DON HONORIO VENTURA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND

Cabambangan, Villa de Bacolor 2001, Pampanga, Philippines ARCHITECTURE

Tel. No. (6345) 458 0021; Fax (6345) 458 0021 Local 211
URL: http://dhvsu.edu.ph DHVSU Main Campus, Villa de Bacolor, Pampanga
E-Mail Address: ceadhvtsu@gmail.com

PSD 323: PRINCIPLES OF STEEL DESIGN

Module 2 – (Part I): Design of Flexural Members (ASD)

I. Course Objectives:
1. The students are expected to familiarize the formula’s, principles and concepts used
in the analysis and design of steel beams for flexure.

II. Course Outline:

1.1 Introduction
1.2 Design of Laterally Supported Beams
1.3 Design of Laterally Unsupported Beams
1.4 Practice Problems

III. Learning Content:

1.1 INTRODUCTION
Methods of Design

The AISC Specification provides two acceptable methods for designing structural
steel members and their connections. These are Load and Resistance Factor Design
(LRFD) and Allowable Strength Design (ASD). Both procedures are based on limit stated
design principles, which provide the boundaries of structural usefulness. Both methods
have as their goal of obtaining a numerical margin between resistance and load that will
result in an acceptably small probability of unacceptable structural response.
Two major differences between LRFD and ASD.
1. Method used for calculating the design loads
2. Use of resistance factors (∅ 𝑖𝑛 𝐿𝑅𝐹𝐷) and safety factors (Ω 𝑖𝑛 𝐴𝑆𝐷)

With both the LRFD and the ASD procedures, expected values of the individual loads
(dead, live, wind, snow, etc.) are first estimated in exactly the same manner as required by
the applicable specification. These loads are referred to as service or working loads.

LRFD (Load and Resistance Factor Design)

With the LRFD method, possible service load groups are formed, and each
service load is multiplied by a load factor, normally larger that 1. The magnitude of
the load factor reflects the uncertainty of that particular load. The resulting linear
combination of service loads in a group, each multiplied by its respective load factor,
is called a factored load.
P a g e 1 | 13
 DON HONORIO VENTURA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND
Cabambangan, Villa de Bacolor 2001, Pampanga, Philippines ARCHITECTURE
Tel. No. (6345) 458 0021; Fax (6345) 458 0021 Local 211
URL: http://dhvsu.edu.ph DHVSU Main Campus, Villa de Bacolor, Pampanga
E-Mail Address: ceadhvtsu@gmail.com

The largest values determined in this manner are used to compute the
moments, shears, and other forces in the structure. These controlling values may not
be larger than the nominal strengths of the members multiplied by their reduction
or ∅ factors. Thus, the factors of safety have been incorporated in the load factors,
and we can say
(Reduction factor ∅)(Nominal strength of a member) ≥ Computed factored force in member

∅Rn ≥ Ru

ASD (Allowable Strength Design)

With ASD, the service loads are generally not multiplied by load factors or
safety factors. Rather, they are summed up, as is, for various feasible combinations, and the
largest values so obtained are used to compute the forces in members. These total forces
may not be greater than the nominal strengths of the members, divided by appropriate
safety factors.

(Nominal strength of member) ≥ Largest computed force in member

Safety factor Ω
𝑅𝑛
≥ Ra
Ω

Steel Beams

A beam is a structural element that primarily resists loads applied laterally to the
beam's axis. Its mode of deflection is primarily by bending. The loads applied to the beam
result in reaction forces at the beam's support points. The total effect of all the forces acting on
the beam is to produce shear forces and bending moments within the beam, that in turn induce
internal stresses, strains and deflections of the beam. Beams are characterized by their
manner of support, profile (shape of cross-section), equilibrium conditions, length, and their
material.
Note:
• Members acted upon primarily by transverse loading
• Primarily subjected to flexure or bending
• However, may be subjected (unavoidably) by some axial loads
• Effects of axial load is generally negligible and treated strictly as a beam
• If axial load is substantial, member is called a “beam–column”

P a g e 2 | 13
 DON HONORIO VENTURA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND
Cabambangan, Villa de Bacolor 2001, Pampanga, Philippines ARCHITECTURE
Tel. No. (6345) 458 0021; Fax (6345) 458 0021 Local 211
URL: http://dhvsu.edu.ph DHVSU Main Campus, Villa de Bacolor, Pampanga
E-Mail Address: ceadhvtsu@gmail.com

• For most situations, moment of inertia about

the x–axis is greater than the moment of inertia
about the y-axis
• In this case, due to symmetry, the neutral axis is
at the center of the cross section and distance,
“c”, is equal whether on the tension or
compression side
• Maximum stress occurs at the top and bottom of
the cross section
• Generally, only the maximum bending stress is of interest
• Beams shall be distinguished from plate girders on the basis of the web slenderness
ratio, which must satisfy the equation;

h 2547
tw

√ Fy

where: h – clear distance between flanges

tw – web thickness

1.2 DESIGN OF LATERALLY SUPPORTED BEAMS

Laterally supported beam is a beam which does not laterally move nor rotate. It depends
upon the kind of restraint provided by supports as well as on the loading. When beams have
adequate lateral stability of the compression flange, the only stability limit state that might prevent
achieving maximum moment strength is local buckling in compression of the flange and web plate
elements comprising the cross-section.

• To prevent buckling, compression flange must be supported at frequent intervals

• Complete lateral supports are achieved if beam has its flange welded or bolted along its
full length or encased in concrete
• Where compression flanges are restrained against lateral buckling, allowable bending
stress in tension and compression are equal
• As distance between of lateral support on compression flange becomes larger, there is
tendency for compression flange to buckle laterally
• Necessary to reduce the allowable bending stress
• Reserves some of the beam strength to resist the lateral buckling

Design Method: ASD (Allowable Stress Design)

• The stresses are within the limit of material.

• fb (actual bending stress) ≤ Fb (allowable bending stress).
• Mcap ≥ Mact.

P a g e 3 | 13
DON HONORIO VENTURA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND
Cabambangan, Villa de Bacolor 2001, Pampanga, Philippines ARCHITECTURE
Tel. No. (6345) 458 0021; Fax (6345) 458 0021 Local 211
URL: http://dhvsu.edu.ph DHVSU Main Campus, Villa de Bacolor, Pampanga
E-Mail Address: ceadhvtsu@gmail.com

Flexural Stress
If a beam is subjected to bending moment, the stress maybe computed using flexural
formula,
𝑀𝑐 𝑀
𝑓𝑏 = ; 𝑓𝑏 =
𝐼 𝑆𝑥

where:

fb = extreme fiber stress

M = bending moment at the section under consideration
c = distance from the neutral axis to the extreme fiber
I = moment of inertia with respect to the neutral axis
𝐼𝑥
Sx = elastic section modulus, 𝑆𝑥 =
𝑐

Section 506.2
Allowable bending stress for I-shaped members and channels, bending about strong axis.
• The value of Fb (Allowable bending stress) depends on the compactness of the
section.

Steel sections are classified as compact, non–compact and slender element sections

• For a section to qualify as a compact, its flanges must be continuously

connected to the web or webs and the width–thickness ratios of its compression
elements must not exceed the applicable limiting width–thickness ratios from
Table 502–1
• Steel sections that do not qualify as compact are classified as non–compact if
the width–thickness ratios of the compression elements do not exceed the
values shown for non–compact in Table 502–1
• If the width–thickness ratios of any compression element exceed the latter
applicable value, the section is classified as a slender element section

Conditions for the section to be compact.

• The compression flange of the member must be continuously connected to the

web.
• The section must have the following flange with thickness ratio of its
compression element.
bf 170
≤
2t f √ Fy

• The section must have the following depth to thickness ratio.

P a g e 4 | 13
 DON HONORIO VENTURA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND
Cabambangan, Villa de Bacolor 2001, Pampanga, Philippines ARCHITECTURE
Tel. No. (6345) 458 0021; Fax (6345) 458 0021 Local 211
URL: http://dhvsu.edu.ph DHVSU Main Campus, Villa de Bacolor, Pampanga
E-Mail Address: ceadhvtsu@gmail.com

d 1680
≤
tw √ Fy

• The compression flange must be adequately braced. The laterally unsupported

length of the compression flange Lb does not exceed the value of Lc where Lc is
the smaller value of L1 and L2

200bf 137900
L1 = ; L2 = d
√ Fy ( A )Fy
f

Note: When Lb < Lc it is compact and no lateral torsional buckling will occur
1. For compact section:
bf 170
• ≤
2t f √ Fy
d 1680
• ≤
tw √ Fy
Fb = 0.66Fy

2. Partially Compact Section:

170 bf 250
• ≤ ≤
√ Fy 2t f √ Fy
d 1680
• ≤
tw √ Fy
bf
Fb = Fy(0.79 – 0.000762
2t f
√ Fy )
3. Non-Compact Section:
bf 250
• ≥
2t f √ Fy
d 1680
• ≥
tw √ Fy

Fb = 0.60Fy

For built-up members meeting the requirements for compact sections except that
their flanges are non-compact, the allowable stress is:
bf Fy
Fb = Fy(0.79 – 0.000762 √ )
2t f kc

4.05 h
kc = 0.46 ; if  70
h tw
(t )
w

h
kc = 1.0 ; if  70
tw

P a g e 5 | 13
 DON HONORIO VENTURA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND
Cabambangan, Villa de Bacolor 2001, Pampanga, Philippines ARCHITECTURE
Tel. No. (6345) 458 0021; Fax (6345) 458 0021 Local 211
URL: http://dhvsu.edu.ph DHVSU Main Campus, Villa de Bacolor, Pampanga
E-Mail Address: ceadhvtsu@gmail.com

Example 1:

Compute the resisting moment of a W12 x 65 with a) F y = 248 MPa, b) Fy = 380 MPa. Assume
the section has full lateral supports and is unstiffened.
Properties of W12 x 65;
d = 307.85 mm tw = 9.91 mm
bf = 304.80 mm tf = 15.37 mm
Sx = 1440 x 103 mm3

Solution:

a) Fy = 248 MPa,

bf 304.80
= = 9.92
2tf (2)(15.37)
170 170
= = 10.80
√ Fy √ 248

since there are no axial forces,  fa = 0,

d 307.85
= = 31.07
tw 9.91
1680 1680
= = 106.68
√ Fy √ 248

bf 170 d 1680
since,
2tf
< and < ,  section is compact
√ Fy tw √ Fy

Fb = 0.66Fy = 0.66(248) = 163.68 MPa

3
(163.68)(1440 x 10 )
Mcap = FbSx = = 235.70 kN-m
1 x 106

b) Fy = 380 MPa,

170 170
= = 8.72
√ Fy √ 380
1680 1680
= = 86.18
√ Fy √ 380

bf 170 d 1680
since,
2tf
> and < ,  section is partially compact
√ Fy tw √ Fy

Fb = 0.66Fy = 0.66(248) = 163.68 MPa

P a g e 6 | 13
 DON HONORIO VENTURA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND
Cabambangan, Villa de Bacolor 2001, Pampanga, Philippines ARCHITECTURE
Tel. No. (6345) 458 0021; Fax (6345) 458 0021 Local 211
URL: http://dhvsu.edu.ph DHVSU Main Campus, Villa de Bacolor, Pampanga
E-Mail Address: ceadhvtsu@gmail.com

(163.68)(1440 x 103 )
Mcap = FbSx = = 235.70 kN-m
1 x 106
bf
Fb = Fy(0.79 – 0.000762 √ Fy )
2tf
= (380)[0.79 – (0.000762)(8.72)√ 380 ] = 250.98 MPa

(250.98)(1440 x 103 )
Mcap = = 361.41 kN–m
1 x 106

Example 2:

An A36 S18 x 70 is to support the loads as shown. Neglecting weight

of beam, find adequacy of steel section if is fully supported laterally.
Properties of S18 x 70;
d = 457.20 mm
tw = 18.06 mm
bf = 158.78 mm
tf = 17.55 mm
Sx = 1688 x 103 mm3

Solution:

bf 158.78
= = 4.52
2tf (2)(17.55)

170 170
= = 10.80
√ Fy √ 248

since there are no axial forces,  fa = 0,

d 457.20
= = 25.32
tw 18.06

1680 1680
= = 106.68
√ Fy √ 248

bf 170 d 1680
since,
2tf
< and < ,  section is compact
√ Fy tw √ Fy

Fb = 0.66Fy = 0.66(248) = 163.68 MPa

M 225 x 106
fb = = = 134.89 MPa
Sx 1688 x 103

since, fb < Fb  section is adequate

P a g e 7 | 13
 DON HONORIO VENTURA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND
Cabambangan, Villa de Bacolor 2001, Pampanga, Philippines ARCHITECTURE
Tel. No. (6345) 458 0021; Fax (6345) 458 0021 Local 211
URL: http://dhvsu.edu.ph DHVSU Main Campus, Villa de Bacolor, Pampanga
E-Mail Address: ceadhvtsu@gmail.com

Example 3:

Three A50 12–mm x 250–mm steel plates were welded to form an

I–beam and used to carry a load at the center on an 8.0 m simply
supported span. Compute value of load the beam can support
assuming full lateral supports.

Solution:

bf 250
= = 10.42
2tf (2)(12)

170 170
= = 9.15
√ Fy √ 345

Since there are no axial forces,  fa = 0

d 274
= = 22.83
tw 12

1680 1680
= = 90.45
√ Fy √ 345

bf 170 d 1680
since
2tf
< and < ,  section is partially compact
√ Fy tw √ Fy

since beam is a built-up member,

h 250
= = 20.83
tw 12

h
since < 70,  kc = 1.0
tw

b Fy
Fb = Fy(0.79 – 0.000762( ) √
2t kc
)

= 345[0.79 – 0.000762(10.42)√ 345 ] = 221.67 MPa

(12)(250)3 (250)(12)3
Ix = + (2)( +12(250)(131)2 ) = 1.2 x 108 mm4
12 12

Ix 1.187 x 108
Sx = = = 866153.3 mm3
c 137

(221.684)(866153.29)
Mcap = FbSx = = 192.0 kN–m
1 x 106

P a g e 8 | 13
 DON HONORIO VENTURA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND
Cabambangan, Villa de Bacolor 2001, Pampanga, Philippines ARCHITECTURE
Tel. No. (6345) 458 0021; Fax (6345) 458 0021 Local 211
URL: http://dhvsu.edu.ph DHVSU Main Campus, Villa de Bacolor, Pampanga
E-Mail Address: ceadhvtsu@gmail.com

L2 PL
M = + ;
8 4

(5)(8)2 P(8)
192.0 = + ; P = 76.0 kN
8 4

1.3 DESIGN OF LATERALLY UNSUPPORTED BEAMS

When a beam is not adequately supported against lateral buckling, the design bending
strength may be governed by lateral torsional buckling strength. If the laterally unrestrained length
of the compression flange of the beam is relatively long, the beam would fail well before it can
attain its full moment capacity.

Lateral Buckling of Beams

• Distance between lateral supports to the compression flange

• Restraints at the ends and at intermediate support locations (boundary conditions)
• Type and position of the loads
• Moment gradient along the unsupported length
• Type of cross–section
• Non–prismatic nature of the member
• Material properties
• Magnitude and distribution of residual stresses
• Initial imperfections of geometry and eccentricity of loading

Allowable Bending Stress

➢ Members with Compact or Non-Compact Sections with Lb > Lc

For such members with an axis of symmetry and loaded in the plane of the web,
allowable bending stress can be determined from:

L 703270Cb
• if < √ ,
rt Fy

Fb = 0.60Fy

703270Cb L 3516330Cb
• if √  < √ ,
Fy rt Fy

L 2
2 Fy ( r )
Fb = ( - t
)Fy  0.60Fy
3 10.55 x 106 Cb

P a g e 9 | 13
 DON HONORIO VENTURA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND
Cabambangan, Villa de Bacolor 2001, Pampanga, Philippines ARCHITECTURE
Tel. No. (6345) 458 0021; Fax (6345) 458 0021 Local 211
URL: http://dhvsu.edu.ph DHVSU Main Campus, Villa de Bacolor, Pampanga
E-Mail Address: ceadhvtsu@gmail.com

L 3516330Cb
• if > √ ,
rt Fy

1172100Cb
Fb = L 2
Fy  0.60Fy
(r )
t

For sections with solid compression flange and with an area not less than the tension
flange:

Fb = 0.60Fy
82740Cb
Fb =
Ld
 0.60Fy
(A )
f

M1 M1 2
Cb = 1.75 + 1.05 + 0.30( )  2.30
M2 M2

Cb = 1.0 – when bending moment at any point

within an unbraced length is larger
than at both ends of the unbraced
length

• M1/M2 is positive when M1 and M2 have the same sign and

negative, when they are of opposite signs

➢ Radius of Gyration

Distance from an axis at which the mass of a body may be assumed to be concentrated
and at which the moment of inertia will be equal to the moment of inertia of the actual
mass about the axis
It
rt = √ Ac

Aw
Ac = Af +
6

P a g e 10 | 13
 DON HONORIO VENTURA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND
Cabambangan, Villa de Bacolor 2001, Pampanga, Philippines ARCHITECTURE
Tel. No. (6345) 458 0021; Fax (6345) 458 0021 Local 211
URL: http://dhvsu.edu.ph DHVSU Main Campus, Villa de Bacolor, Pampanga
E-Mail Address: ceadhvtsu@gmail.com

Example 4:

A simply supported beam is 8.0 m long and is subjected to a load of

200 kN acting as shown. The beam is laterally supported only at
supports. Design a most economical W section if using A36 steel.
Properties of W21 x 101;
W = 1.47 kN/m d = 542.54 mm tw = 12.70 mm
bf = 312.17 mm tf = 20.32 mm rt = 83.06 mm
Sx = 3720 x 103 mm3

Solution:
PL (200)(8)
M = = = 400.0 kN–m
4 4

Assume Fb = 0.60Fy

Mmax 400 x 106

Sx(reqd) = = = 2.7 x 106 mm3
Fb (0.6)(248)

bf 312.17
= = 7.68
2tf (2)(20.32)

170 170
= = 10.80
√ Fy √ 248

since, there are no axial forces,  fa = 0

d 542.54
= = 42.72
tw 12.70

1680 1680
= = 106.68
√ Fy √ 248

bf 170 d 1680
since < and < ,  section is compact
2tf √ Fy tw √ Fy

200bf (200)(312.17)
L1 = = = 3.97 m
√ Fy √ 248 (1000)

137900 137900
L2 = d
= 542.54 = 6.50 m
( A )Fy ( (312.17)(20.32))(248)(1000)
f

 adapt, Lc = 3.97 m

since, Lu > Lc,  Fb must be reduced

P a g e 11 | 13
DON HONORIO VENTURA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND
Cabambangan, Villa de Bacolor 2001, Pampanga, Philippines ARCHITECTURE
Tel. No. (6345) 458 0021; Fax (6345) 458 0021 Local 211
URL: http://dhvsu.edu.ph DHVSU Main Campus, Villa de Bacolor, Pampanga
E-Mail Address: ceadhvtsu@gmail.com

L 8000
= = 96.32
rt 83.06

since Mmax exceeds both end moments,  Cb = 1.0

703270Cb (703270)(1.0)
√ = √ = 53.25
Fy 248

3516330Cb (3516330)(1.0)
√ = √ = 119.08
Fy 248

703270Cb L 3516330Cb
since √ < < √ ,
Fy rt Fy

L 2
2 Fy ( r )
t
Fb = ( - )Fy
3 10.55 x 106 Cb

2 (248)(96.316)2
= ( - )(248) = 111.25 MPa
3 (10.55 x 106 )(1.0)

82740Cb (82740)(1.0)
Fb = Ld
= (8000)(542.54) = 120.92 MPa
(A ) ( (312.17)(20.32) )
f

 adapt, Fb = 120.92 MPa

(1.47)(8)2
M = 400 + = 411.76 kN-m
8

M 411.76 x 106
fb = = = 110.69 MPa
Sx 3720 x 103

since fb < Fb,  section is adequate

 adapt, W21 x 101

P a g e 12 | 13
 DON HONORIO VENTURA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND
Cabambangan, Villa de Bacolor 2001, Pampanga, Philippines ARCHITECTURE
Tel. No. (6345) 458 0021; Fax (6345) 458 0021 Local 211
URL: http://dhvsu.edu.ph DHVSU Main Campus, Villa de Bacolor, Pampanga
E-Mail Address: ceadhvtsu@gmail.com

1.4 PRACTICE PROBLEMS

Problem 1:
A 12–m fully laterally supported simple beam carries a
load of 10 kN/m (excluding the weight of the beam) and
two equal loads of 150 kN position at third points of
beam. If A50 steel is used, check the adequacy of the steel
section. Fy=345 MPa
W30 x 90;
W = 1.32 kN/m d = 750.00 mm
tw = 11.94 mm bf = 264.16 mm
tf = 15.49 mm Sx = 4015 x 103 mm3

Problem 2:
An A36 tension member is subjected to a service axial load of 1100 kN and a service
moment of 30 kN-m and 25 kN-m applied at major and minor axes, respectively. If
the height of member is 1.20 m and rest on a continuous lateral bracing, check the
adequacy of the steel section.

W14 x 68;
A = 12903 mm2 d = 356.62 mm tw = 10.54 mm
bf = 254.89 mm tf = 18.29 mm Sx = 1688 x 103 mm3
Sy = 397 x 103 mm3

IV. References
1. Structural Steel Design 5th Edition by Jack C. McCormac and Stephen F. Csernak
2. Steel Structures Design (ASD/LRFD) by Alan Williams
3. Structural Steel Design by E.M. Lui of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
Syracuse University, NY
P a g e 13 | 13