002 CE6121 Torsion

CE 6121 Advanced Structural Steel Design 1
Torsion 1
❑ In structural design, torsional moment may,

on occasion, be a significant force for which
provision must be made.
❑ Frequently torsion is a secondary, though
not necessarily a minor effect that must be
considered in combination with the action
of other forces.
❑ The shapes that make good columns and
beams, i.e., those that have their material
distributed as far from their centroids as
practicable, are not equally efficient in
resisting torsion.
❑ Thin-wall circular and box sections are
stronger torsionally than sections with the
same area arranged as channel, I, tee, angle,
or zee shapes.
Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022

Torsion 2
Weaver Road Bridge

Oregon, USA
Avenues Walk Flyover

Florida, USA

Torsion 3
Curved Pedestrian Bridge,

Longview, Florida, USA

Torsion 4
Church in Rancho Palos Verdes

California, USA

Torsion 5
Circular planes remain

Warping of Cross Sections
plane after twisting
When a simple circular solid shaft is twisted,
the shearing stress at any point on a
transverse cross-section varies directly as the
distance from the center of the shaft. Thus,
during twisting, the cross-section which is
initially planar remains a plane and rotates
only about the axis of the shaft.
Saint-Venant (1853) showed that when a

noncircular bar is twisted, a transverse
Rectangular planes become
warped after twisting section that was planar prior to twisting does
not remain plane after twisting. The original
cross-section plane surface becomes a warped
surface. In torsion situations the out-of-plane,
or warping effect, must be considered in
addition to the rotation, or pure twisting
Incorrect twisted shape effect.
(x-section lines are shown straight)

Torsion 6
y
T
(z) x  
r
z r
d
r d = dz
Before twist After twist = shear strain

Torsion 7
PURE TORSION OF HOMOGENEOUS SECTIONS

❑ T acting on a prismatic solid shaft of
homogeneous material.
❑ Out-of plane warping has negligible
effect on the angle of twist . This
assumption will be nearly correct so
long as the cross-section is small
compared to the length of the shaft
and also that no significant reentrant
comers exist.
❑ No distortion of the cross-section
occurs during twisting.
The rate of twist (twist per unit length)
may therefore be expressed as

Torsion 8
PURE TORSION OF HOMOGENEOUS SECTIONS

𝑑𝜙
r d = dz  𝛾 = 𝑟
𝑑𝑧
Shear stress,  = G
𝑑𝜙
dT = ( dA) r = (G dA) r = (𝑟 G dA) r
𝑑𝑧
𝑑𝜙
dT = r 2 G dA
𝑑𝑧
𝑑𝜙 𝑑𝜙 𝑑𝜙
T =නr 2 𝐺𝑑𝐴 = 2
𝐺 න 𝑟 𝑑𝐴 = 𝐺𝐽
𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑧
Where, J = න 𝑟2 𝑑𝐴
𝑑𝜙 𝛾 𝜈 𝜈𝐽
T= 𝐺𝐽 = 𝐺𝐽 = 𝐺𝐽 =
𝑑𝑧 𝑟 𝐺𝑟 𝑟
𝑇𝑟
Torsional shear stress, 𝜈 =
𝐽
Note: J = Ix + Iy = polar moment of inertia only for circular sections.
Torsion 9
PURE TORSION OF RECTANGULAR SECTIONS

Torsion 10
PURE TORSION OF RECTANGULAR SECTIONS

𝑇 𝑇𝐿 𝑇𝐿
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = , 𝜙= =
𝛼𝑏𝑡2 𝛽𝑏𝑡3𝐺 𝐽𝐺

Torsional constant 𝐽 = 𝛽𝑏𝑡3
𝑇 𝛽𝑏𝑡3𝐺 𝐺𝐽
Torsional stiffness = =
𝜙 𝐿 𝐿
T
b = larger dimension
t = smaller dimension
T = torque
G = shear modulus
 ,  = co-efficients = functions of b/t

Torsion 11
THIN RECTANGULAR SECTIONS
max
The analysis as applied to rectangles becomes max

complex since the shear stress is affected by
𝑇𝑡
warping, though essentially the angle of twist is Therefore, 𝜏max =
unaffected. As an approximation, consider the 𝐽
element of Fig. subjected to shear, in which, A simpler treatment
𝑇 𝑇𝑡
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = =
𝛼𝑏𝑡2 (𝛼/𝛽)𝛽𝑏𝑡3
For a thin rectangle, neglecting end effects, For thin rectangular sections
the shear stress may be expressed as, b/t → , ==0.333, /=1.0
𝑑𝜙 𝑑𝜙 𝑇𝑡
𝜏 =𝛾𝐺 = 𝑡𝐺 but, T= 𝐺𝐽 𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑧 𝐽
Torsion 12
TORSIONAL CONSTANT FOR OPEN SHAPES COMPOSED OF

RECTANGULAR ELEMENTS (e.g. W, T, M, L shapes etc.)
Torsional constant J for sections composed of thin rectangles may be
computed as the sum of the values for the individual components.
When b>>t,   0.333. In such situations, J  bt3  (bt3)/3
b1 b2 b1
t1 t2 t1
b3 b2
t3 t2
J  (b1t13+b2t23+b3t33)/3 J  (b1t13+b2t23)/3

Torsion 13
TORSIONAL SHER STRESS FLOW ON A SECTION COMPOSED OF

THIN RECTANGULAR ELEMENTS

Torsion 14
TORSION IN CLOSED THIN WALLED SECTION
In the closed section of Fig. the walls are assumed thin so that the shearing
stress may be assumed uniformly distributed across the thickness t. If the
shear stress is , then  t is the shear force per unit distance along the wall,
usually referred to as shear flow. Since only torsional stress is presently
being considered, the normal stresses (  z of Fig. b) are zero. Since  z = 0,
the shear flow  t cannot vary along the wall; i.e.,  t is constant.

Torsion 15
dT =  t dS
→ 𝑇 = 𝜏𝑡 න 𝜌𝑑𝑆
1/ ρdS
2 = dA
∴ න 𝜌𝑑𝑆 = 2𝐴
∴ 𝑇 = 2𝜏𝑡𝐴 ∴ 𝜏 = 𝑇/(2𝑡𝐴)
𝐴 = Gross area bounded by the tube section.
A= Shaded area

Torsion 16

Torsion 17
If a cut is made in the wall of a closed thin-wall section, a relative movement

(as in Fig. b) will be produced between the two sides in the axial direction of
the member. The unit shear strain along the perimeter is
 = /G
The internal strain energy for any elemental length ds along the perimeter is

Torsion 18
The twisting moment T about point O can now be replaced by a couple, T/r.
The external work done by the couple is,
Equating internal and external work per unit length gives

Torsion 19
We previously had, T = GJ. Therefore, replacing 
Replacing, 𝑇 = 2𝜏𝑡𝐴 we can have

Torsion 20
TORSIONAL STRESSES IN I-SHAPED STEEL SECTIONS
The torsional stress due to twisting consists of both shear and

flexural stresses. These stresses must be superimposed on the shear
and flexural stresses that exist in the absence of torsion.
Torsion may be categorized into two types:
❑ Pure torsion, or as it is often called, Saint-Venant's torsion, and
❑ Warping torsion.
Pure torsion assumes that a cross-sectional plane prior to application

of torsion remains a plane and only element rotation occurs during
torsion. A circular shaft subjected to torsion is a situation where pure
torsion exists as the only type.
Warping torsion is the out-of-plane effect that arises when the flanges
are laterally displaced during twisting, analogous to bending from
laterally applied loads.

Torsion 21

PURE TORSION:
𝑑𝜙
Ms = 𝐺𝐽
𝑑𝑧

Torsion 22

WARPING TORSION:
A beam subjected to torsion Mz, as in Fig., will have its compression

flange bent in one direction laterally while its tension flange is bent in
the other. The torsional situation of Fig. illustrates a beam that is
prevented from twisting at each end but the top flange deflects laterally
by an amount uf. This lateral flange bending causes flexural normal
stresses (tension and compression) as well as shear stresses across the
flange width.

Torsion 23

WARPING TORSION:
Top Flange
Lateral deflection
Twisting

Torsion 24

WARPING TORSION:

Torsion 25

WARPING TORSION: Warping moment,
This is the differential equation for

torsion for I shaped section

Torsion 26

Torsion 27

Torsion 28
Hyperbolic functions
𝑒 𝑥 − 𝑒 −𝑥
sinh 𝑥 =
2
𝑒 + 𝑒 −𝑥
𝑥
cosh 𝑥 =
2
Thus h becomes
For homogeneous solution, let h = Aemz

Thus the differential eqn. becomes

Torsion 29
For particular solution, Mz shall be, in general, a function of z

Let Mz = f(z) and let the particular component p = f1(z)
Thus the differential equation becomes,
where terms on the left-hand side must be paired with terms on the right side.
Rarely will f1( z) be required to contain higher than second-degree terms.

Torsion 30
Example: 8.5.1
Develop, using the differential equation, the expressions for the twist angle , as well as the first,
second, and third derivatives, for the case of concentrated torsional moment applied at midspan
when the ends are torsionally simply supported.
Mw
Ms

Torsion 31
Putting it in eqn. and setting we get,
The other constant C1 may be combined with C of general

solution. Thus the complete solution becomes,
Torsional boundary conditions,
=0 '= 0 =0
Also, At z = L/2

Torsion 32
. Therefore, the solution for  𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠,
Setting  ' = 0 at z = L/2, we get,
Also we can have,

Therefore,
Therefore,

Torsion 33
TORSIONAL SHEAR STRESS DUE TO PURE TORSION (ST. VENANT TORSION)
𝑇𝑡 𝑀𝑠𝑡
We previously derived Saint-Venant torsional stress, v = → v =
𝐽 𝐽
𝑑𝜙 𝑇 coshλ𝑧 𝑇𝑡 coshλ𝑧
∴ 𝜐s = Gt = 𝐺𝑡 1− = 1−
𝑑𝑧 2𝐺𝐽 coshλ𝐿/2 2𝐽 coshλ𝐿/2

Torsion 34
TORSIONAL SHEAR STRESS DUE TO WARPING TORSION

Warping of cross section is caused by flexural bending of the top and
bottom flange in opposite direction about weak axis of the section. The
shear stress w that results from warping varies parabolically across the
width of the rectangular flange as shown in Fig. and may be computed as
𝑉𝑓 𝑄𝑓
𝜈𝑤 =
𝐼𝑓 𝑡𝑓
We previously had w

Torsion 35
Substituting Vf and Qf we get,
𝑏2 ℎ 𝑑3𝜙 𝑏 2 ℎ 𝑇𝜆2 −cosh(𝜆𝑧)

𝜈𝑤 = 𝐸 3
=𝐸
16 𝑑𝑧 16 2𝐺𝐽 cosh(𝜆𝐿/2)
𝑀𝑓𝑥
Flexural fibre stress due to lateral bending of flanges, 𝑓𝑏𝑤 =
𝐼𝑥
We previously had, and
Combining and dropping the minus sign,
where Cw = If h2/2
Torsion 36
Maximum flexural stress occurs at the free edge of the flange (x = b/2)
𝑀𝑓𝑥
𝑓𝑏𝑤 =
𝐼𝑥
In a summary, three kinds of stresses arise in any I-shaped or channel

section due to torsional loading:
(a) shear stresses s in web and flanges due to rotation of the elements of
the cross-section (Saint-Venant torsional moment, Ms);
(b)shear stresses w in the flanges due to lateral bending (warping torsional
moment, Mw); and
(c) normal stresses (tension and compression) fbw due to lateral bending of
the flanges (lateral bending moment on flange, Mf ).

002 CE6121 Torsion

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CE 6121 Advanced Structural Steel Design 1

❑ In structural design, torsional moment may,

Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022

Weaver Road Bridge

Avenues Walk Flyover

Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022

Curved Pedestrian Bridge,

Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022

Church in Rancho Palos Verdes

Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022

Circular planes remain

Saint-Venant (1853) showed that when a

Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022

Before twist After twist = shear strain

PURE TORSION OF HOMOGENEOUS SECTIONS

Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022

PURE TORSION OF HOMOGENEOUS SECTIONS

PURE TORSION OF RECTANGULAR SECTIONS

Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022

PURE TORSION OF RECTANGULAR SECTIONS

Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022

THIN RECTANGULAR SECTIONS

The analysis as applied to rectangles becomes max

TORSIONAL CONSTANT FOR OPEN SHAPES COMPOSED OF

Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022

TORSIONAL SHER STRESS FLOW ON A SECTION COMPOSED OF

Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022

TORSION IN CLOSED THIN WALLED SECTION

Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022

TORSION IN CLOSED THIN WALLED SECTION

Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022

TORSION IN CLOSED THIN WALLED SECTION

Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022

TORSION IN CLOSED THIN WALLED SECTION

If a cut is made in the wall of a closed thin-wall section, a relative movement

Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022

TORSION IN CLOSED THIN WALLED SECTION

Equating internal and external work per unit length gives

Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022

TORSION IN CLOSED THIN WALLED SECTION

We previously had, T = GJ. Therefore, replacing 

Replacing, 𝑇 = 2𝜏𝑡𝐴 we can have

Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022

TORSIONAL STRESSES IN I-SHAPED STEEL SECTIONS

The torsional stress due to twisting consists of both shear and

Pure torsion assumes that a cross-sectional plane prior to application

Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022

TORSIONAL STRESSES IN I-SHAPED STEEL SECTIONS

Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022

TORSIONAL STRESSES IN I-SHAPED STEEL SECTIONS

A beam subjected to torsion Mz, as in Fig., will have its compression

Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022

TORSIONAL STRESSES IN I-SHAPED STEEL SECTIONS

Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022

TORSIONAL STRESSES IN I-SHAPED STEEL SECTIONS

Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022

TORSIONAL STRESSES IN I-SHAPED STEEL SECTIONS

This is the differential equation for

Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022

Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022

Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022

For homogeneous solution, let h = Aemz

Dr. K.M. Amanat Dept. of Civil Engg. BUET, 2022