Steel Design

Stability of Beams

Baraa J. Mahmood, Ph.D.

University of Mosul – College of Engineering

❖ Stability of Beams
If a beam can be counted on to remain stable up to the
fully plastic condition, the nominal moment strength can
be taken as the plastic moment capacity; that is,

𝑀𝑛 = 𝑀𝑝
Otherwise, 𝑀𝑛 will be less than 𝑀𝑝 .

As with a compression member, instability can be in an overall

sense or it can be local.
Mina Seif and Benjamin Schafer (2014), “Design of Locally Slender Structural Steel Columns”,
Journal of Structural Engineering, ASCE, Vol. 140, No. 4.
https://sdcverifier.com/articles/standards/eurocode3-member-checks/
Overall buckling is illustrated in Figure 1. When a beam bends,
the compression region (above the neutral axis) is analogous to
a column, and in a manner similar to a column, it will buckle if
the member is slender enough.

M=0
Figure 1

But, the difference is the tension portion restrains the

compression portion of the cross-section, and the outward
deflection (flexural buckling) is accompanied by twisting
(torsion). This form of instability is called lateral-torsional
buckling (LTB).
Lateral-torsional buckling (LTB):
Lateral torsional buckling is a buckling behavior that occurs in
unrestrained beams. When a beam subjected to loads results
in both lateral displacement and twisting, then it is under
lateral-torsional buckling.
LTB can be prevented by bracing the beam against twisting at
sufficiently close intervals. This can be accomplished with
either of two types of stability bracing:
1. Lateral bracing: it prevents translation, should be applied as close
to the compression flange as possible.
2. Torsional bracing: it prevents twist directly. It can be either nodal
or continuous, and of take the form of either:
a. Cross frame, or
b. Diaphragm.
Local Buckling:
Whether the beam can sustain a moment large enough to bring it to
the fully plastic condition also depends on whether the cross-
sectional integrity is maintained.
This integrity will be lost if one of the compression elements of the
cross section buckles. This type of buckling can be either:
➢ Buckling of compression flange
buckling: this called Flange Local
Buckling (FLB).,
➢ Buckling of compression part of the
web: this called Web Local Buckling
(WLB).
The local buckling will depend on the
width-to-thickness ratios of the
compression elements of the cross
section.
Classification of Shapes:
Depending on the values of width-to-thickness ratios, AISC classifies
cross-sectional shapes as:
❖ Compact cross-section,
❖ Non-compact cross-section, or
❖ Slender cross-section.
For I shapes, the width-to-thickness ratio (𝜆) calculated as:
1. Flange: ratio for the projecting
flange (an unstiffened element) 𝑏𝑓 Projecting
is: flange
𝑡𝑓
𝜆 = 𝑏𝑓 Τ2𝑡𝑓 𝑘𝑑𝑒𝑠

2. Web: ratio for the web

𝑑 ℎ 𝑡𝑤
(a stiffened element) is:
𝜆 = ℎΤ𝑡𝑤
ℎ = 𝑑 − 2𝑘𝑑𝑒𝑠 𝑘𝑑𝑒𝑠
It can be summarized as:
𝜆 = width-to-thickness ratio, it is called cross section slenderness
ratio.
𝜆𝑝 = upper limit of compact section.
𝜆𝑟 = upper limit of non-compact section.
Then;
Condition Classification
𝜆 ≤ 𝜆𝑝 Compact
Worst

𝜆 𝑝 < 𝜆 ≤ 𝜆𝑟 Noncompact
𝜆 > 𝜆𝑟 Slender

Note; The category is based on the worst width-to-thickness ratio

of the cross section. For example, if the web is compact and
the flange is noncompact, the shape is classified as
noncompact.
 Element 𝜆 𝜆𝑝 𝜆𝑟

𝑏𝑓 𝐸 𝐸
Flange 0.38 1.0
2𝑡𝑓 𝐹𝑦 𝐹𝑦

ℎ 𝐸 𝐸
Web 3.76 5.7
𝑡𝑤 𝐹𝑦 𝐹𝑦

Note: This is applicable for channel except that 𝜆 for the flange is:
𝑏𝑓
𝜆=
𝑡𝑓
Firstly check the compactness of the section and categorize beam as
compact, noncompact, or slender, and then determine the moment
resistance based on the degree of lateral support.
A beam can fail by reaching (𝑴𝒑 ) and becoming fully plastic, or it
can fail by:
1. lateral-torsional buckling (LTB), either elastically or inelastically;
2. flange local buckling (FLB), elastically or inelastically; or
3. web local buckling (WLB), elastically or inelastically.
➢ Compact shapes:
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 locally (web or flange).
It must be realized that for plastic hinges to develop the member
must not only be compact but also must be braced (laterally
support) in such away that lateral buckling is prevented.
Bending strength of compact shapes:
The moment strength of compact beams is a function of the
unbraced length (𝐿𝑏 ), defined as the distance behavior points of
lateral support, or bracing. Therefore, the beams have three distinct
ranges of zones of behavior depending on (𝐿𝑏 ).
The points of lateral support indicated with an “×”.

The Limiting lengths 𝑳𝒑 and 𝑳𝒓 :

 𝑏𝑓 Projecting
flange
𝑡𝑓 𝑘𝑑𝑒𝑠

𝑑 ℎ 𝑡𝑤

𝑘𝑑𝑒𝑠

ℎ = d − 2𝐾𝑑𝑒𝑠
Moment capacity of plastic behavior – Zone 1:
If the section is compact and has continuous lateral support, or if
the bracing length is very short, the nominal moment 𝑴𝒏 , is the full
plastic moment capacity of the section. this means, this beam can
be loaded until its full plastic moments reached at points.
For 𝐿𝑏 ≤ 𝐿𝑝
𝑀𝑛 = 𝑀𝑝
∅𝑏 𝑀𝑛 = ∅𝑏 𝑀𝑝 = ∅𝑏 𝐹𝑦 𝑍𝑥 , ∅𝑏 = 0.9
Moment capacity of inelastic behavior (inelastic buckling) –
Zone 2:
If the spacing between points of lateral or torsional bracing is
increased, the section may be loaded until some, but not all, of the
compression fibers are stressed to 𝐹𝑦 .

When the unbraced length 𝐿𝑏 of the compression flange of a beam

is increased beyond 𝐿𝑝 but not greater than or equal 𝐿𝑟 , the
strength based on inelastic LTB.
For 𝐿𝑝 < 𝐿𝑏 ≤ 𝐿𝑟
𝐿𝑏 − 𝐿𝑝
∅𝑏 𝑀𝑛 = ∅𝑏 𝐶𝑏 𝑀𝑃 − 𝑀𝑃 − 0.7𝐹𝑦 𝑆𝑥 ≤ ∅𝑏 𝑀𝑝
𝐿𝑟 − 𝐿𝑝
Where,
𝐶𝑏 is the bending moment coefficient for nonuniform moment
diagrams when both ends of the unsupported segment are braced.
If the moment within the unbraced length 𝐿𝑏 is uniform (constant),
there is no moment gradient and 𝐶𝑏 = 1.0
If there a moment gradient within the unbraced length 𝐿𝑏 the value
of 𝐶𝑏 is given by:

12.5 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝐶𝑏 =
2.5 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 +3𝑀𝐴 +4𝑀𝐵 +3𝑀𝐶
Where,
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = absolute value of the max. moment within the unbraced
length (including the end points of the unbraced length).
𝑀𝐴 = absolute value of the moment at the quarter point of the
unbraced length.
𝑀𝐵 = absolute value of the moment at the midpoint point of the
unbraced length.
𝑀𝐶 = absolute value of the moment at the three-quarter point of
the unbraced length.
Moment capacity of elastic behavior – Zone 3:
When the unbraced length of a beam, 𝑳𝒃 , is greater than 𝑳𝒓 , the
beam will fall in Zone 3.
Such member may fail due to buckling of the compression portion of
the cross section laterally about weak axis, with twisting of entire
cross section about the beam’s longitudinal axis between the point
of lateral bracing.
For 𝐿𝑏 > 𝐿𝑟
∅𝑏 𝑀𝑛 = ∅𝑏 𝐹𝑐𝑟 𝑆𝑥 ≤ ∅𝑏 𝑀𝑝

Where 𝐹𝑐𝑟 is the elastic buckling stress.

2
𝐶𝑏 𝜋 2𝐸 𝐽𝑐 𝐿𝑏
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 2
1 + 0.078
𝐿𝑏 Τ𝑟𝑡𝑠 𝑆𝑥 ℎ𝑜 𝑟𝑡𝑠
Notes:
▪ The web criterion is met by all standard I and C shapes listed in
the Manual for 𝐹𝑦 ≤ 65𝑘𝑠𝑖; therefore, in most cases only the
flange ratio needs to be checked (note that built-up welded I
shapes can have noncompact or slender webs). Most shapes will
also satisfy the flange requirement and will therefore be
classified as compact.

▪ 𝐶𝑏 is equal to 1.0 for cantilevers or overhangs where the free end

is unbraced.
 As Summary:
1. Determine whether the section is compact – By using equations or
tables (1-1 and 3-2).
2. If the section is compact, check the LTB as follows:

Zone Moment capacity

1, Plastic
∅𝑏 𝑀𝑛 = ∅𝑏 𝑀𝑝
𝐿𝑏 ≤ 𝐿𝑝
2, Inelastic LTB 𝐿𝑏 − 𝐿𝑝
∅𝑏 𝐶𝑏 𝑀𝑃 − 𝑀𝑃 − 0.7𝐹𝑦 𝑆𝑥
∅𝑏 𝑀𝑛 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝐿𝑟 − 𝐿𝑝
𝐿𝑝 < 𝐿𝑏 ≤ 𝐿𝑟 ∅𝑏 𝑀𝑝
∅𝑏 𝐹𝑐𝑟 𝑆𝑥
∅𝑏 𝑀𝑛 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛
3, Elastic LTB ∅𝑏 𝑀𝑝

2
𝐶𝑏 𝜋 2 𝐸 𝐽𝑐 𝐿𝑏
𝐿𝑏 > 𝐿𝑟 𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 2
1 + 0.078
Τ
𝐿𝑏 𝑟𝑡𝑠 𝑆𝑥 ℎ𝑜 𝑟𝑡𝑠
We can calculate ∅𝑏 𝑀𝑛 by using Tables (1-1 and 3-2):

Table 3-2 Equations

∅𝑏 𝑀𝑝𝑥 = ∅𝑏 𝑀𝑝 = ∅𝑏 𝐹𝑦 𝑍𝑥
∅𝑏 𝑀𝑟𝑥 = 0.7∅𝑏 𝐹𝑦 𝑆𝑥
∅𝑏 𝑀𝑝𝑥 − 𝑀𝑟𝑥
𝐵𝐹 =
𝐿𝑟 − 𝐿𝑝
 Zone Moment capacity
1
∅𝑏 𝑀𝑛 = ∅𝑏 𝑀𝑝𝑥
𝐿𝑏 ≤ 𝐿𝑝

2
𝐶𝑏 ∅𝑏 𝑀𝑝𝑥 − 𝐵𝐹 𝐿𝑏 − 𝐿𝑝
∅𝑏 𝑀𝑛 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐿𝑝 < 𝐿𝑏 ≤ 𝐿𝑟 ∅𝑏 𝑀𝑝𝑥

∅𝑏 𝐹𝑐𝑟 𝑆𝑥
∅𝑏 𝑀𝑛 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛
3 ∅𝑏 𝑀𝑝𝑥

2
𝐶𝑏 𝜋 2𝐸 𝐽𝑐 𝐿𝑏
𝐿𝑏 > 𝐿𝑟 𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 2
1 + 0.078
𝐿𝑏 Τ𝑟𝑡𝑠 𝑆𝑥 ℎ𝑜 𝑟𝑡𝑠
Example:
𝐶𝑏 = 1.14 𝐶𝑏 = 2.38
Example-1: A simply supported beam shown in figure below is subjected
to a uniform service dead load of 1 k/ft (including the weight
of the beam), a uniform service live load of 2.5 k/ft, and
concentrated dead load of 45 kips. The beam has continuous
lateral support, and A572 Grade 50 steel is used. Is a
W30x116 adequate?
Solution:
Example-2: Determine whether a W30x99 of A992 steel is adequate for
the beam shown in figure below. The uniform load does not
include the weight of the beam. Lateral support is provided at
A, B, and C?
OR by using Table 3-2:
 We can calculate ∅𝑏 𝑀𝑛 by using Tables (1-1 and 3-2):

Table 3-2 Equations

∅𝑏 𝑀𝑝𝑥 = 1170 = ∅𝑏 𝑀𝑝 = ∅𝑏 𝐹𝑦 𝑍𝑥 = 𝟎. 𝟗 × 𝟓𝟎 × 𝟑𝟏𝟐/𝟏𝟐 = 𝟏𝟏𝟕𝟎
∅𝑏 𝑀𝑟𝑥 = 706 = 0.7∅𝑏 𝐹𝑦 𝑆𝑥 = 𝟎. 𝟕 × 𝟎. 𝟗 × 𝟓𝟎 × 𝟐𝟔𝟗/𝟏𝟐 = 𝟕𝟎𝟔
∅𝑏 𝑀𝑝𝑥 − 𝑀𝑟𝑥
𝐵𝐹 = = 𝟑𝟑. 𝟑
𝐿𝑟 − 𝐿𝑝

2
𝐶𝑏 ∅𝑏 𝑀𝑝𝑥 − 𝐵𝐹 𝐿𝑏 − 𝐿𝑝
∅𝑏 𝑀𝑛 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐿𝑝 < 𝐿𝑏 ≤ 𝐿𝑟 ∅𝑏 𝑀𝑝𝑥

7.42 < 20 ≤ 21.4 ∅𝑏 𝑀𝑛 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛 1.266 1170 − 33.3 20 − 7.42 = 𝟗𝟓𝟎

𝟏𝟏𝟕𝟎
Bending strength of noncompact shapes:
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. It is
not capable of reaching a fully plastic stress distribution. The noncompact
sections are those that have web–thickness ratios greater than but not
greater than The values are provided in Table 9.2,which is Table B4.1b of
the AISC Specification.
The noncompact sections are those that have web-to-thickness ratios
greater than λp but not greater than λr .
In general, a noncompact beam may fail by:
1. Lateral-torsional buckling,
2. Flange local buckling, or
3. Web local buckling.
Any of these types of failure can be in either the elastic range or the
inelastic range. The strength corresponding to each of these three limit
states must be computed, and the smallest value will control.
Almost all of the standard hot-rolled shapes listed in the AISC Manual are
compact, and none of them fall into the slender classification. All of these
shapes have compact webs, but a few of them have noncompact flanges.
But must be careful when working with built-up sections as they may very
well be noncompact or slender.
If a standard shape has a noncompact flange, it will be indicated in the
Manual with an “f” footnote.
From AISC F3, for flange local buckling, if 𝜆𝑝 < 𝜆 ≤ 𝜆𝑟 , the flange is
noncompact, buckling will be inelastic, and

𝜆 − 𝜆𝑝
𝑀𝑛 = 𝑀𝑃 − 𝑀𝑃 − 0.7𝐹𝑦 𝑆𝑥
𝜆𝑟 − 𝜆𝑝
If the shapes is noncompact because of the flange. The 𝑀𝑛 will be the
smaller if the 𝑀𝑛 corresponding to FLB and LTB.

A. FLB, 𝝀𝒑 < 𝝀 ≤ 𝝀𝒓

𝜆 − 𝜆𝑝
𝑀𝑛 = 𝑀𝑃 − 𝑀𝑃 − 0.7𝐹𝑦 𝑆𝑥
𝜆𝑟 − 𝜆𝑝
B. LTB,

❖ If, 𝑳𝒃 ≤ 𝑳𝒑
𝑀𝑛 = 𝑀𝑃
❖ If, 𝑳𝒑 < 𝑳𝒃 ≤ 𝑳𝒓 , inelastic LTB, and

𝐿𝑏 − 𝐿𝑝
∅𝑏 𝐶𝑏 𝑀𝑃 − 𝑀𝑃 − 0.7𝐹𝑦 𝑆𝑥
∅𝑏 𝑀𝑛 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝐿𝑟 − 𝐿𝑝
∅𝑏 𝑀𝑝
❖ If, 𝑳𝒃 > 𝑳𝒑 , elastic LTB, and
∅𝑏 𝐹𝑐𝑟 𝑆𝑥
∅𝑏 𝑀𝑛 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛
∅𝑏 𝑀𝑝𝑥

2
𝐶𝑏 𝜋 2 𝐸 𝐽𝑐 𝐿𝑏
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 2
1 + 0.078
𝐿𝑏 Τ𝑟𝑡𝑠 𝑆𝑥 ℎ𝑜 𝑟𝑡𝑠

Or, calculate ∅𝑏 𝑀𝑛 for above cases by using Tables (1-1 and 3-2)

Finally,

𝐹𝐿𝐵
∅𝑏 𝑀𝑛 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐿𝑇𝐵
Example-3: Determine the flexural design stress for a 50 ksi W12 x 65
section which has full lateral bracing?

Solution:
Is the flange noncompact?

OR, for a standard shape has a

noncompact flange, it will be
indicated in the Manual with an
“f” footnote.

Note: If a standard shape has a

noncompact flange, it will be
indicated in the Manual with an
“f” footnote. The numerical
values shown in the tables are
based on the reduced stresses
caused by noncompactness.
Calculate the nominal flexural stress:

Determine ∅𝑴𝒃 :

∅𝑀𝑏 = 0.9 × 395.7 = 356 𝑘. 𝑓𝑡

Note: These values correspond to the values given in AISC Table 3-2.
Example-4: A W21 × 48 is used as a simply supported, uniformly loaded
beam with a span length of 50 feet and continuous lateral
support. The yield stress, 𝐹𝑦 = 60 𝑘𝑠𝑖. If the ratio of live load to
dead load is 3, compute the available strength and determine
the maximum total service load, in kip/ft, that can be
supported?

𝑤 𝑘Τ𝑓𝑡

50’
Solution:
Beams shear strength:
Beam shear strength is covered in Chapter G of the AISC Specification,
“Design of Members for Shear.”
Generally, shear is not a problem in steel beams, because the webs of
rolled shapes are capable of resisting rather large shearing forces.
However, there are common situations where shear might be excessive,
such as:
1. Large concentrated loads be placed near beam supports,
2. Beam webs also need to be checked for shear rupture on the net area of
the web when bolt holes are present.
According to mechanics of materials, for the
beam subjected to the maximum shear force
(at support of simply supported beam). The
external shear “V” varies along the longitudinal
axis “x” of the beam with bending moment as:
𝑑𝑀
𝑉=
𝑑𝑥
While the beam is in the elastic stage, the
internal shear stresses 𝜏 , which resist the
external shear, V, can be written as:
𝑉𝑄
𝜏=
𝐼𝑏
𝑉 = vertical shear force at the section under
consideration,
𝑄 = first moment, about the neutral axis, of the area
of the cross section between the point of
interest and the top or bottom of the cross
section,
Because this element is located
𝐼 = moment of inertia about the neutral axis,
at the neutral axis, it is not
𝑏 = width of the cross section at the point of interest. subjected to flexural stress.
According to above equation, the figures below show the variation in shear stresses across
the cross section of an I – shaped member and rectangular shaped member.
According to above equation, the figures below show the variation in
flexural stresses and shear stresses across the cross section of an I –
shaped member.

Flexural stress Shear stress

It can be seen, that the shear in I – shaped sections is primarily resisted by

the web, while the flexural stress is primarily resisted by the flange.

The web will completely yield long before the flange begins to yield.
Because of this, the yielding of the web represents one of the shear limit
states.
Figure below shows the shearing stress distribution for a W shape. Superimposed
on the actual distribution is the average stress in the web, 𝑉Τ𝐴𝑤 , which does not
differ much from the maximum web stress.
Clearly, the web will completely yield long before the flanges begin to yield.
Because of this, yielding of the web represents one of the shear limit states.
Taking the shear yield stress as 60% of the tensile yield stress (according to Von
Mises criterion),we can write the equation for the stress in the web at failure as:
𝑉𝑛
𝑉= = 0.6𝐹𝑦
𝐴𝑤
Where, 𝐴𝑤 = area of the web. The nominal strength corresponding to this limit
states is therefore,
𝑉𝑛 = 0.6𝐹𝑦 𝐴𝑤
𝑉𝑛 will be the nominal strength in shear provided that there is no shear
buckling of the web. Whether that occurs will depend on ℎΤ𝑡𝑤 , the width-
to-thickness ratio of the web (web slenderness). If this ratio is too large—
that is, if the web is too slender—the web can buckle in shear, either
inelastically or elastically.
The nominal shear yielding strength is based on the Von Mises criterion,
which states that for an unreinforced beam web that is stocky enough not
fail by buckling. The shear strength can be taken as 𝐹𝑦 Τ 3 = 0.58𝐹𝑦 . The
specification around this stress to 0.6𝐹𝑦
In general, there are two basic situations concerning shear capacity:

1. Shear yielding or full plastic capacity of the web in shear (failure by

excessive deformation).
2. Shear buckling of the web (slender webs, large ℎΤ𝑡𝑤 - web slenderness)
may buckle prior yielding.
AISC Specification Requirements for Shear:

𝑉𝑢 ≤ ∅𝑣 𝑉𝑛

Where,
𝑉𝑢 = maximum shear based on the controlling combination of factored load,
∅𝑣 = resistance factor for shear.
The values of the resistance factor and safety factor will depend on the
web width-to-thickness ratio.
𝑏𝑓
The basic strength equation is:
𝑡𝑓 𝑘𝑑𝑒𝑠

𝑉𝑛 = 0.6𝐹𝑦 𝐴𝑤 𝐶𝑣
𝑑 ℎ 𝑡𝑤

Where,
𝐴𝑤 = area of the web ≈ 𝑑 × 𝑡𝑤 , 𝑘𝑑𝑒𝑠
𝑑 = overall depth of the beam,
𝐶𝑣 = ratio of critical web stress to shear yield stress.
The value of 𝐶𝑣 depends on whether the limit state is web yielding, web
inelastic buckling, or web elastic buckling.
This means, failure modes may be:
1. Shear yielding,
2. Inelastic shear buckling,
3. Elastic shear buckling.

Case 1: For hot-rolled I shapes with:

ℎΤ𝑡𝑤 ≤ 2.24 𝐸 Τ𝐹𝑦

The limit state is shear yielding, and

𝐶𝑣 = 1.0
∅𝑣 = 1.0
Most W shapes with 𝐹𝑦 ≤ 50 𝑘𝑠𝑖 fall into this category.
Case 2: For all other doubly and singly symmetric shapes:
∅𝑣 = 0.9
and 𝐶𝑣 is determined as follows:

𝒉Τ𝒕𝒘 𝑪𝒗 Limit state

𝑘𝑣 𝐸
ℎΤ𝑡𝑤 ≤ 1.1 1.0 Shear yielding
𝐹𝑦

𝑘𝑣 𝐸 𝑘𝑣 𝐸 𝑘𝑣 𝐸
1.1
1.1 < ℎΤ𝑡𝑤 < 1.37 𝐹𝑦 Inelastic buckling
𝐹𝑦 𝐹𝑦
ℎΤ𝑡𝑤
𝑘𝑣 𝐸 1.51𝐾𝑣 𝐸
ℎΤ𝑡𝑤 > 1.37 Elastic shear
𝐹𝑦 ℎΤ𝑡𝑤 2 𝐹𝑦

Where, 𝑘𝑣 = 5.0 for unstiffened webs with ℎΤ𝑡𝑤 < 260

 ∅𝒗 = 𝟎. 𝟗
Inelastic shear buckling
𝑪𝒗 = 𝟏. 𝟎

Shear yielding

Elastic shear buckling

Example-5: A simply supported beam with a span length of 45 feet is
laterally supported at its ends and is subjected to the following
service loads: Dead load = 0.4 𝑘𝑖𝑝Τ𝑓𝑡 (Including the weight of
the beam). Live load = 1 𝑘𝑖𝑝Τ𝑓𝑡. if a 𝐹𝑦 = 50 𝑘𝑠𝑖. Check shear
for W14 × 90.
Solution:
For the simply supported uniformly loaded beam 𝑤𝑢 = 2.08 𝑘𝑖𝑝Τ𝑓𝑡 with
span = 45 𝑓𝑡, the maximum shear occurs at the support and equal to the
reaction:
 2.08 𝑘Τ𝑓𝑡

45’

46.8 𝑘𝑁

46.8 𝑘𝑁
Deflections:
In addition to being safe, a structure must be serviceable. A serviceable
structure is one that performs satisfactorily, not causing any discomfort or
perceptions of unsafety for the users of the structure.
The deflections of steel beams are usually limited to certain maximum
values. Among the several excellent reasons for deflection limitations are
the following:
1. Excessive deflections may damage other materials attached to or
supported by the beam in question.
2. The appearance of structures is often damaged by excessive
deflections.
3. Extreme deflections do not inspire confidence in the persons using a
structure, although the structure may be completely safe from a
strength standpoint.
4. It may be necessary for several different beams supporting the same
loads to deflect equal amounts.
Deflection is a serviceability limit state, not one of strength, so deflection
should always be computed with service loads.
𝐿 𝐿
Deflection limit: − For service live load only
180 360
For the common case of a simply supported, uniformly loaded beam such
as that in Figure below, the maximum vertical deflection is:
5 𝑤𝐿4
∆=
384 𝐸𝐼

Deflection formulas for a variety of beams and loading conditions can be

found in Part 3, “Design of Flexural Members,” of the Manual.
Example-6: A 𝑾𝟒𝟎 × 𝟏𝟒𝟗 of A992 steel (𝑭𝒚 = 𝟓𝟎 𝐤𝐬𝐢) is used for the
cantilevered beam shown in the figure below. The lateral
bracing is provided at the support and free end. Check whether
the section is adequate for the moment, shear, and deflection,
if the allowable live load deflection is (0.8 in)?

6𝒘𝑳 𝑳4 + 21𝑷𝑳 𝑳3
𝜹𝒎𝒂𝒙. =
48𝑬𝑰
Solution:
71.72 2759
References:
▪ Jack C. McCormac and Stephen F. Csernak, 2012, Structural steel
design. 5th edition.
▪ William T. Segui, 2012, Steel Design, 5th edition.
▪ J. C. Smith, 1996, Structural Steel Design LRFD Approach, 2nd
edition.
▪ Charles G. Salmon, John Edwin Johnson, Faris Amin Malhas,
2009, Steel Structures: Design and Behavior, 5th edition.