section rotates as a rigid body without any cross sectional distortion this behavior is similar
to buckling of columns. Initially the columns under goes elastic shortening and followed by
lateral deflection during buckling. It is to be noted that the lateral buckling is a three
dimensional phenomena. Buckling is a combination of twisting and laterally bending about
by the instability of compression flange.

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 1

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Fig 1.2 Lateral Buckling of Beams

Assumptions

1. The beam is initially undistorted

2. Its behavior is elastic (no yielding)
3. It is loaded by equal and opposite end moments in the plane of web laterally
4. The loads act in the plane of web
5. The beam does not have residual stress
6. It ends are simply supported vertically

1.2 Elastic critical moment (Mcr)

In the development of Design equations for laterally torsional buckling the bench mark
problem is to consider a laterally unrestrained beam subjected to end moment is called as
elastic critical moment Mcr.

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 2

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

1.3 Lateral torsional buckling of symmetric sections (I Beams)

The elastic critical moment is affected by ( Ref Annex E)

a) Moment gradient in the unsupported length

b) Boundary conditions at the lateral support points
c) Non-symmetrical and non-prismatic nature of the member
d) Location of transverse load with respect to shear centre

The equilibrium equation of an unrestrained beam is given by

-G - = 0 ---(1)

EIw = Warping rigidity

GJz= Torsional rigidity

EIy = Minor axis flexural rigidity

The above equation is solved and the critical moment

Mcr = -----(2)

Denoting B2 =

γ= ------(3)

the above equation can be written as

Mcr = C1 γ ------(4)

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 3

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

i) C1 refers to the loading and support conditions.

ii) The second term varies with the material properties and the shape of the beam.

iii) The third term γ varies with the length of the beam.

Factors influencing lateral torsional buckling

i) Shape of the cross section:- Sections with greater lateral bending and Torsional
resistance have greater resistance to buckling.
ii) Support conditions:- Rotational restraint in plan helps to prevent buckling.
iii) The unrestrained length of the compression flange. The longer this is, the weaker the
beam. Lateral buckling is prevented by presiding props at intermediate supports.
iv) The application of loads and shape of the bending moment diagram.
v) Lateral restraint to the tension flange also helps to resist buckling.

1.3.1 Influence of cross sectional shape on lateral torsional buckling

Fig 1.3

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 4

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Fig 1.4
The shape of the cross section is a very important parameter while evaluating its lateral buckling
capacity

Infact lateral instability can be reduced or even avoided by choosing appropriate section.

Closed section such as tubes, boxes and solid shafts have Torsional stiffness as 100 times that of
an open section.

Open sections are having high major axis bending strength they are relatively weak in their
minor axis bending and twisting.

In general the beams with an open cross-section has a tendency to fail over weak axis

1.3.2 Support conditions

The various support conditions are reflected by effective length of member. In Simply
supported beams where no lateral restraint to the compression flange is provided, but where each
end of the beam is restrained against torsion the effective length LLT of the lateral buckling shall
be taken from the Table 15 in Pg 58, IS800:2000

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 5

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

The effective length for lateral torsional buckling shall be taken as the distance between
Centre to Centre of the restrained members in the relevant segment under normal loading
conditions and 1.2 times the distance where the load is not acting on the beam at the shear so as
to have the destabilizing effect during lateral buckling considerations.

Table 15 Effective length of Simply Supported Beams (LLT)

Sl No. Condition of Restraint Support Loading Conditions

Torsional Restraint Warping Restraint Normal Destabilizing
i. Fully Restrained Both flanges are fully 0.70l 0.85l
Restrained
ii. Fully Restrained Compression flanges fully 0.75l 0.90l
Restrained
iii. Fully Restrained Both flanges are fully 0.80l 0.95l
restrained
iv. Fully Restrained Compression flanges fully 0.85l 1.00l
Restrained
v. Fully Restrained Warping not restrained in 1.00l 1.20l
both flanges
vi. Partially Restrained Warping not restrained in 1.0l+2D 1.2l+2D
by bottom flange support both flanges
connection
vii. Partially Restrained Warping not restrained in 1.2l+2D 1.4l+2D
by bottom flange both flanges
beams sustained

Notes:

1. Torsional restraint prevent rotation about the longitudinal axis.

2. Warping restraint prevents rotation of flange in its plane
3. D is the overall depth of beam

For Cantilever beams, the effective length L is taken from Table 16 for different support
conditions, the most severe loading is the point acting at the Tip,

The critical moment is given by

Mcr= ------(5)

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 6

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Intermediate braces:
Intermediate bracings can increase the lateral stability of the beam, generally

Fig 1.5

Fig 1.6

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 7

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Fig 1.7

Fig 1.8

Designer has to decide what constitutes a satisfactory lateral support (bracing) for a steel
beam.

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 8

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

1.3.3 The Requirements of effective bracing

(1) It should have sufficient stiffness so that buckling of the beam occurs in between the braces.

(2) It should have sufficient strength to withstand the force transferred to it by the beams.

1.3.4 Torsional bracings

Torsional bracings may be in the cross frames or diaphragms at discrete locations or continuous
bracing in the form of metal decks and slabs.

Fig 1.9 Fig 1.10

Fig 1.11 Fig 1.12

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 9

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

1.3.5 Level of application of transverse load

 A load applied above the centroid of the cross section, causes an additional over turning
moment and more critical.

 If the load is applied below the centriod, it creates a stabilizing effect.

 Location of the load application has no effect if a restraint is provided at the load point.

1.3.6 Influence of type of loading

The critical moment Mcr1 for non uniform bending can be found from
Mcr1 = C1Mcr
C1 is the equivalent uniform factor
C1 = 1.88 - 1.40ψ + 0.52ψ2 ≤ 2.70
Where ψ is the ratio of end moments defined in Table 42 given in IS 800. Kw is taken as unity.

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 10

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

1.4 Numerical Examples

Example 1.1
Calculate the moment carrying capacity of a laterally unrestrained beam ISMB300 member of
length 3m with fy =250Mpa.

Fig 1.13

Solution:-

Height of web
= 300 - 2(tf + R)
= 300 – 2(12.4 + 14)
= 247.2mm

Mcr =

G = E / 2(1+µ) = 2(10)5 / 2(1+0.3) = 76.92 (10)3 N/mm2

J= = [(2X140X12.43 / 3) + ((300-12.4)7.53/ 3)]

J = [177.95(10)3 + 40.44(10)3] = 2.18(10)5 mm4

kL = 3000mm

c/c of flange hf = 300 – 12.4 = 287.6mm

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 11

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Iw = ( 1-βf) (βf) hf2 Iy

βf = Ifc / (Ifc +Ift ) = 0.5

Ifc = moment of inertia of compression flange

Ift = moment of inertia of tension flange

Iw = (1-0.5)0.5X287.62X453.9(10)4 = 9.38(10)10 mm4

Mcr =

Mcr =

Mcr = 192.96KN-m

Section classification

(b/tf) = (70/12.4) = 5.65 < 9.4ε

(d/tw) = (247.2/7.5) = 32.96 < 84ε

Hence the section is plastic

Calculation of moment carrying capacity of section (P-54, Cl-8.2.2)

λLT =

λLT = = 0.92

ϕ LT = 0.5[1+αLT (λLT-0.2)+ λLT2]

ϕ LT = 0.5[1+0.21(0.92-0.2)+ 0.922] = 1.00

Bending stress reduction factor

χLT = { 1/ [ ϕ LT +( ϕ LT2 - λLT2)0.5} ≤1.0

χLT = { 1/ [1+(12-0.922) 0.5} = 0.718 ≤1.0
Bending stress

Fbd = [(χLT fy) / γmo] = [0.718 X250 / 1.1] = 163.18N/mm2

Design of bending strength

Md = βpfbdZp = [(1.0X163.18X651.74X103) / 106] = 106.35 kN-m

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 12

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Example 1.2

A cantilever beam supports a concentrated load of 60kN at the free end as indicated.

Design the beam for the following cases.

i) Beam is supported on Top flange.

ii) Beam is supported on bottom flange.

Fig 1.14

Fig1.15

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 13

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Solution :-

Referring to Table 16, P61 of IS800

For destabilizing moment

LLT = 7.5L = 7.5X1 = 7.5m

Bending moment = WL = 60X1 = 60kN-m

As maximum slenderness ratio is 300 ( Table 3, P20, Serial no iv)

Compression flange of a beam against lateral truss

For LLT = 7500mm, (ry) req = (7500/ 300) = 25mm

Try ISMB250

D =250mm, tf =12.5mm, ry =26.5mm, Zpz = 465.71cm3

(D / tf) = (250/12.5) = 24.2 , (L/ ry) = (7500/26.5) = 283

From Table 14, IS 800, Using double interpolation

Fcr,b = 76.43 N/mm2

Mpz = (76.43X465.71X103) /106 = 35.6kN-m < 60kN-m

Hence revise the section

Try ISMB300

D =300mm, tf =12.4mm, ry =28.4mm

(D / tf) = (300/12.4) = 24.2 , (L/ ry) = (7500/28.4) = 264

From Table 14, IS 800, Using double interpolation

fbd = 65.46 N/mm2

Mpz = 65.46 X 651.74 X (103/106) = 42.66kN-m < 60kN-m

As the beam is not safe

Mpz = 79.26 X 1176.18 X (103/106) = 93.22kN-m > 60kN-m

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 14

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

(a) When supported on the top of the girder with wide gusset

Referring to Table 16, cantilever with partial Torsional restraint and lateral Torsional restraint to
top flange

Effective length LLT = 1.8L = 1.8X1 =1.8m

Bending moment M = WL = 60X1 = 60kN-m

Try ISMB250

D =250mm, tf =12.5mm, ry =26.5mm, Zpz = 465.71X103mm3

(D / tf) =20, (LLT/ ry) = (1800/26.5) = 67.92

For LLT / ry = = 67.92 and D/ tf = 20

Table 14, P57, IS 800

Fcr,b = 726.41 N/mm2

Using the above value of Fcr,b ; and referring to Table13(a) P55,IS 800

Design bending compressive stress = fbd = 197.42 MPa

Therefore, Md = fbdZpz = 197.42X465.71X(103/106) = 91.963KN-m > 60 KN-m

Hence adopt ISMB250

This problem illustrates the effect of boundary conditions while designing such sections for the
same applied moment.

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 15

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Example 1.3

Design a laterally unrestrained beam to carry a uniformly distributed load of 60kN/m. the beam
is unsupported for a length of 1.8m and is simply supported on longitudinal beams at its ends.

Factored load = 1.5X60= 90kN/m

Factored bending moment = 90X(1.82/8) = 36.45 kN-m

Factored shear force = 90X(1.8/2) = 80.0 KN

Choose an initial section

Assume ƛ = 100; (h/tf) =25 ; fcrb = 291.3 kN/mm2

ƛLT = ( fy / fcrb) = (250/291.3) = 0.926

ØLT = 0.5[ 1 + αLT (ƛLT – 0.2) + ƛLT2]

= 0.5[ 1+0.21(0.926-0.2) + 0.9262] =1.005

χLT = [ 1/ (ØLT + (ØLT2 - ƛLT2]0.5 ≤ 1.0 = 0.7166 ≤ 1.0

Bending design stress = χLT (fy/ γmo) = ( 0.7165X250)/1.10 = 162. 84 N/mm2

Plastic modulus required = (36.45X106) / 162.84 = 223.84 cm3

Try ISMB200 Zpx = 253.86 cm3 > 223.84 cm3

Section classification

(b/tf) = (50/10.8) = 4.63< 9.48

D = h -2(tf +r1) = 200-2(10.8+11) = 156.4mm

(d/ tw) = (156.4/5.7) = 27.44< 84

Hence it is a plastic section

(kL/ ry) =(1800/21.5) = 83.7, (h/ tf) = (200/10.8) = 18.52

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 16

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

(kL/ ryy) 18 18.52 20

80 478.4 455.3
83.7 450.2 427.6
90 402.2 380.4

fcr,b = 444N/mm2

From Table 13(a) fbd = 18612N/mm2

Md = βd Zp fbd =(253.8X103X186.12)/106 = 47.25>36.45kN-m

Hence adopt the section ISMB200 @ 25.4kg/m

Check for shear

0.6 Vd > V

(0.6 fy h tw ) / γmo 3 >V

(0.6X250X200X5.7)/(1.1X 3X100) = 89.75KN > 81.0KN

Check for deflection

Δ = (5/384)X(600/1000) X(18004 / (200X2235.4X104)) = 1.83mm ≤ (span/300) =(1800/300)

Δ = 6mm

Check for buckling

Assuming the longitudinal beams are of same size

Fb = (b1 + n1) tw fc

b1 = (bf - tw )/2 = (100-5.7)/2 = 47.15mm

n1 = (D/2) =(200/2) =100mm

ƛ = 2.5(d/ tw) =2.5X27.44 = 68.6

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 17

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Refer Table 9 ( c) , P42

fcd = 168 –(8.6/10)X16 = 154.24 N/mm2

using the above equations;

Fb = (47.15+100)X5.7X(154.24/1000) = 129.4KN > 81.0 KN

Check for web crippling

Fw = [(b1 + n2) tw fyw]/ γmo

n2 = 2.5 (tf + r1) = 2.5

Fw = [(47.15 +162)X5.7X250]/(1.1X1000) = 141.4kN > 81kN

Hence adopt the section [email protected]/m

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 18

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Example 1.4

Design a continuous beam of three spans of 5m, each carrying a factored udl of 50kN/m and the
beam is laterally unrestrained.

Fig 1.16

Solution :-

MFAB = -50X52/12 = -104.17kN-m ; dBA = 3/7

MFBA = +50X52/12 = +104.17kN-m ; dBC = 4/7

Fig 1.17 Fig 1.18

Considering the span AB;

A = 0;

5VB1 = 133.94 + 50X(52/2) = 758.94

VB1 = 151.8 KN

VB2 = 50.2.5 = 125KN

Maximum Shear force = 151.8+125= 276.8 kN

Maximum Bending Moment = 133.94KN-m

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 19

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Selection of initial section,

Assume ƛ = 100; (h/tf) =25 ; fcrb = 291.3 kN/mm2

ƛLT = = = 0.926

ØLT = 0.5[ 1 + αLT (ƛLT – 0.2) + ƛLT2]

= 0.5[ 1+0.21(0.926-0.2) + 0.9262] =1.005

χLT = [ 1/ (ØLT + (ØLT2 - ƛLT2]0.5 ≤ 1.0 = 0.7166 ≤ 1.0

fbd = χLT (fy/ Ƴmo) = ( 0.7165X250)/1.10 = 162.384 N/mm2

Therefore required section = (133.94X106)/162.73 = 823.1X103 mm3

Choose an ISLB400 @ 0.57kN/m

d = 400 – 2(12.5+16) = 343mm

Izz = 19281.5(10)4 mm4

Iyy = 716(10)4 mm4

Zez= 964.1(10)3 mm3

ZPy= 1098.2(10)3 mm3 > 823.1(10)3 mm3

Fig 1.19

Section classification

(b/tf) = (82.5/12.5) = 6.6< 9.4

(d/ tw) = (343/8) = 42.88< 84

Section is plastic

Tortional buckling moment

Mcr =

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 20

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

G= = (2X105)/(2X(1+0.3)) = 76.92(10)3 N/mm2

It = ∑ ( biti3) / 3 = [ 2X(1653/3) + (400-12.5)X(83/3)] = 2.81(10)5 mm4

Iw = (1- βf) βf Iy hf2

Βf = Ifc / (Ifc + Ift) = 0.5

Iw = (1-0.5)X0.5X716X104X287.62 =1.48X1011mm6

Mcr = {( 2EIy/(kl)2)X(GJ + 2
EIw//(kl)2)}

G= = (2X105)/(2X(1+0.3)) = 76.92(10)3 N/mm2

Mcr = {( 2X2X105X716X104/50002)X( 76923X2.81X105 + ( 2

X2X105X1.48X1011 )/50002)}

Mcr =137.16 KN-m

ƛLT = ( βd Zp fy/ Mcr ) = ((1X1098.2X103X250)/137.16X106) = 1.414

ØLT = 0.5[ 1 + αLT (ƛLT – 0.2) + ƛLT2]

= 0.5[ 1+0.21(1.414-0.2) + 1.4142] =1.627

χLT = [ 1/ (ØLT + (ØLT2 - ƛLT2]0.5 ≤ 1.0 = 0.411≤ 1.0

fbd = χLT χ (fy/ Ƴmo) = ( 0.411X250)/1.10 = 93.4 N/mm2

Therefore required section = (133.94X106)/93.4 = 1.43X106 mm3

Try ISLB500 @ 0.75 KN/m

b/tf = (90/17.2) = 5.23 < 9.4

d/tw = (437.8/10.2) = 42.92 < 84

“Section is p astic”

Iy = 1060(10)4 mm4

Fig 1.20

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 21

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Torsional buckling moment

Mcr =

G= = (2X105)/(2X(1+0.3)) = 76.92(10)3 N/mm2

It = ∑ ( biti3) / 3 = [ 2X180X(17.23/3) + (500-17.5)X(10.23/3)] = 781.4(10)3 mm4

Iw = (1- βf) βf Iy hf2

βf = 0.5

Iw = (1- 0.5) 0.5X 1060(10)4X 482.82 = 5.43(10)11mm4

Mcr =

Mcr=

Mcr= 734.16 KN-m

Alternatively;

Mcr= [1+ ( )2 ]0.5

= 5000/35.2 = 142.05

= 500/17.2 = 29.07

Mcr= [1+ ( 142.05/29.07)2]0.5

Mcr= 209.23 [ 1+1.19]0.5

Mcr= 309.63 kN-m

140 205.8

142 ?

150 188.4

fcr,b = 205.8 – (2/10) X 17.4

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 22

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

fcr,b = 202.32 N/ mm2

Mcr= 202.32 X 1.78 x106 N-mm

Mcr= 360.13 kN – m

λLT =

λLT =

λLT = 1.2

ϕLT=0.5[1+ αLT (λLT -0.2)+ λ2LT]

=0.5[1+0.21(1.2-0.2)+1.22]

ϕLT=1.325

χLT=
ϕ λ

χLT =

χLT =0.53˂1.0

fbd= χLT

=0.53x =120.45 N/mm2

Md=120.45x1.78x

=214.4KN-m˃133.944kN-m

Check for shear

˃ 276.8kN

= 401.53kN˃ 276.8kN

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 23

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Check for deflection

δ=

δ=3mm ˂ = =20 mm

Check for web buckling

Ab=( b1+ h1) tw

Ab=(100+250)10.2+3570mm2

le=0.7d=0.7*(500-2(17.2+17)

le=302.12mm

rmin= =2.94mm

λ= = =102.76

from Table 9( c )

fcd=107- X12.4 =103.58 N/mm2

Strength of section

=103.58* =369.78 KN ˃ 276.8KN

Check for web bearing

Fw= (b1+ n2) tw

b1=100mm

n2=2.5(tf+R) = 2.5(17.2+17) =85.5mm

Fw= (100+ 85.5) 10.2 = 430kN ˃ 276.8KN

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 24

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

1.5 Monosymmetric Beams

When a monosymmetric I beam is loaded in its plane of symmetry,

The longitudinal bending stress =

In which βx is monosymmetric property of the section.

TM= Mx βx ( )

TM= Torque, in which βx is the monosymmetry if the cross section.

An expression for βx is given by

Fig 1.21

h= D – (T1+T2)/2

ȳ=

y0= αh - ȳ

α=

βx = {(h- ȳ)[ ȳ ȳ[ + ȳ2] + [(h - ȳ- )4 – (y1- )4] } – 2yo

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 25

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

βx =

The effective torsional rigidity is

(GJ +Mz βx)

In doubly symmetric beams, the torque due to compressive bending stress is balanced by
restoring torque due to tensile stresses.

Hence βx is zero.

In monosymmetric beams larger stresses develop in the smaller flange. This acts far away from
the shear centre. This creates an imbalance in torque.

In this case Mx βx is negative when smaller flange is in compression.

The main conclusion is that

Buckling resistance increases when compression in larger flange.

Buckling resistance decreases when compression flange is smaller.

Symmetrical unequal flange I beam

Mcr =( /l) {

Where

Iyc = minor axis second moment of area of compression flange

The monosymmetry property is approximated to

βx = 0.9h(2 -1) (1- Iy2 / Ix2)

and the warping constant

2
= (1- yh

The available results show that higher critical loads are obtained when large compression flange
is used.

For T section s, the va ue of βx can be obtained by putting T1or T2 equal to zero. The warping
constant is zero.

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 26

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

1.6 Non uniform Beams

The following are the different types of non uniform sections, viz

 Tapering Rectangular sections,

 I beams may be tapered in their depths or flange widths.
 Flange thickness is generally kept constant
 However steps in flange width or thickness are also in use.
 Tapering of narrow rectangular beams makes reduction in minor axis flexural rigidity
EIy and torsional rigidity GJ.
 The depth reduction may not affect EIy, And has marginal effect GJ.
 E is reduced drastically due to reduction in depth
 Reduction in flange width and thickness cause significant reduction in EIy, EIw and GJ
 Knowing the elastic critical load, the maximum stress Fb at elastic buckling can be
determined.

1.7 Elastic critical load of a tapered beam

McrT = r Mcru
r = Reduction factor

McrT = critical buckling load of a tapered beam

Mcru = critical buckling load of a uniform beam

r=

where γ = [ ( )3 ( )3 ( )2 ]

Sx = section modulus

T = Flange thickness

D = Depth of section

B = Flange width

Subscript 0 and 1 relate to the points of maximum and minimum moment respectively.

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 27

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

1.8 Beams of unsymmetrical sections

In practice, we come across channel and Z sections.

Fig 1.22 Fig 1.23

For instability not to occur, the conditions to be satisfied are,

(1) For channel sections, the loads must pass through the shear centre.
(2) For Z sections, in the direction normal to the horizontal plane.

Torsional constant for the sections are

] for a channel.

[2t ( for Z section.

h= distance between flange centroids

t= thickness of web

B= total width of flange

T= Flange thickness

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 28

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

1.9 Uniform Torsion :

In uniform torsion, the twist per unit length is constant along the length of member. This occur
when the torque is constant and the ends of the member are free to warp.

a) Lines which are parallel to the axis of twist become helices after twist
b) Cross sections rotate as rigid bodies about the angle of twist .
c) Cross sec ions warp ou o eir planes e warping de lec ions ω being cons an
along the length of member.

1.9.1 St Venant’s Torsion :

If a circular section is twisted by the torsional moment, the external torque is restricted by
circumferential shear stress when magnitude varies as their distance from the centroid of the
section. The angle of twist is related to torque T by the expressions

T=GJ

Where G is the shear modulus, J is the torsional constant and Z is the direction along the axis of
the member, G J is the torsional rigidity of the section.

Fig 1.24

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 29

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

In general the torque T induces shear stresses ‫ﺡ‬XZ and ‫ﺡ‬yz which act in the plane of the
cross section. The non circu ar sections and narrow rectangu ar sections Prandt ’s can be
analyzed by using membrane analogy. Consider a rectangular section subjected to torsional
moment T. This can be considered as a rectangular membrane fixed at the boundary and the
membrane being displaced by uniform pressure.

The derived conclusions from membrane analogy are

1) The contours of the membrane in displaced form represent the stress trajectories.
2) Slope of the membrane is proportional to the shear stress
3) Volume of the membrane is proportional to torque
4) Shear strains correspond to twisting and warping deformations

Fig 1.25 Prandtl’s membrane analogy for uniform tension

The stress distribution is found by solving the equation

∇2 = - 2 G (d / dz)

And ‫ﺡ‬yz = - ; ‫ﺡ‬XZ=

Subject to the condition that

= constant

The torque capacity is given by

T= 2 ʃ ʃ dx dy

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 30

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

1.10 Non uniform torsion

In non-uniform torsion, the rate of change of angle of twist (d / dz )and the longitudinal
warping deflections ‘w’ vary along the length of the member. The warping deflections induce
longitudinal strains and stresses. When these normal stresses vary along the member, they are
associated with warping shear stress distributed around the section and these act in conjunction
with the shear stresses due to uniform torsion to resist the torque.

Consider a cantilever beam of I section subjected to twisting moment. The

built is end is restrained against warping while the unsupported end is allowed to warp freely

Fig 1.26

The restrained warping deformation results in differential bending of flange to the right and the
other one to the left. The flange bending moment which exists in the cantilever beam varies from
zero at the free ends of the member to the fixed end.

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 31

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

At any intermediate section, there exists a shear force at each flange equal to

Vf= -

In which Mf is the flange moment and negative sign indicates that Mf increases with decrease in
z. The shear forces in the two flanges are acting in opposite direction and form a couple. The
app ied torque is ca ed as “Warping torsion”.

A member that is not permitted to warp freely will resist an applied torque by a combination of
St Venants torsion and Warping torsion .thus

T = TSV +TW

In which TSV is the St Venants torsion and TW is the warping torsion. The above equation refers
to “Non uniform torsion” thus

TSV= G J

TW = Vfh

d
TW = - d h

Let the displacements of the centre line x and

Mf= E If (d2x / dz2)

In which If is the moment of inertia of flange

About its strong axis .

x=β

Substituting in the above equation

Mf = E IS (h/2) (d2 β / dz2)

and, TW = - E IS (h2/2) (d3 β / dz3)

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 32

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Denoting the term If (h2/2) as torsional warping constant and can be written as

Ґ = If (h2/2)

and is written as

TW = - E Ґ(d3 β / dz3)

Combining Tsv+Tw we get

T = G J ( dβ / dz) - E Ґ(d3 β / dz3)

The first term refers to the resistance to twisting and second term refers to resistance due to
warping.

1.10.1 Non uniform torsion analysis

The non uniform torsion is

Mz= G J ( d / dz) - EIw(d3 / dz3)

The general solution of which can be written as

(z/a) -(z/a)
= A1 e + A2 e + p(z)

Where a2= =

p(z) = particular integral which depends on variation of the torque Mt along the beam.

where, A1,A2,A3 depend on the form of the boundary conditions. Complete solutions of a
number of torque distribution and boundary conditions have been determined and graphical
solutions for the twist and its higher derivatives are available.

The twisted shape of a member is non-uniform torsion is given by the above equation. The

torque T is constant, in this case a particular integral p(z) =

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 33

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

While the boundary condition require that

A1 + A2 +A3 = 0

- + =0

e + e =0

So That ,

= - ( )

At the fixed end uniform torque is zero because (d / dz ) = 0; because of this torque Mz is
resisted solely by the warping torque and the maximum warping shear stresses occur at the point.

The value of is greatest at the fixed end and ( is greatest at the fixed end, and the
value of warping normal stress is also greatest there. At the loaded end of the cantilever, the
value of (d / dz ) is greatest and therefore the value of shear stress due to uniform torsion is also
greatest there the warping torque at the loaded at the loaded end is

MWT = T

Which decreases from T to zero as (L/a) increases from 0 to ∞. Thus the warping shear stress is
at the loaded end are not zero , but are less than those at the fixed end.

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 34

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Example 1 .5

The cantilever shown in fig is 4 m long and has the following properties. If the end torque is 60
kN- m determine the approximate value of the end twist by assuming either

(a) That the cantilever is the uniform torsion by assuming either (EIw =0)
(b) That the cantilever is in warping torsion (GJ=0)

Solution

Fig 1.27

The angle of twist in a region of constant torque T will vary linearly as

= +

As EIW = 0, Then = 0 and hence

Fig 1.28

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 35

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

= =

= 0.033 radians = 10 53’

Case (B) Warping Torsion

We know

- EIW =T

The solution of which is

- EIW =T + A1 +A2Z +A3

The boundary conditions = )0 = ( )L= 0

are satisfied if
A2 = A3 = 0 and A1 = - TL

= ( - )

The end twist is

= =

IW = Iy = 453.9 x 104 x (287.4 2 /4 )

IW = 9.37 X 1010 mm6

= 0.68 radians ; 380 57’

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 36

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Example 1.6

Determine the accurate value of end twist of the cantilever of Example 1

Solution

a= = = 508.6 mm

a = 0.51m

= = 1.54 (10-7)

= ( 1- ( ))

= ( 1- ( ))

= 0.0288 radians ; 10 65’

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 37

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Example 1.7
Determine the maximum uniform torsion shear stress for the data given in Example 1.
Solution
Nominal maximum uniform torsion shear stress can be found by assuming
τmax ≈ Gθt

τmax≈ G( )max tmax

The maximum va ue of θ occurs at the free end is given by

( )max =

= =7.843

= 15.686

( )max =

( )max = 8.28X10-6

( )max = 8.28X10-6

( )max = 8.2735X10-6

τmax = 8000X8.82735X10-6X12.4
τmax =8.8N/mm2
This maximum shear stress occurs at the centre of the long edge of the flange. However
this value will increase due to stress concentration factor. The stress concentration factor is due
to the reentrant corner at the junction of the web and flange.
The stress concentration factor depends on

= = 1.13
Where ‘r’ is the radius at root of ISMB300 and ‘t’ is the thic ness of f ange.

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 38

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Fig 1.29

and τact, τnom are the actual and nominal shear stress. From the figure, we obtain

=1.20

Hence the actual load maximum shear stress is

= 1.20X8.8

=10.56N/mm2

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 39

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Example 1.8
Determine the maximum warping shear and normal stress for the data in Example 1.
T= 10kN-m
Maximum warping shear stress

Flange shear stress – τf = T/h = 10 / 0.3 = 33.3 kN

The shear stress in flange vary parabolically

Hence, τw = = = 28.7 N / mm2

Maximum Warping normal stress

w = ( = 57.96 N/mm2

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 40

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

1.11 Shear Center

The beams made up of open sections like I-sections, Channels and angles offer more
resistance in bending and a small resistance to Torsion. In such sections, the shear center concept
is to be fairly understood. In this section, the shear centers of beams made up of narrow
rectangles with one axis of symmetry viz angles and channels are discussed.
It is to be noted that the flexural formula y is valid only when the loads must pass through

the bending axis. in other words if the bending loads causes the beam to twist in additional to
bending, the longitudinal stress obtained from flexural formula is not valid.
The effect of applying load through the shear center is shown in the following figures.

Fig 1.30

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 41

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

It is a point through which applied shear force when passes will not produce torsion or
twisting of the member. It is called as center of twist.
In other words, if the load is not applied through the shear center, then the beam will twist
due to the unbalanced moment caused by the shear force.
The cross section having two axis of symmetry, Shear center at the centroid of the section.
For having one axis of symmetry, the Shear center is not coinciding with centroid. But the shear
center always lies in the axis of symmetry.

1.11.1 Method of locating shear center

The shear center is found out by locating the action line of the resultant shearing force on the
section.
If a beam is subjected to a bending couple causing bending without shear, a resultant shear force
at any section would not exist. Thus the shear center has no meaning pure bending.

The principle is that,

“The loads acting on a beam, must lie in a plane which contains the resultant shearing force on
each cross section of the beam as computed from the shearing stress produced in the beam when
it is loaded so that it does not twist as it bend.”

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 42

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

1.11.2 Shear center of channel section:

Fig 1.31
The objective is locate the shear centre of the cross section O. This is done by locating the
distance ‘e’ from the center ine of the web to action ine of resisting shear VR.
The applied force P1 and P2 are replaced by their resultant V. Then V is transformed into a force
and a couple by the introducing at O whose location is still unknown.
The action line of resultant shear force VR in a transverse section of the beam is found by first
computing the shearing force in each of the rectangular elements of the cross section of the
channel and then obtaining the resultant of those component shearing forces. the magnitude of
shear VR is equal to vertical shear V. The components of the shearing forces are V1, V2, V3 .
The Shearing Force V1= - (1)

V1= = ------ (2)

Referring to the above fig,

da = tdz --------- (3)

y=

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 43

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Therefore, V1= --------(4)

V1=V t h ----------------(5)

The value of I = 2b1t + ------------ (6)

= -------------- (7)

Substituting (7) in (5);

V1= ---------------(8)

It is to be noted that
V2= V1 -------------- (9)
Taking moment about D;

∑MD= VRe= V1 + V2 ----------------(10)

Substituting (3) and knowing V1 =V2

VR=

As VR=V1
The above equation reduces to

e=

Where area of web

area of flange

 e is large if is very small

 e is always less than

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 44

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Alternatively
Consider a channel shown in fig;
The channel section has an axis of symmetry, The shear center lies on that axis

Fig 1.32
If A is the axis of symmetry, the location of shear centre is given by
rds ------------------------- (1)
By taking moments about the centerline of Web;
Where
=Distance of shear center S from the center of moments
q = Shear flow intensity
r = Moment arm with respect to the center of moments
ds= elements length
The moment is taken about the center line of the web to eliminate the web shear in equation of
moments
The Shear f ow intensity ‘q’ at the distance from the f ange tip is

q=

The moment arm r of q is Substituting thes values into equation(1) and multiplying by 2 to

account for shear in bottom flange, we get

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 45

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Example 1.9
Locate the position of shear centre of the 150mm X 150mm outside and having thickness of
10mm throughout.

Fig 1.33

Solution:
Taking moment about the centre line of web
VxS = V1(70) + V2(70)
But V1 = V2
And therefore, xS = ( )140 -------------(1)

Determination of V1
V1 = qA ---------------(2)
But q = Vaȳ / I b ------------------(3)
Where V = Applied shear force
Consider a distance “s” with an e ementa ength ds as shown in figure.
aȳ = (s X 10) X 70 = 700s ---------------------(4)

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 46

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

I= - = 16.56 X 106 mm4 -------------------(5)

Q= = 4.23 X 10-6 X Vs --------------------- (6)

Total shear force on top flange = =

= 4.23X10-5V

= 4.23X10-5V [

V1= 0.445V

= 0.445

Substituting in Eq(1);
xs = 0.445 X 140
xs = 62.3mm

By using the formula

x s = tf = 10 X

xs = 62.2mm

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 47

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Example 1.10
Draw the shear flow diagram for the channel section shown in the previous problem and locate
the shear centre also. It is subjected to a shear force 5000N. Also determine the shear in flange.

Fig 1.34
Shear flow in flanges.
Consider an e ementa area at a distance ‘s’ from the edge of f ange as shown in figure.

ȳ
Shear flow per unit width, q =

aȳ = (10s)70= 700s

I= - = 16.56X106 mm4

Q= = 0.211s

At s = 0; qA = 0
s = 145; qB = 0.211X145 = 30.6N/mm.

Shear flow in the web

Consider a section in the web at a distance y from 0
Shear flow per unit width,
aȳ
q=

aȳ = a1y1 + a2y2

aȳ = (150X10) (65+5) + 10 (65-y) [( ) + y]

aȳ = 105(10)3 +10(65 - y)

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 48

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

aȳ = 105(10)3 + 5(4225-y2)

q=

At the NA;

qNA =

qNA = 38.1N/mm

Shear centre = xs = tf = 10 X
xs = 62.2mm

Shear in flange = ( ) 145 = 2218.5N

Fig 1.35
Note:
(1) Shear stress is given by the expression
ȳ
τ=
b
ȳ
and τb =

in which τb = q
and this is ca ed shear f ow. τb is the shear force per unit length along the centre line of area.
This force per unit length is called shear flow.
(2) The shear centre depends only on the dimensions of the cross section.
(3) The shear centre has no meaning unless accompanied by both bending and shear.
(4) Sections such as symmetrical having two axes of symmetry; the shear force develop in each
flange and they are equal and opposite. Hence the resultant shearing force pass through the
centroid of the section. Thus the centroid is also the shear centre.

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 49

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Example 1.11
Determine the shear centre of an equal angle section.
The shear V1 is determined by summing up the differentia shearing forces τda over the area of
the upper leg
ie., V1 = τda ------------- (1)
where τ is the shearing stress at any point in the cross section of the upper leg and ‘da’ is the
differential area including the point under consideration.

Fig 1.36

ȳ
and τ = ---------------------(2)

Substituting in Eq(1);
a = (b-s) ------------ (3)

Centroid of elemental area along inclined length is ( ) and its vertica projection ȳ can be

obtained from geometry as

ȳ= --------------- (4)

and da = t ds------------------------ (5)

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 50

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

‘s’ is measured a ong the eg from point of the interaction of the centre ine of the two legs or
from the outer corner of the legs since the sections are thin,

Thus V1 = -------------------------- (6)

V1 = ------------------------- (7)

As I= -------------------------------- (8)

Substituting Eq (8) in Eq(7);

V1 = ( ) V -------------------------- (9)

ie V1 =

Similarily, V2 =

An V1 and V2 makes an angle 450 and they are equal, their resultant is a vertical force equal
magnitude to V. Thus the point O where the shearing force VR intersects the axis of symmetry is
the shear force.

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 51

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Example 1.12

Determine the shear centre of an I section in unequal flanges.

Fig 1.37

Let the bigger size flange be( B X t) and the shear force be V1. The smaller size flange be (b X
t) and the shear force be V2.
Due to symmetry there is no shear in web.
Larger flange (B X t)
Consider an e ement at a distance‘s’ from the edge;
a = st

ȳ=( )+( )

ȳ=( )

V1 = ds

V1 = ds

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 52

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

= [ ][ ]

V1=
Smaller flange (bXt)

V2 = ds

V2=
Taking moment about O;
V1h1 = V2h2
=

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 53

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Example 1.13
Determine the shear centre of the section shown in figure.

Fig 1.38

IB =

Ib =

= 5.06

h2 = 5.06 h1
h1 + h2 = 120+7.5 = 132.5mm
h1 = 21.86mm
h2 = 110.64mm

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 54

 Faculty Development Program Advanced Design of Steel Structures

Example 1.14
Determine the location shear centre for a thin I section which is unsymmetrical about y axis.

Fig 1.39

e= ; b1< b

e=

e= = 3.85mm

Fig 1.40

An approximation has been made by taking the average thickness of ( ) = 12mm.

Brindavan College of Engineering, Bangalore Page 55