Horizontal Shearing

Stress in Beams
 In addition to the bending (axial) stress which develops
in a loaded beam, there is also a shear stress which develops,
including both a Vertical Shear Stress, and a Horizontal
(longitudinal) Shear Stress. It can be shown that at any
given point in the beam, the values of vertical shear stress
and the horizontal shear stress must be equal, at that point,
for static equilibrium. As a result it is usual to discuss and
calculate the horizontal shear stress in a beam (and simply
remember that the vertical shearing stress is equal in value to
the horizontal shear stress at any given point).
 The existence of horizontal shear stresses
in a beam can be demonstrated as follows.
– Suppose that a beam is constructed by
stacking several slabs or planks on top of
another without fastening them together.
– Also suppose this beam is loaded in a
direction normal to the surface of these
slabs.
– When a bending load is applied, the stack
will deform as shown in Fig. 1b.
– Since the slabs were free to slide on one
another, the ends do not remain even but
staggered.
– Each of the slabs behaves as independent
beam, and the total resistance to bending
of n slabs is approximately n times the Figure 1
resistance of one slab alone.
– If the slabs of Fig. 2 is fastened or glued,
then the staggering or relative
longitudinal movement of slabs would
disappear under the action of the force.
However, shear forced will develop
between the slabs.
– In this case, the stack of slabs will act as
a solid beam.
– The fact that this solid beam does not
exhibit this relative movement of
longitudinal elements after the slabs
are glued indicates the presence of
shearing stresses on longitudinal
planes.

Figure 2
Horizontal Shear Stress Formula
𝑉 𝑉
𝜏 = 𝐴𝑦 = 𝑄
𝐼𝑏 𝐼𝑏
where:
𝑉 = Shear force at location along the beam where we wish to find
from the horizontal shear stress
𝐴 = cross sectional area, from point where we wish to find the
shear stress at, to an outer edge of the beam cross section (top
or bottom)
𝑦′ = distance from neutral axis to the centroid of the area A.
𝐼 = moment of inertia for the beam cross section.
𝑏 = width of the beam at the point we wish to determine the
shear stress.
𝑄 = first moment of the portion of the cross-sectional area
between the transverse line where the stress is to be evaluated
and the extreme fiber of the beam.
𝑄 = 𝐴𝑦
For the rectangular section

3𝑉
𝜏=
2𝑏𝑑
where:
V = shear force
b = width of the section
d = depth of the section
 = shear stress

For a circular cross section:

4𝑉
𝜏=
3𝐴
where:
V = shear force
A = cross-sectional area
Solved Problems
1. A timber beam 80 𝑚𝑚 wide by 160 𝑚𝑚 high is subjected to a
vertical shear 𝑉 = 40 𝑘𝑁 . Determine the shearing stress
developed at layers 20 𝑚𝑚 apart from the top to bottom of the
section.

Solution:

Find the moment of inertia about the neutral axis:

1
𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 𝑏ℎ3
12
1
𝐼𝑁𝐴 = (80)(160)3
12

𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 27.31 𝑥 106 𝑚𝑚4

𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 27.31 𝑥 10−6 𝑚4
Shearing stress at every layer.
a. Layer 1 (20 mm from the top of the section).
Q

𝑄1 = 𝐴1 𝑦1 = 80(20) 70
𝑄1 = 112000 𝑚𝑚3

𝑉 40000
𝜏1 = 𝑄 = 112000
𝐼𝑏 27.31 𝑥 106 80
𝜏1 = 2.05 𝑀𝑃𝑎

b. Layer 2 (40 mm from the top of the section).

Q
𝑄2 = 𝐴2 𝑦2 = 80(40) 60
𝑄2 = 192000 𝑚𝑚3
60

𝑉 40000
𝜏2 = 𝑄 = 192000
𝐼𝑏 27.31 𝑥 106 80
𝜏2 = 3.52 𝑀𝑃𝑎
c. Layer 3 (60 mm from the top of the section).

Q
𝑄3 = 𝐴3 𝑦3 = 80(60) 50
𝑄3 = 240000 𝑚𝑚3
50
𝑉 40000
𝜏3 = 𝑄 = 240000
𝐼𝑏 27.31 𝑥 106 80
𝜏3 = 4.39 𝑀𝑃𝑎

d. Layer 4 (80 mm from the top of the section).

Q
𝑄4 = 𝐴4 𝑦4 = 80(80) 40
𝑄4 = 256000 𝑚𝑚3
40
𝑉 40000
𝜏4 = 𝑄 = 256000
𝐼𝑏 27.31 𝑥 106 80
𝜏4 = 4.69 𝑀𝑃𝑎
e. Layer 5 (100 mm from the top of the section).

Q 𝑄5 = 𝐴5 𝑦5 = 80(100) 30
𝑄5 = 240000 𝑚𝑚3
30 𝑉 40000
𝜏5 = 𝑄 = 240000
𝐼𝑏 27.31 𝑥 106 80
𝜏5 = 4.39 𝑀𝑃𝑎

f. Layer 6 (120 mm from the top of the section).

Q 𝑄6 = 𝐴6 𝑦6 = 80(120) 20
𝑄6 = 192000 𝑚𝑚3
20
𝑉 40000
𝜏6 = 𝑄 = 192000
𝐼𝑏 27.31 𝑥 106 80
𝜏6 = 3.52 𝑀𝑃𝑎
g. Layer 7 (140 mm from the top of the section).

Q 𝑄7 = 𝐴7 𝑦7 = 80(140) 10
𝑄7 = 112000 𝑚𝑚3

10 𝑉 40000
𝜏7 = 𝑄 = 112000
𝐼𝑏 27.31 𝑥 106 80
𝜏7 = 2.05 𝑀𝑃𝑎

h. Layer 8 (160 mm from the top of the section). 20

Q 𝑄8 = 𝐴8 𝑦8 = 80(160) 0
𝑄8 = 0 𝑚𝑚3

𝑉 40000
𝜏8 = 𝑄 = 0
𝐼𝑏 27.31 𝑥 106 80
𝜏8 = 0 𝑀𝑃𝑎
2. A uniformly distributed load of 200 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡 is carried on a simply
supported beam span. If the cross-section is as shown, determine
the maximum length of the beam if the shearing stress is limited
to 80 𝑝𝑠𝑖. Assume the load acts over the entire length of the
beam.

Solution:
Find the reaction and draw the shear diagram.

𝑉 = 100𝐿 𝑙𝑏.
Find the moment of inertia of the section.
1 2

𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 𝐼𝑥1 − 𝐼𝑥2

1 1
𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 𝑏ℎ3 − 𝑏ℎ3
12 1 12 2

1 3
1
𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 8 10 − 6 83
12 12
𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 410.67 𝑖𝑛4
Find the first moment Q of the area above the N.A.
Q
8 in
6 in
5 in 4 in
y y

1 2

𝑄 = 𝐴1 𝑦1 − 𝐴2 𝑦2
𝑄 = 8(5) 2.5 − 6(4) 2
𝑄 = 52 𝑖𝑛3
Due to horizontal stress, find the length L.
𝑉
𝜏 = 𝑄
𝐼𝑏
100𝐿
80 = (52)
410.67 8 − 6
𝐿 = 12.64 𝑓𝑡.
3. The T section shown is the cross-section of a beam formed by
joining two rectangular pieces of wood together. The beam is
subjected to a maximum shearing force of 60 kN. Show that the 𝑁𝐴
is 34 𝑚𝑚 from the top and the 𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 10.57 × 106 𝑚𝑚4. Using
these values, determine the shearing stress (a) at the neutral axis
and (b) at the junction between the two pieces of wood.

flange

web
Solution:
Locate N.A. measured from the top of the section.

𝑦1

𝑦2

𝐴 𝑇 𝑦 = 𝐴1 𝑦1 + 𝐴2 𝑦2
where
𝐴1 = 200 40 = 8000 𝑖𝑛2 𝑦1 = 12 40 = 20 𝑖𝑛
𝐴2 = 100 20 = 2000 𝑖𝑛2 𝑦2 = 40 + 12 100 = 90 𝑖𝑛
𝐴 𝑇 = 10000 𝑖𝑛2
thus
10000𝑦 = 8000 20 + 2000(90)
𝑦 = 34 𝑖𝑛.
Find the moment of inertia of the section based on the NA using the
same figure used in locating NA.

By the transfer formula for moment of inertia

𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 𝐼𝑥 + 𝐴𝑑𝑦 2

Area (𝑖𝑛2 ) 𝑦 (𝑖𝑛) 1

𝐼𝑥 = 12 𝑏ℎ3 (𝑥 106 𝑚𝑚4 ) 𝑑𝑦 = 𝑦 − 𝑦
1
𝐴1 = 8000 𝑦1 = 20 𝐼𝑥1 = 12 200 403 = 1.07 𝑑𝑦1 = 20 − 34 = −14 𝑖𝑛
1
𝐴2 = 2000 𝑦2 = 90 𝐼𝑥2 = 12 20 1003 = 1.67 𝑑𝑦1 = 90 − 34 = 56 𝑖𝑛
𝐴 𝑇 = 10000 𝑖𝑛2
𝐼𝑥 = 2.73𝑥 106 𝑚𝑚4

𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 2.73𝑥 106 + 8000( −14)2 + 2000(56)2

𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 10.57 𝑥 106 𝑚𝑚4

Find the shearing stresses;

a. At the Neutral Axis, N.A.

𝑄 = 𝐴𝑦 = 200 34 17 = 115600 𝑚𝑚3
𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 10.57 𝑥 106 𝑚𝑚4
𝑏 = 200 𝑚𝑚
𝑉 = 60 𝑘𝑁 = 60000 𝑁

𝑉 60000
𝜏= 𝑄= 6
(115600)
𝐼𝑏 10.57 𝑥 10 200
𝜏 = 3.28 𝑀𝑃𝑎
b. At the junction between the two pieces of wood.
- with the flange, 𝑏 = 200 𝑚𝑚
𝑄 = 𝐴𝑦 = 200(40) 14 = 112000 𝑚𝑚3
𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 10.57 𝑥 106 𝑚𝑚4
𝑉 = 60 𝑘𝑁 = 60000 𝑁

𝑉 60000
𝜏= 𝑄= 6
(112000)
𝐼𝑏 10.57 𝑥 10 200
𝜏 = 3.18 𝑀𝑃𝑎

- with the web, 𝑏 = 20 𝑚𝑚

𝑉 60000
𝜏= 𝑄= 6
(112000)
𝐼𝑏 10.57 𝑥 10 20
𝜏 = 31.78 𝑀𝑃𝑎
4. Determine the maximum and minimum shearing stress in the
web of the wide flange section shown if 𝑉 = 100 𝑘𝑁.
Solution:
Find the moment of inertia of the section based on the N.A.
120 mm
50 mm 50 mm

160 mm
200 mm
NA

1 2

1 1
𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 𝑏ℎ3 − 𝑏ℎ3
12 1 12 2

1 3
1
𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 120 200 − 2 50 1603
12 12
𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 45.87 𝑥 106 𝑚𝑚4
Maximum horizontal shear occurs at the neutral axis
Find the first moment Q of the area above the N.A.
120 mm
20 mm 20

= + 80 mm

𝑄 = 𝐴1 𝑦1 + 𝐴2 𝑦2

𝑄 = 120(20) 90 + 20(80) 40
𝑄 = 280000 𝑚𝑚3
thus 𝑉
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑄
𝐼𝑏
100000
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 6
(280000)
45.87 𝑥 10 20
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 30.52 𝑀𝑃𝑎
The minimum horizontal shear occurs at the junction of the flange
and the web.
120 mm
20 mm

𝑄 = 𝐴1 𝑦1

𝑄 = 120(20) 90
𝑄 = 216000 𝑚𝑚3
thus 𝑉
𝜏𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑄
𝐼𝑏
100000
𝜏𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 6
(216000)
45.87 𝑥 10 20
𝜏𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 23.55 𝑀𝑃𝑎
5. A plywood beam is built up of 1/4 − 𝑖𝑛. strips separated by
blocks as shown. What shearing force 𝑉 will cause a maximum
shearing stress of 200 𝑝𝑠𝑖?
Solution:
Find the moment of inertia of the section based on the N.A.
4.75 in

12 in
=

10 in
NA

1 2

1 1
𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 𝑏ℎ3 − 𝑏ℎ3
12 1 12 2

1 3
1
𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 4.75 12 − 2 2 103
12 12
𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 350.67 𝑖𝑛4
Maximum horizontal shear occurs at the neutral axis with b=3(0.25)
Find the first moment Q of the area above the N.A.
4.75 in
2” 2”
= 6” - 2.5”
5”

𝑄 = 𝐴1 𝑦1 + 𝐴2 𝑦2
𝑄 = 4.75(6) 3 − 2 2 5 2.5
𝑄 = 35.5 𝑖𝑛3
thus 𝑉
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑄
𝐼𝑏
𝑉
200 = (35.5)
350.67 0.75
𝑉 = 1481.69 𝑙𝑏.
Design for Flexure and Shear

To determine the load capacity or the size of beam section, it must

satisfy the allowable stresses in both flexure (bending) and shear.
Shearing stress usually governs in the design of short beams that
are heavily loaded, while flexure is usually the governing stress for
long beams. In material comparison, timber is low in shear strength
than that of steel.
Solved Problems
1. A laminated beam is composed of five planks, each 6 in. by 2 in.,
glued together to form a section 6 in. wide by 10 in. high. The
allowable shear stress in the glue is 90 psi, the allowable shear
stress in the wood is 120 psi, and the allowable flexural stress in
the wood is 1200 psi. Determine the maximum uniformly
distributed load that can be carried by the beam on a 6-ft simple
span.

Solution:

Maximum moment for a simple beam loaded with a uniformly

distributed load over the entire span.

1 2
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑤𝑜 𝐿
8
1
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑤𝑜 (6)2
8
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 4.5𝑤𝑜 𝑙𝑏 − 𝑓𝑡
Maximum shear for a simple beam loaded with a uniformly
distributed load over the entire span.
1
𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 2 𝑤𝑜 𝐿
1
𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑤𝑜 (6)
2
𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 3𝑤𝑜

Maximum flexural stress of wood occurs at the N.A.

𝑀𝑐
𝑓𝑏 =
𝐼

4.5𝑤𝑜 12 5
1200 = 1 3)
12
(6)(10

𝑤𝑜 = 2222.22 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡
For shearing stress of the wood
Q
𝑉
𝜏 = 𝐴𝑦
𝐼𝑏
3𝑤𝑜
120 = 1 3
6 5 2.5
12(6)(10 )(6)
𝑤𝑜 = 1600 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡

For shearing stress of the glue

Q 𝑉
𝜏 = 𝐴𝑦
𝐼𝑏
3
3𝑤𝑜
90 = 1 3
6 4 3
12(6)(10 )(6)
𝑤𝑜 = 1250 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡

𝑙𝑏
The safe value of 𝑤𝑜 = 1250 .
𝑓𝑡
2. Find the cross-sectional dimensions of the smallest square beam
that can be loaded as shown in Fig. P-582 if  ≤ 1.0 MPa and fb ≤
8 MPa.
b

Solution:

Reactions
𝑀𝑅2 = 0 𝑀𝑅1 = 0
𝑅1 3 = 5 2 + 2 𝑅2 3 + 2 = 5 1
𝑅1 = 4 𝑘𝑁 𝑅2 = 1 𝑘𝑁
Shear & Moment diagrams Due to flexural stress

𝑀𝑐
𝑓𝑏 =
𝐼
4000(12𝑏)
8 𝑥 106 = 1
12
𝑏(𝑏 3 )
𝑏 = 0.144 𝑚 = 144 𝑚𝑚

Due to horizontal shear stress

𝑉
𝜏 = 𝐴𝑦
𝐼𝑏
4000 𝑏 𝑏
1 𝑥 106 = 1 𝑏 2 4
12
𝑏 𝑏3 𝑏
𝑏 = 0.077 𝑚 = 77 𝑚𝑚

Use 𝑏 = 145 𝑚𝑚 for safe dimensions of beam.

3. A rectangular beam 6 in. wide by 10 in. high supports a total
distributed load of W and a concentrated load of 2W applied as
shown. If fb ≤ 1500 psi and  ≤ 120 psi, determine the maximum
value of W. 6 in

10 in

𝑅1 𝑅2

Solution:
Reactions
𝑀𝑅2 = 0 𝑀𝑅1 = 0
𝑅1 12 = 𝑊 6 + 2𝑊(3) 𝑅2 12 = 2𝑊 9 + 𝑊 6
𝑅1 = 𝑊 𝑙𝑏 𝑅2 = 2𝑊 𝑙𝑏
Shear & Moment diagrams Due to flexural stress
6𝑀
𝑓𝑏 =
𝑏𝑑2
6 45
8
𝑊 12
1500 =
(6)(102 )
𝑊 = 2222.22 𝑙𝑏.

Due to horizontal shear stress

3𝑉
𝜏 =
2𝑏𝑑
3(2𝑊)
120 =
2 6 10
𝑊 = 2400 𝑙𝑏

For safe value of W, use

𝑊 = 2222.22 𝑙𝑏.
4. A wide-flange section having the dimensions shown supports a
distributed load of 𝑤𝑜 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡 on a simple span of length 𝐿 𝑓𝑡.
Determine the ratio of the maximum flexural stress to the
maximum shear stress.

Solution:
For a simple span with distributed load

1 1
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑤𝑜 𝐿2 𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑤𝑜 𝐿
8 2
Find the moment of inertia of the section based on the N.A.

8 in
3.5 in 3.5 in

10 in
12 in
NA NA

1 2

1 1
𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 𝑏ℎ3 − 𝑏ℎ3
12 1 12 2

1 3
1
𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 8 12 − 2 3.5 103
12 12
1706 4
𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 𝑖𝑛
3
Maximum horizontal shear occurs at the neutral axis
Find the first moment Q of the area above the N.A.
8 in.
1 in. 1 in

= 5.5 in.
+ 2.5 in.
5 in.
NA

𝑄 = 𝐴1 𝑦1 + 𝐴2 𝑦2

𝑄 = 8(1) 5.5 + 1(5) 2.5

𝑄 = 56.5 𝑖𝑛.3
thus

1
𝑉 𝑤𝑜 𝐿
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑄= 2 (56.5)
1706 Ratio of 𝑓𝑏 𝑚𝑎𝑥 to 𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝐼𝑏 1
3
339
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑤𝑜 𝐿 𝑓𝑏 𝑚𝑎𝑥
6824 Ratio= 𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥

9 2
𝑤𝑜 𝐿
1 2 (6) Ratio= 6824
𝑀𝑐 8 𝑜 𝑤 𝐿 339
𝑤 𝐿
6824 𝑜
𝑓𝑏 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = =
𝐼 1706
3
3 Ratio= 113 𝐿
9
𝑓𝑏 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑤𝑜 𝐿2
6824
5. A simply supported beam of length 𝐿 carries a uniformly
distributed load of 6000 𝑁/𝑚 and has the cross section shown.
Find 𝐿 to cause a maximum flexural stress of 16 𝑀𝑃𝑎. What
maximum shearing stress is then developed?

Solution:
For a simple span with distributed load
1 1
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑤𝑜 𝐿2 𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑤𝑜 𝐿
8 2
1 1
= (6000)𝐿2 = (6000)𝐿
8 2
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 750 𝐿2 𝑁 − 𝑚 𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 3000 𝐿 𝑁
Find the moment of inertia of the section based on the N.A.

300 mm
200 mm

250 mm

150 mm
NA

1 2

1 1
𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 𝑏ℎ3 − 𝑏ℎ3
12 1 12 2

1 3
1
𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 300 250 − 200 1503
12 12
𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 334.375 𝑥 106 𝑚𝑚4
Maximum horizontal shear occurs at the neutral axis
Find the first moment Q of the area above the N.A.
300 mm.
50 mm. 50 50
= 100 mm. + 75 37.5 + 37.5
75
NA

𝑄 = 𝐴1 𝑦1 + 2 𝐴2 𝑦2

𝑄 = 300(50) 100 + 2 50(75) 37.5

𝑄 = 1781.25 𝑥 103 𝑚𝑚3
Find L to cause a maximum flexural stress
𝑀𝑐
𝑓𝑏 =
𝐼
750 𝐿2 0.125
16 𝑥 106 =
334.375 𝑥 10−6
𝐿 = 7.55 𝑚

Maximum shearing stress is then developed with

V = 3000 𝐿 = 22662.74 𝑁

𝑉
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑄
𝐼𝑏
22662.74 3)
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = (1781.25 𝑥 10
334.375 𝑥 106 100
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 1.21 𝑝𝑠𝑖
6. The distributed load shown is supported by a box beam having the
same cross-section as that in Prob. 5. Determine the maximum
value of 𝑤𝑜 that will not exceed a flexural stress of 10 𝑀𝑃𝑎 or a
shearing stress of 1.0 𝑀𝑃𝑎.

Solution:
Reactions
𝑀𝑅2 = 0 𝑀𝑅1 = 0
𝑅1 3 = 𝑤𝑜 4 1 𝑅2 3 = 𝑤𝑜 4 2

4 8
𝑅1 = 𝑤𝑜 𝑁. 𝑅2 = 𝑤𝑜 𝑁.
3 3
Shear & moment diagram Due to flexural stress
𝑀𝑐
𝑓𝑏 =
𝐼
8
6 𝑤
9 𝑜
0.125
10 𝑥 10 =
334.375 𝑥 10−6
𝑁
𝑤𝑜 = 30093.75 = 30.09 𝑘𝑁/𝑚
𝑚
Due to horizontal shear stress
𝑉
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑄
𝐼𝑏
5 3
𝑤𝑜 (1000)(1781.25 𝑥 10 )
1 =3
334.375 𝑥 106 100
𝑤𝑜 = 11.26 𝑁/𝑚

The safe value of 𝑤𝑜 = 11.26 𝑘𝑁/𝑚

7. A beam carries two concentrated loads 𝑃 and triangular load of 3𝑃
as shown. The beam section is the same as that in prob. 5 in
horizontal shear stress. Determine the safe value of 𝑃 if 𝑓𝑏 ≤
1200 𝑝𝑠𝑖 and  ≤ 200 𝑝𝑠𝑖.

Solution:
Reactions

𝑀𝑅2 = 0 𝑀𝑅1 = 0
𝑅1 12 + 𝑃 4 = 𝑃 16 + 3𝑃(4) 𝑅2 12 + 𝑃 4 = 𝑃 16 + 3𝑃(8)
𝑅1 = 2𝑃 𝑙𝑏. 𝑅2 = 3𝑃 𝑙𝑏.
Shear & moment diagram Solved properties of the section

𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 350.67 𝑖𝑛4

𝑄 = 35.5 𝑖𝑛3
Based on allowable flexural stress
𝑀𝑐
𝑓𝑏 =
𝐼

4𝑃(12) 6
1200 =
350.67

𝑃 = 1461.11 𝑙𝑏.

Based on allowable horizontal shear stress

𝑉
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑄
𝐼𝑏
2𝑃(35.5)
200 =
350.67 0.75
𝑤𝑜 = 740.84 𝑙𝑏.

For safe value of P, use 𝑷 = 𝟕𝟒𝟎. 𝟖𝟒 𝒍𝒃.

Exercise Problem:
1. The distributed load shown is supported by a wide-flange section
of the given dimensions. Determine the maximum value of wo that
will not exceed a flexural stress of 10 𝑀𝑃𝑎 or a shearing stress of
1.0 𝑀𝑃𝑎.

2. A box beam carries a distributed load of 200 lb/ft and a

concentrated load P as shown in Fig. P-590. Determine the
maximum value of P if fb ≤ 1200 psi and  ≤ 150 psi.
9. A channel section carries a concentrated loads 𝑊 and a total
distributed load of 4𝑊 as shown. Verify that the 𝑁𝐴 is
2.17 𝑖𝑛. above the bottom and that 𝐼𝑁𝐴 = 62 𝑖𝑛4 . Use these
values to determine the maximum value of W that will not exceed
allowable stresses in tension of 6,000 𝑝𝑠𝑖, in compression of
10,000 𝑝𝑠𝑖, or in shear of 8,000 𝑝𝑠𝑖.