STEEL DESIGN

1 – Introduction to Steel Design

2 – Design of Members for Tension
3 – Design of Members for Compression
4 – Design of Members for Flexure
5 – Design of Members for Shear
6 – Design of Composite Members
7 – Design of Connections
Outline
1 Introduction
2 Plastic Moment
3 Classification of Sections for Local Buckling
4 Lateral Support of Beams
5 Limit States
6 Flexural Capacity
7 Flexural Strength of Compact Shapes
8 Flexural Strength of Noncompact Shapes
9 Weak-Axis Bending Strength
10 Biaxial Bending

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Introduction

Ref: https://erkrishneelram.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/girder1.jpg

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Introduction

Beams are structural elements subjected primarily to trans-

verse loads causing them to bend or flex.

Beams generally experience bending stresses (flexure) and

shearing stresses.

This module will focus on flexure stress.

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Plastic Moment

For a beam bent about its major axis, the

bending stress is given by:
Mc M
fb = =
I Sx
For the material to remain in the elastic
range;
fbmax ≤ Fy
Thus the yielding bending moment, My , is
given by:
My = F y S x

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Plastic Moment

Consider the beam subjected to an

increasing concentrated load at the
midspan.

Once yielding begins, the yielding

will progress from the extreme fiber
to the neutral axis.

At (d), a plastic hinge is said to

have been formed.

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Plastic Moment
The plastic hinge along with the actual hinges at the ends of the
beam will form an unstable mechanism. Structural analysis based on
consideration of collapse mechanisms is called plastic analysis.

The plastic moment, which is the moment required to form the plas-
tic hinge, can be computed by considering the following stress distri-
bution:

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Plastic Moment

From equilibrium of forces:

C =T
Ac Fy = At Fy
Ac = At

Thus, the plastic neutral axis divides the cross section into two equal
areas.

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Plastic Moment
Hence, for shapes that are symmetrical about the axis of bending:

Mp = Fy (Ac )a = Fy (At )a
!
A
= Fy a
2
Mp = F y Z

where:
A = total cross section area
a = distance between the centroids
of the two half-areas
!
A
Z= a = plastic section modulus
2

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Sample Problem 1

For the built-up section shown, determine the following:

elastic section modulus, S and yield moment, My

plastic section modulus, Z and plastic moment, Mp

Bending is about the x-axis and Fy = 345MPa.

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Classification of Sections for Local Buckling

Shapes are classified according to the width-to-thickness ratios of its

elements.

Compact Section

A compact section is a section that has a sufficiently stocky

profile so that it is capable of developing a fully plastic stress
distribution before buckling local (web of flange).
A compact section can be expected to not exhibit any buckling
behavior.

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Classification of Sections for Local Buckling

Noncompact Section

A noncompact section is one for which the yield stress can be

reached in some, but not all, of its compression elements before
buckling occurs.
Can exhibit both plastic and elastic buckling behavior.

Slender Section

A slender section will exhibit elastic buckling behavior.

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Classification of Sections for Local Buckling

Sec. 502.4.1 Classification of Sections for Local Buckling

Compact Section
Flanges must be continuously connected to the web.
The width-thickness ratios of its compression elements: λ ≤ λp .

Noncompact Section
λp < λ ≤ λr

Slender Section
λ > λr

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Table 502.4.1 Limiting λ for Compression Elements

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Table 502.4.1 Limiting λ for Compression Elements

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AISC Table B4.1b Limiting λ for Compression
Elements Members Subject to Flexure

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Lateral Support of Beams

Aside from localized buckling, a beam similar to columns may buckling

depending on the lateral bracing provided. The unbraced length, Lb ,
is defined as the distance between points of lateral support or bracing.

Majority of steel beams are used in such a manner that their

compression flanges are restrained against lateral buckling.
For example, the steel beams used to support concrete building
floors are often incorporated in these concrete floors.
Additionally, the tension at the other flange of a beam tends to
keep that flange straight and restrain the compression flange from
buckling.

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Lateral Support of Beams

Other forms of lateral bracing may be a cross-bracing and

intermediate beams.

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Limit States

Two limit states are generally

considered for flexural members
namely;

Flexural Yielding
Lateral-Torsional Buckling
Localized Failure

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Flexural Capacity (Sec. 506)

Sec 506.1 General Provisions

The design flexural strength, φb Mn , and the allowable flexural strength,

Mn /Ωb , shall be determined as follows:

1) For all provision of Section 506:

φb = 0.90 LRFD Ωb = 1.67 ASD

and the design nominal flexural strength, Mn , shall be determined ac-

cording to Section 506.2 through Section 506.12.

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Bending Coefficient
Cb is a term called the lateral-torsional buckling modification factor
for nonuniform moment diagrams when both ends of the unsupported
segment are braced.
12.5Mmax
Cb = Rm ≤ 3.0
2.5Mmax + 3MA + 4MB + 3MC
where:

Mmax = absolute value of the maximum moment

in the unbraced segment
MA = absolute value of the moment at 1/4 pt.
in the unbraced segment
MB = absolute value of the moment at 1/2 pt.
in the unbraced segment
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Bending Coefficient

where:

MC = absolute value of the moment at 3/4 pt.

in the unbraced segment
Rm = cross-section nonsymmetry parameter
= 1.0, doubly symmetric members
= 1.0, singly symmetric members
subjected to single curvature bending

Cb can be taken conservatively as 1.0 for all cases.

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Sample Problem 2

Determine Cb for a uniformly loaded, simply supported W shape with

lateral supports at ends only.
lateral supports at ends and midspan.

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Flexural Capacity of Compact Shapes
Sec 506.2 Doubly Symmetric Compact I-Shaped Members
and Channels Bent about their Major Axis

The nominal flexural strength, Mn , shall be the lower value obtained

according to the limit states of yielding (plastic moment) and lateral-
torsional buckling.

506.2.1 Yielding

Mn = MP = Fy Zx (506.2-1)

where:
Fy = specified minimum yield stress, MPa
Zx = plastic section modulus about the x-axis, mm3

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Flexural Capacity of Compact Shapes

506.2.2 Lateral-Torsional Buckling

1) When Lb ≤ Lp the limit state of lateral-torsional buckling does not

apply.
Mn = Mp
2) When Lp < Lb ≤ Lr
" !#
Lb − Lp
Mn = Cb Mp − (Mp − 0.7Fy Sx ) ≤ Mp
Lr − Lp

(506.2-2)

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Flexural Capacity of Compact Shapes
3) When Lb > Lr

Mn = Fcr Sx ≤ Mp ( 506.2-3)

where:
Lb = unbrace length
v
!2
Cb π 2 E u
u
Jc Lb
Fcr =  2 t1 + 0.078 ( 506.2-4)
Lb Sx ho rts
rts

E = modulus of elasticity, MPa

J = torsional constant
Sx = elastic section modulus about the x-axis, mm3

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Flexural Capacity of Compact Shapes

The limiting lengths Lp and Lr are determined as follows:

v
uE
u
Lp = 1.76ry t ( 506.2-5)
Fy
v v
s u u !2
E Jc 0.7Fy Sx ho
u u
u
Lr = 1.95rts t1 + t1 + 6.76
0.7Fy Sx ho E Jc
(506.2-6)

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Flexural Capacity of Compact Shapes
where: q
Iy Cw
rts2 = (506.2-7)
Sx
and:

For a doubly symmetric I-shape: c = 1.0 (506.2-8a)

q
ho Iy
For a channel: c = 2 Cw
(506.2-8b)

ho = distance between the flange centroids, mm

 
bt 3
For open cross sections: J = Σ 3

where: b is the plate length between points of intersection

of axes.
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Flexural Capacity of Compact Shapes

Note:

It is not possible for lateral-torsional buckling to occur if the moment

of inertia of the section about the bending axis is equal to or less than
the moment of inertia out of plane.

For this reason the limit state of lateral-torsional buckling is not appli-
cable for shapes bent about their minor axes, for shapes with IX ≤ Iy
or for circular or square shapes. Furthermore, yielding controls if the
section is noncompact.

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Sample Problem 3
A W400x60 of A992 (Fy = 345MPa) steel beam is simply supported
on a span of 10m. The beam supports a reinforced concrete floor slab
that provides continuous lateral support of the compression flange.
The loads on the beam are:

Superimposed dead load = 7 kN/m

Live load = 8 kN/m

Properties of W400x60:
d = 407 mm Mass = 60 kg/m
bf = 178 mm Sx = 1060x 103 mm3
tf = 12.8 mm Zx = 1190x 103 mm3
tw = 7.7 mm

Determine the moment capacity of the beam. Use LRFD and ASD.
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Sample Problem 4

Determine the flexural strength of a W350x110 (Fy = 345MPa) under

the following support conditions assuming Cb = 1.0.
Continuous lateral support
Unbraced length of 6m
Unbraced length of 10m

Properties of W350x110:

d = 360 mm Ix = 331x 106 mm4

bf = 256 mm Iy = 55.7x 106 mm4
tf = 19.9 mm Sx = 1840x 103 mm3
tw = 11.4 mm Sy = 435x 103 mm3
3 3
Zx = 2060x 10 mm ry = 63mm

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Sample Problem 5

Determine the nominal flexural strength of a W450x75 beam (Fy =

345MPa) subjected to uniform load. The beam is simply supported on
a span of 12m and braced at the ends and midpoint.

Properties of W450x75:

d = 457 mm Ix = 333x 106 mm4

bf = 190 mm Iy = 16.7x 106 mm4
tf = 14.7 mm Sx = 1457x 103 mm3
tw = 9 mm Sy = 175x 103 mm3
3 3
Zx = 1655x 10 mm ry = 41.9mm
J = 516x 103 mm4 Cw = 816.35x 109 mm6
ho = 442mm rts = 50.3mm

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Flexural Capacity of Noncompact Shapes

Sec 506.3 Doubly Symmetric I-Shaped Members with

Compact Webs and Noncompact or Slender Flanges Bent
about their Major Axis

The nominal flexural strength, Mn , shall be the lower value obtained

according to the limit states of lateral-torsional buckling and compres-
sion flange local buckling.

506.3.1 Lateral-Torsional Buckling

For lateral-torsional buckling, the provisions of Section 506.2.2 shall

apply.

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Flexural Capacity of Noncompact Shapes
Sec 506.3.2 Compression Flange Local Buckling

1) For sections with noncompact flanges

" !#
λ − λpf
Mn = Mp − (Mp − 0.7Fy Sx ) (506.3-1)
λrf − λpf

2) For sections with slender flanges

0.9Ekc Sx
Mn =
λ2
where:
bf
λ=
2tf

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Flexural Capacity of Noncompact Shapes

where:
λpf = λp limiting slenderness for a compact flange
λrf = λr limiting slenderness for a noncompact flange
4
kc = q
h/tw

but kc shall not be taken less than 0.35 nor greater than 0.76 for
calculation purposes.

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Sample Problem 6
A W350x134 section is simply supported on a span of 15m. The beam
is laterally supported at its ends and subjected to a uniform service
dead load of 5.2 kN/m (including beam self weight). If Fy = 345MPa,
determine the maximum uniform service live load that the beam can
support.

Properties of W350x134:

d = 356 mm Ix = 415.8x 106 mm4

bf = 368 mm Iy = 150.7x 106 mm4
tf = 18 mm Sx = 2343x 103 mm3
tw = 11.2 mm Sy = 818x 103 mm3
Zx = 2573x 103 mm3 ry = 94mm
J = 1690x 103 mm4 Cw = 4297x 109 mm6
ho = 338mm rts = 104mm
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Weak-Axis Bending Strength

Sec 506.6 I-Shaped Members and Channels Bent about their

Minor Axis

The nominal flexural strength, Mn , shall be the lower value obtained

according to the limit states of yielding (plastic moment) and flange
local buckling.

506.6.1 Yielding

Mn = Mp = Fy Zy ≤ 1.6Fy Sy (506.6-1)

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Weak-Axis Bending Strength

Sec 506.6.2 Flange Local Buckling

1) For sections with compact flanges the limit state of yielding shall
apply.

2) For sections with noncompact flanges

" !#
λ − λpf
Mn = Mp − (Mp − 0.7Fy Sy ) (506.6-2)
λrf − λpf

3) For sections with slender flanges

Mn = Fcr Sy (506.6-3)

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Weak-Axis Bending Strength

where:
0.69E
Fcr =  2 (506.6-4)
bf
2tf

λ = b/t
λpf = λp limiting slenderness for a compact flange
λrf = λr limiting slenderness for a noncompact flange
Sy = minimum section modulus

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Biaxial Bending

Biaxial bending occurs when a beam is subjected to a loading condi-

tion that produces bending about both the major (strong) axis and
the minor (weak) axis.

For cases where axial compression is not present, the equation

508.1-1b of the code can be modified and used for beams subjected
to biaxial bending.
Mrx Mry
+ ≤ 1.0 (508.1-1b)
Mcx Mcy

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Biaxial Bending

where:
Mrx = (required flexural strength abt the x-axis)
Mry = (required flexural strength abt the y-axis)
Mcx = (design flexural strength abt the x-axis)
Mcy = (design flexural strength abt the y-axis)

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Biaxial Bending

Case 1: Loads applied through the shear center

If loads act through the shear center, the problem is one of simple
bending in two perpendicular directions. As shown in the figure, the
load can be resolved into components in the x- and y-directions, each
producing bending about a different axis.

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Biaxial Bending
Case 2: Loads not applied through the shear center

When loads are not applied through the shear center of a cross section,
the result is flexure plus torsion.

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Biaxial Bending
A simplified way of treating this case is shown in the following figure.
The twisting moment Pe is resited by a couple consisting of equal
forces acting at each flange.

As an approximation, each flange can be considered to resist each of

these forces independently.
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Biaxial Bending

As such, only about half of the cross section is considered to be effective

with respect to the y axis; therefore, when considering the strength of
a single flange, use half the value of Zy for the given shape. That is;
Mrx Mry
+ ≤ 1.0 (508.1-1b)
Mcx Mcy /2

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Sample Problem 7
A W530x101 is used as a simply supported beam with a span length
of 3.7 m. Lateral support of the compression flange is provided only
at the ends. Loads act through the shear center, producing moments
about the x and y axes. The service load moments about the x axis
are MDx = 65kNm and MLx = 195kNm. Service load moments about
the y axis are MDy = 8.1kNm and MLy = 24.4kNm. If Fy = 345MPa,
is the beam adequate? Use LRFD.

Properties of W530x101:

d = 536 mm Ix = 616x 106 mm4 ho = 518mm

bf = 210 mm Iy = 26.9x 106 mm4 J = 1020x 103 mm4
tf = 17.4 mm Sx = 2290x 103 mm3 Cw = 1820x 109 mm6
tw = 10.9 mm Sy = 257x 103 mm3
Zx = 2620x 103 mm3 ry = 45.7mm
Zy = 400x 103 mm3 rts = 55.1mm
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Sample Problem 8

A roof system consists of trusses of the type shown in the figure spaced
at 4.6m apart. Purlins are to be placed at the joints and at the midpoint
of each top-chord member. Sag rods will be located at the center
of each purlin. The total gravity load, including an estimated purlin
weight, is 2.0 kPa of roof surface, with a live-load-to-dead-load ratio
of 1.0. Check the adequacy of a C250x22.8 as the purlin section. Use
LRFD and ASD. Fy = 250 MPa.

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Sample Problem 8

Properties of C250x22:

d = 254 mm Ix = 28x 106 mm4 ho = 243mm

6 4
bf = 66 mm Iy = 0.945x 10 mm J = 87x 103 mm4
3 3
tf = 11.1 mm Sx = 221x 10 mm Cw = 12.2x 109 mm6
tw = 6.10 mm Sy = 18.8x 103 mm3
3 3
Zx = 261x 10 mm ry = 18.1mm
Zy = 38.3x 103 mm3 rts = 22mm

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References

American Institute of Steel Construction, Manual of Steel Construc-

tion, 14th Edition. Chicago: AISC, 2011.

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines(2015), National

Structural Code Of The Philippines, Volume 1 – Buildings, Towers,
And Other Vertical Structures.

Salmon, C.G & et. al. (2009). Steel Structures Design and Behavior:
Emphasizing Load and Resistance Factor Design (5th Ed.). Pearson

Segui, W.T.(2013). Steel Design (5th Ed.). Cengage

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 End.

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