UNIT 7 DESIGN OF FLEXURAL MEMBERS

Structure
7.1 7.2 Introduction
Objectives

Design of Flexural Members

Classical Theory of Bending

7.2.1 Lateral Buckling 7.2.2 Simplified Theory Elastic Critical Stress 7.2.3 Bending Stresses 7.2.4 Shear Stresses 7.2.5 Bearing Stresses 7.2.6 Effective Span and Length 7.2.7 Elastic Instability of Flanges and Webs 7.2.8 Design of Rolled Steel Beams

7.3

Biaxial Bending
7.3.1 Examples of Biaxial Bending 7.3.2 Bending Stress Due to Biaxial Bending 7.3.3 Determination of Neutral Axis in Biaxial Bending

7.4 7.5

Summary Answers to SAQs

7.1 INTRODUCTION
In the previous units, you learnt about the design of members subjected to axial loads. In this unit, you are going to learn about members which are mostly subjected to loads acting transverse to its axis. Such loads result in bending moments and shearing forces. These transversely loaded elements are given various names, depending upon their size, situation, etc. Commonly known as beams when they are used in buildings, they are also known as girders when larger in size and used in bridges, etc. The same thing is called purlins when used to support roof covering on roof trusses. However, the loading pattern, behaviour and design principles remain the same. The beam is subjected to bending moments which cause bending stresses in the section, such that part of the cross section is under compression and part is in tension at the same time. The behaviour of steel section, especially thin section and plates, is different in tension and in compression as you have seen in the previous chapter, their simultaneous existence in beams causes a number of problems in the design and analysis of such section.

Objectives
After studying this unit, you should be able to design simple beams under transverse loading, appreciate the effect of flange, lateral support and lateral buckling, design sections with flange plates, and their connection, check the stresses in the flanges and webs due to bending moments and shearing forces, 169

Theory of Structures-I

design simple sections under biaxial bending, and design unsymmetrical section, e.g. channels and angles under flexure.

7.2 CLASSICAL THEORY OF BENDING

You are already acquainted (Strength of Materials, Unit 4, Stresses in Beams) with the theory of simple bending of beams, where the bending stress at a distance y from the neutral axis of the section is given by the equation :
M = y I

. . . (7.1)

Also the shear stress, , is given by

= F . Ay I . by

. . . (7.2)

where by is the width of section at that distance z from neutral axis (NA) and y is centroidal distance of hatched area from neutral axis. For a rectangular beam the stress distribution is shown in Figures 7.1(a) to (c). As the bending stresses near the neutral axis are very small (Figure 7.1(b)) the contribution of the material there to resist external bending moment is small. Hence, the beam and joists sections are generally of thin web type I or channel sections (Figures 7.1(d) and (e)) where the wider flanges carry most of the bending resistance. On the other hand, the shear stress is maximum at the neutral axis (Figure 7.1(c)) hence it is the web, which takes most of the shear stress and contribution of flanges is very small.
Flanges
b b
= My I = F Ay Ib

tf tw tw A N Web tf
b

A d/2 y y

N
d/2

A h

Linear

(a) Rectangular Beam Section

(b) Bending Stress Distribution

(c) Shear Stress Distribution Figure 7.1

(d) I-Section

(e) Channel Section

7.2.1 Lateral Buckling

However, thin plate elements when subjected to transverse loads tend to buckle and, therefore, bend into a plane which is away from the plane of bending; this is because Iy is much small as compared to Ix (Figure 7.2(a)). This off-plane bending further aggravates the bending stresses and they cannot be calculated by Eq. (7.1). From advanced analysis, it is known that for a narrow rectangular plate beam, subjected to pure bending (end couples only), the critical bending moment is given by Figure 7.2(a).
M cr = L E Iy G K

. . . (7.3)

where 170

G = Shear modulus (for steel, 0.8 105 MPa), K = St. Venants torsional constant,

L = Effective length of plate, and E = Modulus of elasticity (for steel, 2 105 MPa). For doubly symmetrical sections and I beams (Figure 7.2(b)) the right hand side is to be multiplied by a factor 1 + constant. Thus,
M cr =
y t t x D x D d1

Design of Flexural Members

EC , where C is the warping torsional L2 G K

E Iy G K L

1+

2 E C L GK
b T

. . . (7.4)

(a) Thin Plate Element

(b) Symmetrical I-Section

Figure 7.2

However, in the application of the above formula it was found that the bending of such section was affected by the type of loading, the manner in which the beam restraint supported along its length L, the lateral restraint provided, and the torsional restraints at the supports. Also the above formula is not applicable for unsymmetrical section, e.g. channels etc. To overcome these difficulties the IS : 800 1984 has recommended a simplification which will be explained in detail in the next section.

7.2.2 Simplified Theory Elastic Critical Stress

The allowable compressive bending stresses (be) in a beam or girder is affected by the lateral bending of its thin components, which is taken care of by incorporating the factor elastic critical stress (fcb) of the section, calculated by the following formula :
c fcb = k1 ( X + k2 Y ) 2 in MPa c1

. . . (7.5)

where

1 X = 1+ 20 Y =

lT in MPa ry D

. . . (7.6 (a))

and

26.5 105 l ry
2

in MPa

. . . (7.6 (b))

Here, k1 = A coefficient to allow for reduction in thickness (i.e. their curtailment) between points of effective lateral restraint and depends on the ratio, = Ratio of total area of both the flanges at the point of least BM to that at the point of greatest BM (values of k1, for different values are given in IS : 800). 171

Theory of Structures-I

k2 = A coefficient to allow for the inequality of flanges (unsymmetrical section) and depends on the ratio, , where = Ratio of MI of compression flange alone/sum of the MI of the flanges, (the moments of inertia are calculated about its own axis parallel to the Y-Y axis of the girder at the point of maximum BM) (values of k2 for different values of are given in IS : 800), l = Effective length of compression flange as given in section 7.2.6 (b), ry = Radius of gyration about its axis of minimum strength (Y-Y axis), D = Overall depth of beam, T = Mean thickness of compression flange = Area of the horizontal portion of the flange width, t = Web thickness, d1 = Depth of web (as defined below), c1, c2 = Lesser and greater distances, respectively, from the neutral axis to the extreme fibres, and Iy = MI of whole section about axis lying in plane of bending (Y-Y axis), Ix = MI of whole section about axis normal to the plane of bending (X-X axis). Values of X and Y are given for appropriate D/T and l/ry value in IS : 800.

7.2.3
(a)

Bending Stresses
The maximum bending stresses in tension (bt, cal) or in compression (bc, cal) in extreme fibre calculated on the effective section of a beam shall not exceed the maximum permissible bending stress in tension (bt) or in compression (bc) obtained as follows :
bt or bc = 0.66 f y

. . . (7.7)

(b)

For an I-beam or channel section with equal flanges bent about the axis of maximum strength (x-x axis), the maximum bending compressive stress on the extreme fibre shall not exceed the values of maximum permissible bending compressive stress bc given directly in Table 7.1(A and B) for steels with yield stress fy = 250 MPa. [table for other steels, e.g. fg = 340 MPa and 400 MPa are given in IS : 800.] For built-up beams and plate girders the value of bc is calculated by the following formula
bc = 0.66 f cb f y
n ( fcb n 1/ n ) + fy

(c)

. . . (7.8)

where, fcb = Elastic critical stress calculated using Eq. (7.5) in MPa, fy = Yield stress of steel in MPa, and n = A factor assumed as 1.4. The values of bc for various values of fcb and fy calculated as above can also be obtained from Table 7.1 (IS : 800). (d) Values of the elastic critical stress fcb as obtained from Eq. (7.5) shall be increased by 20% when 172
d1 1344 T > > . / 2.0 , and / t t fy

(e)

(f)

Beams Bent about the Axis of Minimum Strength (y-y axis) : The maximum permissible bending in tension (bt) or in compression (bc) shall not exceed 0.66 fy. Angles and Tees : The bending stress in the leg when loaded with the flange or table in tension shall not exceed 0.66 fy. When loaded with the leg in compression, the permissible bending stress shall be calculated according to above with k2 = 1.0 and T = Thickness of leg.

Design of Flexural Members

Table 7.1(A) : Maximum Permissible Bending Stresses, bc (MPa), in Equal-Flange I-Beams or Channels (Clause 6.2.2)
with f y = 250 MPa,
D /T l/r y 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300 8 160 159 158 157 156 154 153 152 150 149 147 146 145 142 139 137 134 132 129 127 124 122 120 118 116 113 111 109 107 106 104 102 100 10 160 158 157 155 153 152 150 148 147 145 143 141 140 136 133 130 127 124 121 118 115 113 110 108 105 103 101 99 97 95 93 91 89 12 159 157 156 154 152 150 148 145 143 141 139 137 135 131 127 124 120 117 113 110 107 104 102 99 97 94 92 90 88 86 84 82 80 14 159 157 155 153 150 148 146 143 141 138 136 133 131 127 122 118 114 110 107 104 100 97 94 92 89 87 84 82 80 78 76 74 72 16 158 156 154 152 149 147 144 141 138 136 133 130 128 123 118 113 109 105 101 98 94 91 88 86 83 80 78 76 74 72 70 68 66 18 158 156 154 151 148 145 142 139 136 133 130 128 125 119 114 109 105 100 06 93 89 86 83 80 78 75 73 70 68 66 65 63 61 20 158 156 153 150 148 144 141 138 135 132 128 125 122 116 111 106 101 96 92 88 85 82 78 76 73 70 68 66 64 62 60 58 57 25 158 155 153 149 146 143 139 136 132 128 124 121 117 111 104 99 93 88 84 80 76 73 70 67 64 62 59 57 55 53 51 50 48 30 158 155 152 148 145 142 138 134 130 126 122 118 114 107 100 94 88 83 78 74 70 66 63 60 58 55 53 51 49 47 45 44 42 35 157 155 152 148 145 141 137 133 128 124 120 116 112 104 97 90 84 79 74 69 65 62 59 56 53 51 48 46 44 43 41 39 38 40 157 155 152 148 144 140 136 132 128 123 119 114 110 102 94 88 81 76 71 66 62 58 55 52 49 47 45 43 41 39 38 36 35 50 157 155 151 148 144 140 135 131 126 122 117 112 108 99 91 84 78 72 66 62 58 54 50 47 45 42 40 38 36 35 33 32 30 60 157 154 151 148 144 139 135 130 126 121 116 111 107 98 90 82 75 69 64 59 55 51 48 44 42 39 37 35 33 32 30 29 27 80 157 154 151 147 143 139 135 130 125 120 115 110 105 96 88 80 73 67 61 56 52 48 44 41 38 36 34 32 30 28 27 25 24 100 157 154 151 147 143 139 134 129 125 120 115 110 105 95 87 79 72 65 60 55 50 46 43 40 37 34 32 30 28 26 25 24 22

d T > 2.0 or 1 > 85 t t

173

Theory of Structures-I

Table 7.1(B) : Maximum Permissible Bending Stresses, bc (MPa), in Equal-Flange I-Beams or Channels (Clause 6.2.2)
with f y = 250 MPa,
D/T l/r y 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 25 30 35 40 50 60 80 100

d T 2.0 and 1 85 t t

161 161 160 159 158 156 155 154 153 152 151 150 149 147 144 142 140 138 136 134 131 129 127 125 123 122 120 118 116 114 113 111 110

161 160 158 157 156 154 153 152 150 149 147 146 145 142 139 136 133 131 128 126 123 121 118 116 114 112 110 108 106 104 102 100 98

160 159 158 156 154 153 151 149 149 146 144 142 141 137 134 131 128 124 121 119 116 113 111 108 106 103 101 99 97 95 93 91 89

160 159 157 155 153 151 149 147 145 143 141 139 137 133 129 126 122 119 115 112 109 106 104 101 99 96 94 92 89 87 85 84 82

160 158 156 154 152 150 149 146 143 141 139 137 134 130 126 121 118 114 110 107 104 101 98 95 92 90 87 85 83 81 79 77 75

160 158 156 154 152 149 147 144 142 139 137 134 132 127 122 118 113 109 106 102 99 95 92 90 87 84 82 80 77 75 73 72 70

160 158 156 153 151 148 146 143 140 138 135 132 129 124 119 114 110 105 101 98 94 91 88 85 82 80 77 75 73 71 69 67 65

159 157 155 153 150 147 144 141 138 135 131 128 125 119 113 108 103 98 93 89 85 82 79 76 73 70 68 68 63 61 59 58 56

159 157 155 152 149 146 143 140 136 133 129 126 122 115 109 103 97 92 87 83 79 75 72 69 66 63 61 59 57 55 53 51 49

159 157 155 152 149 146 142 139 135 131 127 124 120 113 106 99 94 88 83 79 74 71 67 64 61 58 56 54 52 50 48 46 45

159 157 154 152 149 145 142 138 134 130 126 122 118 111 104 97 91 85 80 75 71 67 63 60 57 55 52 50 48 46 44 42 41

159 157 154 151 148 145 141 137 133 129 125 121 116 108 101 94 87 81 75 70 66 62 58 55 52 49 47 44 42 41 39 37 36

159 157 154 151 148 144 141 137 132 128 124 120 115 107 99 91 85 78 73 68 63 59 55 52 49 46 43 41 39 37 35 34 32

159 157 154 151 148 144 140 136 132 127 123 119 114 105 97 89 82 76 70 64 60 55 51 48 45 42 40 37 35 33 32 30 29

159 157 154 151 148 144 140 136 132 127 123 118 113 105 96 88 81 74 68 63 58 54 50 46 43 40 38 35 33 31 30 28 27

174

Note : In the above formula the depth of web d1 is defined as follows : (i) For Beam without Horizontal Stiffeners : Clear distance between the flanges, neglecting fillets; or the clear distance between the inner toes of the flange angles as appropriate. For Beam with Horizontal Stiffeners : Clear distance between the horizontal stiffener and the tension flange, neglecting fillets or inner toes of flange angles as appropriate. The maximum shear stress in a member having regard to the distribution of stresses in conformity with the elastic behaviour of the member in flexure, shall not exceed the value of vm given below : vm = 0.45 fy (b) . . . (7.9) The average shear stress in a member calculated on the cross section of the web shall not exceed va as obtained below :
va = 0.4 f y

Design of Flexural Members

(ii)

7.2.4 Shear Stresses

(a)

. . . (7.10)

[Note : The values for stiffened webs are not reproduced here as such cases are not dealt with in this unit. However, if necessary a reference may be made to IS : 800-1984, Clause 6.4.2.] (c) The cross section of the web shall be taken as follows : (i) (ii) For Rolled I-beams and Channels : The depth of the beam multiplied by the web thickness. For Plate Girders : The depth of the web plate multiplied by its thickness.

7.2.5 Bearing Stresses

The bearing stress (p) in any part of a beam when calculated on the net area of contact shall not exceed the value given by the following formula :
p = 0.75 f y

. . . (7.11)

7.2.6 Effective Span and Length

(a) Effective Span of Beams Effective span of a beam shall be taken as the length between the centres of the supports. (b) Effective Length of Compression Flanges For simply supported beams where no lateral restraint of the compression flanges is provided, but where each end of the beam is restrained against torsion, the effective length l of the compression flange (for use in Eq. (7.6) and Tables 7.1(A) and 7.1(B)) shall be taken as follows. For the ends of the compression flanges : (i) (ii) unrestrained against lateral bending (i.e. free to rotate in plan at the bearings) l = span. partially restrained l = 0.85 span

(iii) fully restrained against lateral bending (i.e. not free to rotate in plan at the bearing ) l = 0.7 span. 175

Theory of Structures-I

[Note : Restraint against torsion can be provided by : (i) (ii) Web or flange cleats; Bearing stiffeners acting in conjunction with the beam bearing;

(iii) Lateral end frames or other external support to the ends of the compression flange; and (iv) Their being built into walls.] (c) Where the ends of the beams are not restrained against torsion, or when the load applied to compression flange is free to move laterally along with the flange, the above values of l are to be increased by 20%. For beams, which are provided with members giving effective lateral restraint to the compression flange at intervals along the span, its effective length shall be taken as the maximum distance (centre to centre) between the restraining member. These shall be capable of resisting a force of 2.5% of the maximum force in the compression flange. For cantilever beams of projecting length L, the effective length l for use in Eq. (7.6) and the tables shall be as follows : For cantilever built-in at support, but (i) (ii) Free at end, Restrained against torsion at end, l = 0.85 L l = 0.75 L l = 0.5 L l=3L l=2L l=L

(d)

(e)

(iii) Restrained against both torsion and lateral deflection at end, (i) (ii) Unrestrained against torsion, at support, Partial restraint against torsion at support,

For cantilevers having free end but continuous at the support

(iii) Retrained against torsion at support, These are shown in Figure 7.3.

l = 0.5 L Braced laterally in some bays

Face beams extending over several bays

l = 0.75 L

Web cleated to cantilevers

Figure 7.3

176

Design of Flexural Members

Long Bolts through Flanges

l = 2 L3 L3 l = 3 L1 L1 L2

l=L

Bolted or better connections at intersections

Figure 7.3

(f)

Where beams support slab construction, the beam shall be deemed to be effectively restrained laterally if the frictional or positive connection of the slab to the beam is capable of resisting 2.5% of the maximum force in the compression flange of the beam (considered uniformly distributed along the flange). Furthermore, The slab construction shall be capable of resisting this lateral force in flexure and shear (Figure 7.4).

(a) Continuous (A) Adequate Lateral Support RC Slab without Shear Connectors

(b) Local

Timber and Metal Floor

Unsupported

Supported One Side Only

Removable Bolts

(c)

(d) (B) Inadequate Lateral Support

(e)

Figure 7.4 : Lateral Support Requirements in Beam Flange

7.2.7 Elastic Instability of Flanges and Webs

Failures Due to Buckling Like any compression member as explained in the previous unit, the compression flanges and webs of beam may also fail due to buckling for which the following is recommended. 177

Theory of Structures-I

For Flanges The overhang of the compression flange of a beam may buckle locally. To prevent this the width/thickness ratio of outstanding legs is limited to 16 for structural steel with fy = 250 MPa. For Webs The web of beams may fail either due to shear buckling or flexural buckling. The former is caused due to a state of pure tension/compression existing along 45o planes (see Section 2.5.2 of Strength of Materials). The code IS : 800 recommends d1/t ratio 85 for steel with fy = 250 MPa (for steel with fy = 340 MPa and 400 MPa this ratio is 75 and 67 respective). For larger ratios of d1/t vertical stiffener have to be provided. Flexural buckling is caused by the triangular compressive stress due to bending and d1/t ratio is kept at 200. For ratios larger than these, horizontal stiffeners are to be provided. Such cases occur only in deep plate girders, etc. For normal rolled steel sections such cases rarely occur. However, a check must be made, while designing.

7.2.8 Design of Rolled Steel Beams

It is assumed that you can draw the bending moment and shearing force diagrams for the beam as given in the Unit 3 of Strength of Materials. From this the maximum BM and SF to which the beam is subjected can be ascertained. The various types of stresses (bending and shear) can then be calculated as outlined above. Selection of Beam Section Calculate the section modulus from all the known values of bending moment M, and permissible bending stresses in tension (bt) or compression (bc).
Zt = M bt

or

Zc =

M bc

Next refer to the IS : Handbook 1 and select a suitable beam section. Lateral Support Condition If the compression flange is adequately supported in the lateral direction throughout its length as in the case of encased flange (Figure 7.5(a)), no reduction in bc is required. If local support by a cross-beam is provided as shown in Figure 7.5(b), the effective length is reduced accordingly. However the slabs in Figures 7.5(c) and (d) are not supposed to provide adequate lateral support to the flange hence the bc value is to be modified according to Table 7.1 (or Eq. (7.8)).

(a) Figure 7.5

(b)

178

Timber and Metal Floor

Design of Flexural Members

Unsupported

Supported

Removable Bolts

(c) Figure 7.5

(d)

Checking for Maximum Deflection The maximum permissible deflection in the beam depends upon the user conditions, vibrational effects due to moving loads, etc. The exact calculations for deflections are a bit cumbersome, however the limiting values of
are prescribed for same specific condition as given in L

Table 7.2. Here is the deflection and L is the span of the beam. Check for Shear Stress The permissible average shear stress is av = 0.4 f y . In case of rolled steel beams or channels the shear force is taken entirely by the web
av = F d t

. . . (7.12)

where d is the depth of the web, t is the web thickness, and F is the shear force. Check for Web Crippling and Local Buckling Web crippling is caused by concentrated loads or support reactions (R). In the former case, load disposal length will be B = b + 2 3 h2 and in the later case it is B = b + 3 h2 , where b is the bearing length and h2 is the depth of root of the fillet from top of flange. The permissible bearing pressure in steel, p = 0.75 fy Hence,
p > P B . t

. . . (7.13)

where P is the concentrated load or reaction. Local buckling of the web is caused by slenderness of the web. The slenderness ratio for the web.
d1 l = = 2 = r I A d1 d1 = 2 = 2 = t 3 2 B t t 2 3 B t12 12 d1 2 3 d1 t

If ac is the permissible bending compressive stress corresponding to this value of , we must have
ac > P B t

. . . (7.14) 179

Theory of Structures-I

Table 7.2 : Limiting Deflection ()

Sl. No. 1. 2. 3. 4. Beam of Span L Beams supporting floors and false ceiling Purlins and girders Crane girders supporting manually operated cranes Crane girders supporting machine operated cranes Limiting

Ratio L

1 325 1 200 1 500

1 750 1 1000
1 600 1 600 1 800

5. 6. 7. 8.

Crane girders supporting manually operated cranes (more than 500 kN) Beams having other types of moving loads Bridge girders with dead, live and impact loads. Bridge girders with live load plus impact.

Example 7.1 Design a simply supported I-Section beam of 8 m span carrying a uniformly distributed load of 45 kN per meter. The compression flange may be assumed laterally supported throughout its length (fy = 250 MPa). Solution Maximum BM =
45 82 wl 2 = = 360 kNm 8 8

In case of laterally supported flanges of beams : bc= bt = 0.66 fy = 0.66 250 = 165 MPa Required section modules Z x =
360 106 = 2.182 106 mm3 = 2182 cm3 165

From tables we select a section ISMB 550 (@ 103.7 kg/m) for which Zx = 2359.8 cm3, Zy = 193.0 cm3, tf = 19.3 mm, t = 11.2 mm, B = 190 mm. Check for Deflection Assuming a maximum permissible deflection of L/325, we must have a L/D ratio of 17.9. Here L = 8000 mm and D = 550 L/D = 14.5 < 17.9 OK. Check for Shear Maximum SF =
wl 45 8 = = 180 kN 2 2

Permissible shear stress av = 0.4 250 = 100 MPa Effective web depth (d1) 180 Web thickness = 11.2 mm = Total depth 2 Fillet depth = 550 2 19.3 = 511.4 mm

Shear stress (calc) =

180,000 = 31.4 MPa < 100 MPa OK. 511.4 11.2

Design of Flexural Members

Web Crippling Checking the crippling at support; reaction (R) = 8

45 = 180 kN 2

Assume support width = 300 mm, fillet depth (tf) = 19.3 mm = h2 Effective support width (B) = b + 3. h2 = 300 + 3 19.3 = 333 mm . Allowable bearing stress (p) = 0.75 fy = 0.75 250 = 187.5 MPa. Web crippling stress,
R 180000 = 333 11.2 B . t = 48.3 MPa < 187.5 MPa

OK.

Web Buckling Slenderness ratio for web =

0.8 D l = r tw 3= 0.8 550 11.2 3 = 68 .

Corresponding ac (from Table 7.1) is 141 MPa Buckling stress = Example 7.2 Design the beam of Example 7.1, if the compression flange is laterally unsupported, but the beams ends are fully restrained.
18 0 0 0 0 = 48.3 < 141 MPa 333 11.2

OK.

Solution
Try a ISWB-600 section @ 145.1 kg/m for which the following data is obtained from IS : Handbook 1. D = 600 mm, tf = 23.6 mm, tw = 11.8 mm, d1 = D 2, tf = 552.8 mm, ryy = 5.35 cm, Ixx = 115626.6 cm4 Effective length of compression flange leff = 0.7 span= 0.7 8000 = 5600 mm We have
d T 23.6 552.8 = = 2.0, 1 = = 46.8 t t 11.8 11.8

Using Table 7.1 (IS : 800) for fy = 250, max permissible bc = 107.2 MPa Actual bending stress =
M . y 360 106 300 = I 115626.6 104 = 93.4 MPa < 107.2 MPa OK.

SAQ 1
181

Theory of Structures-I

Design a simply supported I-section beam of 6 m span carrying two concentrated loads of 200 kN each at its third points. The compression flange is supported only at the load points (fy = 250 MPa).

7.3 BIAXIAL BENDING

From your study of Applied Mechanics (Unit 4, Section 4.3), you know that for any area there are two mutually perpendicular axes xx and yy about which the moment of inertia of the area Ixx or I yy is either maximum or minimum. These axes are called principal axes. The product of inertia Ixy of the area about the principal axes is zero. It is also known that an axis of symmetry is a principal axis for an area. Hence, in Figures 7.6(a) the axes xx and yy for the channel and joist sections are principal axes but for angle (Figure 7.6(c)), the axes parallel to their legs xx and yy are not the principal axes.
y y y

(a)

(b) Figure 7.6

(c)

When the plane of bending lies in the plane of one of the principal axes, the well-known formula
f M = may be applied. y I

However, there may be instances when bending moments may exist along both the principal axes, or it may act along an axis inclined to the principal axes, so that it has components M cos and M sin along the two principal axes. Such cases come under the category of biaxial bending, also known as unsymmetrical bending.

7.3.1 Examples of Biaxial Bending

We are giving here a few examples of biaxial bending met with in actual practice. You will learn to solve numerical examples relating to such problems in the subsequent sections. (a) Figure 7.7(a) shows an I-section girder subjected to a vertical loading, P, in the vertical plane producing a bending moment about the horizontal plane (the horizontal X-X axis). It may at the same time be subjected to a horizontal wind load, W, causing a bending moment about the vertical axis YY. Thus, a biaxial bending is produced in the section. The rafter of a roof truss shown in Figure 7.7(b) is inclined at an angle with the horizontal. The purlin, which is a channel section, will thus have its principal axis X-X inclined at an angle with horizontal. When a vertical load, W, is applied to the purlin, the

(b)

182

bending will be in a plane inclined at as angle with the principal axis YY.
W W y y P Purlin W x x x y y Rafter V Y U x X O
90
o

Design of Flexural Members V

U Y

(a)

(b) Figure 7.7

(c)

We may resolve W along the directions of the principal axes : W cos along YY and W sin along XX. The former will cause a bending about XX axis, and the latter about the YY axis of the channel section, and the bending becomes biaxial. (c) In the angle section shown in Figure 7.7(c), the axes XX and YY, which are parallel to the legs are not the principal axes, as they are not the axes of symmetry for the section. The principal axes are UU and VV inclined at with XX and YY respectively. Hence, a load W, which acts parallel to a leg along the axis YY causes an unsymmetrical bending in the section. It has to be resolved along the two principal direction and the case has to be treated as that of biaxial bending.

7.3.2 Bending Stress Due to Biaxial Bending

In Figure 7.8, the bending moment acts in the plane OM, where O is the centroid of the section and UU and VV are the principal axes of the section. The plane OM in which the bending moment M lies makes an angle with the axis OV. Hence the resolved parts of M along OV and OU are Mu = M cos and Mv = M sin . [Note : Here mark that the moment in plane OV is called Mu since it bends the section about the perpendicular axis U-U, similarly Mv bends it about VV.]
V 90o X O U V y x u X Y M P v dA U

Figure 7.8

If P is any point within the section, whose co-ordinates with reference to UU and VV are u, v then the stress at P due to the component M cos is given by 183

Theory of Structures-I

fu =

Mu M cos v= v I uu I uu M sin u I vv

Similarly stress due to component M sin will be

fv =

And the total stress at P will be

f = M cos M sin v+ u I uu I vv

. . . (7.15)

Sign Convention As the calculations are algebraic the sign conventions must be properly followed to get the correct results. Here a sagging bending moment Mu (producing tension below the axis UU and compression above it) is considered positive. Similarly, a bending moment Mv producing tension to the left of the axis VV and compression on the right of it is considered positive under this convention, Mu and Mv are both positive if M lies in the first quadrant. For M lying in the second quadrant, Mu will be positive and Mv will be negative and so on for the other quadrants. As regards the signs of u and v, the usual conventions (that is above axis u-u, v is positive and right of axis vv, u is positive) is followed. Finally for the resultant stress, f, a positive sign will mean a compressive stress and a negative sign will mean a tensile stress.

SAQ 2

A rolled steel joist (ISMB-450) on a simply supported span of 6 m is loaded by a uniformly distributed vertical load of 20 kN/m and horizontal load of 2 kN/m. Find the maximum compressive and tensile stresses in the beam. Given, Ixx = 30390.8 cm4; Iyy = 834.0 cm4

7.3.3 Determination of Neutral Axis in Biaxial Bending

You know that in case of bending, the stress will be zero along a line, which is known as the Neutral Axis. To find the equation of the neutral axis, we put f = 0 in Eq. (7.15),
f = M cos M sin .v + .u =0 I uu I vv
u

Thus,

I v = uu tan I vv

. . . (7.16)

is the equation of the neutral axis. Comparing Eq. (7.16) with the well known equation of a straight line y = mx + c, we find that 184 (a) the neutral axis passes through the centroid G;

(b)

the slope of the neutral axis is given by

I tan = uu tan ; I vv

Design of Flexural Members

(The negative sign shows that is measured anticlockwise from axis XX if is positive or clockwise from YY.) Thus, we see that the neutral axis is not perpendicular to the plane of bending moment M (as in the case of uniaxial bending) but makes an angle of (90o + ) with it. Example 7.3 The rolled steel joist shown in Figure 7.9 is acted upon by a bending moment of 10 kNm acting in the Y-Y plane and 2 kNm acting in the X-X plane. Find the maximum stress in the section and the neutral axis. Given Ixx = 1696.6 cm4 and Iyy = 115.4 cm4
Mx = 10 kNm N y A B

200 x My = 2 kNm

71.2o x

C N 100 y

Figure 7.9

Solution Mx = 10 kNm = + 10 106 Nmm My = 2 kNm = 2 106 Nmm As per above sign convention
tan = My Mx = 2 = 0.2 10

giving = 11.3o (anticlockwise) (the angle made by the resultant moment with the YY axis). The co-ordinates of the four critical points for which stresses are calculated is given below : 185

Theory of Structures-I

A B C D

50 + 50 50 + 50

+ 100 + 100 100 100

fA =

My Mx 10 106 2 106 (+ 100) + ( 50) y+ x= I xx I yy 1696.6 104 115.4 104

= 58.94 + 86.66 = 145.60 N/mm2 (Compressive) Similarly, f B =

10 106 1696.6 104 (+ 100) + 2 106 115.4 104 (+ 50) = 58.94 86.66

= 27.72 N / mm 2 (tensile)
fC = 10 106 1696.6 104 ( 100) + 2 106 115.4 104 ( 50) = 58.94 + 86.66

= + 27.72 N / mm 2 (compressive)
fD = 10 106 1696.6 104 ( 100) + 2 106 115.4 104 (+ 50) = 58.94 86.66

= 145.6 N / mm 2 (tensile)

Hence, the maximum compressive stress occurs at the point A, and the maximum tensile stress at D. The angle which the neutral axis NN makes with axis XX is given by
I 1696.6 104 tan = xx tan = tan ( 11.3) I yy 115.4 104

or

tan = 2.9404 = 71o.2 (anticlockwise).

SAQ 3
A roof truss purlin consisting of a ISMC-200 channel section (Ixx = 1819.3 cm4, Iyy = 140.4 cm4, Cyy = 21.7 mm) shown in Figure 7.10 carries a vertical load of 5 kN/m over a span of 4 m. Find the maximum compressive and tensile stresses in the section.
W = 5 kN/m ISMC-200 Channel (Purlin)

Rafter
20
o

186

Figure 7.10

7.4 SUMMARY
In this unit, you have learnt how to design simple steel beams of rolled steel sections subjected to transverse loading. You have also learnt how to take care of elastic instability of flanges and web, so as they may not fail due to buckling under compressive stresses. You have also learnt how to check for stresses in beams subjected to biaxial bending. The final bending stress acting at any point in a section subjected to biaxial bending is given by
f = Mv M v+ v u Iuu I vv

Design of Flexural Members

The inclination of of the neutral axis with the principal axis OU is given by
I tan = uu tan I vv

where,

tan =

Mv . Mu

7.5 ANSWERS TO SAQs

SAQ 2 Maximum vertical BM, Maximum horizontal BM,
Mx = My =
Mx 150 y A B

20 62 = 90 kNm 8 2 62 = 9 kNm 8

My

450

C y

Maximum compressive stress occurs at A

bc =
90 106 30390.8 108

225

9 106 834 104

75

= 66.63 80.93 = 147.56 N/mm 2 (Comp.)

187

Theory of Structures-I

and maximum tensile stress occurs at point D

bt =
90 106 30390.8 10
8

225 +

9 106 834 10
4

75 = + 147.56 (N/mm 2 ) (Tensile)

SAQ 3 Maximum bending moment about x-x axis,

Mx =
5 cos 20o 42 = 9.4 kNm 8 5 sin 20o 42 = 3.42 kNm 8

Maximum bending moment about y-y axis,

My =

I xx = 1819.3 cm 4 I yy = 140.4 cm 4
W = 5 kN/m y

20

B D

A x

C
20
o

Maximum compressive shear occurs at B

bc =
90 106 1819.8 104

100

3.42 106 140.4 104

21.7

= 51.7 52.8 = 104.5 N/mm 2 (Comp.)

53.3 A 21.7 B

200

75 ISMC-200 Details

Maximum tensile stress occurs at C

bt =
9.4 106 1819.8 104

100 +

3.42 106 140.4 104

53.3

= + 51.7 + 129.8 = 181.5 N/mm 2 (Tensile)

188