Beams

Engr. Richard J. AQUINO

Department of Civil Engineering
College of Engineering
Civil Engineering
Central Program
Mindanao University
College
University of Musuan,
Town, Engineering
Bukidnon

March 2023
4 December 2018

Engr. Irish S. TAMBIS

Beams
support transverse loads that cause
flexure or bending
axial load effect is negligible
beam-column: with large axial load
commonly used cross-sectional shapes
include W, S, and M shapes (Note:
doubly symmetric standard shapes are
the most efficient)
Channel shapes are sometimes used,
as are beams built up from plates (I or
box shapes)
Coverage of beams

Design of Members for Flexure (AISC Spec. Chapter F)

Design of Member for Shear (AISC Spec. Chapter G)
Design for Strength
Load and Resistance Factor Design
For flexure, the required and available strengths are moments.
Thus, NSCP Eqn 502.3-1/AISC Eqn B3-1, i.e. Ru ≤ φRn can also
be written as
LRFD

Mu ≤ φb Mn

where
Mu = required moment strength (ASCE 7 Load Combination)
φb = resistance factor for bending (flexure) = 0.90
Mn = nominal moment strength
φb Mn is the design strength or design moment
Design for Strength
Allowable Strength Design

Also, for Allowable Strength Design, NSCP Eqn 502.3-2/AISC Eqn

B3-2, i.e. Ra ≤ Rn /Ω can also be written as
ASD

Mn
Ma ≤
Ωb
where
Ma = required moment strength (ASCE 7 Load Combination)
Ωb = safety factor for bending (flexure) = 1.67
Mn = nominal moment strength
Design for Strength
Allowable Stress Design
Using Ωb = 1.67, the equation above can also be written as
Mn Mn
Ma ≤ = = 0.6Mn
Ωb 1.67
The equation for Allowable Stress Design can be determined by
dividing both sides of the equation by the elastic section modulus S
Ma 0.6Mn
≤
S S
fb ≤ F b

where fb is the maximum computed bending stress and Fb is the

allowable bending stress.
Bending Stress
Consider the beam oriented in such a way that bending is about the
major principal axis (for an I-shape, x-x axis). For a linear elastic
material and small deformations, the distribution of bending stress
is also shown. Stress is assumed to be uniform across the width of
the beam.
Bending Stress
From elementary mechanics of materials, the stress at any point
using the flexure formula is
Flexure formula

My
fb = (1)
Ix
where
M = bending moment at the cross section under consideration
y = perpendicular distance from the neutral plane to the point
of interest (at y is maximum, the stress is also maximum)
Ix = moment of inertia
Bending Stress
If the neutral axis is an axis of symmetry, the maximum compressive
stress and maximum tensile stress will be equal in magnitude, i.e.
Maximum stress occurs at ymax = c

Mc M M
fmax = = = (2)
Ix Ix /c Sx
where c is the prependicular distance from the neutral axis to the
extreme fiber, and Sx is the elastic section modulus of the cross
section (see tables in the Manual).
Note: For any cross-sectional shape, the section modulus will be a constant. For an
unsymmetrical cross section, Sx will have two values: one for the top extreme fiber and one for
the bottom. Values of Sx for standard rolled shapes are tabulated in the dimensions and
properties tables in the Manual.
Equations 1 and 2 are valid as long as the loads are small enough
that the material remains within its linear elastic range. For
structural steel, this means that the stress fmax must not exceed Fy
and that the bending moment must not exceed

My = Fy Sx

where My is the bending moment that brings the beam to the point
of yielding.

Engr. Richard J. AQUINO Beams

Plastic Moment
A simply supported beam with a concentrated load at midspan is
shown at successive stages of loading. Once yielding begins, the
distribution of stress on the cross section will no longer be linear,
and yielding will progress from the extreme fiber toward the neutral
axis.
Plastic Hinge
The additional moment required to bring the beam from stage b to
stage d is 10 to 20% of the yield moment, My , for W shapes.
When stage d has been reached, any further increase in the load
will cause collapse, since all elements of the cross section have
reached the yield plateau of the stressstrain curve and unrestricted
plastic flow will occur. A plastic hinge is said to have formed at the
center of the beam, and this hinge along with the actual hinges at
the ends of the beam constitute an unstable mechanism. During
plastic collapse, the mechanism motion is as shown
Plastic Moment Capacity
The plastic moment capacity, which is the moment required to
form the plastic hinge, can easily be computed from a consideration
of the corresponding stress distribution. From figure below, the
compressive and tensile stress resultants are shown, where Ac is the
cross-sectional area subjected to compression, and At is the area in
tension. These are the areas above and below the plastic neutral
axis, which is not necessarily the same as the elastic neutral axis.

Engr. Richard J. AQUINO Beams

Elastic and Plastic NA

From equilibrium of forces,

C=T
Ac F y = At F y
Ac = At

Thus the plastic neutral axis divides the cross section into two
equal areas. For shapes that are symmetrical about the axis of
bending, the elastic and plastic neutral axes are the same.
Plastic Moment, Mp

The plastic moment, Mp , is the resisting couple formed by the two

equal and opposite forces, or
 
A
Mp = Fy (Ac )a = Fy (At )a = Fy a = Fy Z
2

where
A = total cross-sectional area
a = distance between the centroids of the two half-areas, and
Z = A2 a = plastic section modulus.


Example 5.1 of Segui (2013)
Solution
Solution
Solution
Example 5.2 of Segui (2013)
Solution
Stability

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.
Stability - overall buckling
Overall buckling is illustrated in figure (a) below. 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.
Stability - Lateral-Torsional Buckling
Unlike a column, however, the compression portion of the cross
section is restrained by the tension portion, and the outward
deflection (flexural buckling) is accompanied by twisting (torsion).
This form of instability is called lateral-torsional buckling (LTB).
Stability Bracing
LTB can be prevented by bracing the beam against twisting at
sufficiently close intervals. Using either of the two types of stability
bracing:
lateral bracing (fig. (b)) - prevents lateral translation, should
be applied as close to the compression flange as possible
torsional bracing (fig. (c)) - prevents twists directly; it can be
either nodal or continuous, and it can take the form of either
cross frames or diaphragms.
Sectional Integrity - FLB and WLB
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
compression flange buckling, called flange local buckling
(FLB), or
buckling of the compression part of the web, called web local
buckling (WLB).
Note: As discussed in Chapter 4, Compression Members, whether either type of local buckling
occurs will depend on the width-to-thickness ratios of the compression elements of the cross
section.
Effects of local and LTB

Five separate beams are represented on this load-deflection curve.

Effects of local and LTB
Curve 1 is the load-deflection curve of a beam that becomes
unstable (in any way) and loses its load-carrying capacity
before first yield is attained.
Curves 2 and 3 correspond to beams that can be loaded past
first yield but not far enough for the formation of a plastic
hinge and the resulting plastic collapse.
If plastic collapse can be reached, the load-deflection curve will
have the appearance of either curve 4 or curve 5.
Curve 4 is for the case of uniform moment over the full length
of the beam, and curve 5 is for a beam with a variable bending
moment (moment gradient).
Safe designs can be achieved with beams corresponding to any
of these curves, but 1 and 2 represent inefficient use of mat’l.
Classification of Shapes

AISC classifies cross-sectional shapes compact, noncompact, or

slender, depending on the values of the width-to-thickness ratios.
For I shapes, the ratio for the projecting flange (an unstiffened
element) is bf /2tf , and the ratio for the web (a stiffened element)
is h/tw . The classification of shapes is found in Section B4 of the
Specification, “Member Properties,” in Table B4.1b (Table B4.1a is
for compression members). It can be summarized as follows. Let
λ = width-to-thickness ratio
λp = upper limit for compact category
λr = upper limit for noncompact category
Classification of Shapes

Then,
if λ ≤ λp and the flange is continuously connected to the web,
the shape is compact;
if λp < λ ≤ λr , the shape is noncompact; and
if λ > λr , the shape is slender
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.
Classification of Shapes
Table 5.3 has been extracted from AISC Table B4.1b and is
specialized for hot-rolled I-shaped cross sections. Table 5.3 also
applies to channels, except that λ for the flange is bf /tf .
Bending Strength of Compact Shapes
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.
If the maximum bending stress is less than the proportional limit
when buckling occurs, the failure is said to be elastic. Otherwise, it
is inelastic.
For convenience, we first categorize beams as compact,
noncompact, or slender, and then determine the moment resistance
based on the degree of lateral support.
Two types of beams (for this discussion)
1 hot-rolled I shapes bent about the strong axis and loaded in
the plane of the weak axis, and
2 channels bent about the strong axis and either loaded through
the shear center1 or restrained against twisting.
Emphasis will be on I shapes. C-shapes are different only in that the
width-to-thickness ratio of the flange is bf /tf rather than bf /2tf .

1
The shear center is the point on the cross section through which a transverse load must
pass if the beam is to bend without twisting.
Compact shapes
Compact shapes are defined as those whose webs are
continuously connected to the flanges and that satisfy the
following width-to-thickness ratio requirements for the flange
and the web
s s
bf E h E
≤ 0.38 and ≤ 3.76
2tf Fy tw Fy
The web criterion is met by all standard I and C shapes listed
in the Manual for Fy 65 ksi. 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.
The noncompact shapes are identified in the dimensions and
properties table with a footnote (footnote f).
Note that compression members have different criteria than
flexural members, so a shape could be compact for flexure but
slender for compression. Also, shapes with slender compression
elements are identified with a footnote (footnote c).
If the beam is compact and has continuous lateral support, or
if the unbraced length is very short, the nominal moment
strength, Mn , is the full plastic moment capacity of the shape,
Mp .
For members with inadequate lateral support, the moment
resistance is limited by the lateral-torsional buckling strength,
either inelastic or elastic.
Table User Note F1.1

Engr. Richard J. AQUINO Beams

Table User Note F1.1

Engr. Richard J. AQUINO Beams

Laterally supported compact beams

The first category, laterally supported compact beams, is quite

common and is the simplest case. For a doubly-symmetric,
compact I- or C-shaped section bent about its major axis, AISC
F2.1 gives the nominal strength as
Nominal strength (AISC F2.1)

Mn = Mp (3)

where Mp = Fy Zx
Example 5.3
Solution
Solution
Solution
Allowable Stress Solution
This can be simplified if a slight approximation is made. The
allowable stress can be written as
0.6Mn 0.6Fy Zx
Fb = =
Sx Sx
If an average value of Zx /Sx = 1.1 is used (this is conservative),

Fb = 0.6Fy (1.1) = 0.66Fy

If this value is used in Example 5.3,

Fb = 0.66(50) = 33.0 ksi

which is conservative by about 4%. Thus, for compact,
laterally-supported beams, the allowable stress can be
conservatively taken as 0.66Fy . (This value of allowable stress has
been used in AISC allowable stress design specifications since 1963.)
We can formulate an allowable stress approach that requires no
approximation if we use the plastic section modulus instead of the
elastic section modulus. From
Mn Mn F y Zy
≥ Ma and = = 0.6Fy Zx
Ωb Ωb 1.67
The required plastic section modulus is
Ma
Zx ≥
0.6Fy
Thus, if the bending stress is based on the plastic section modulus
Zx ,
Ma
fb = and Fb = 0.6Fy
Zx
This approach is useful when designing compact,
laterally-supported beams.
Moment Strength as a function of Lb

The moment strength of compact

shapes is a function of the
unbraced length, Lb , defined as
the distance between points of
lateral support, or bracing. Here,
we indicate points of lateral
support with an “x”.
Mn vs Lb

If Lb ≤ Lp , the beam is
considered to have full lateral
support, and Mn = Mp .
If Lp < Lb ≤ Lr , the
strength is based on inelastic
LTB.
If Lb > Lr , the strength is
based on elastic LTB.
Elastic LTB Strength

AISC Eqn F2-3 gives nominal moment strength as

Mn = Fcr Sx ≤ Mp

where Fcr (AISC Eqn F2-4) is the elastic buckling stress (ksi) and is
given by
s  2
2
Cb π E Jc Lb
Fcr = 1 + 0.078 (4)
(Lb /rts )2 Sx h0 rts
 Cb = factor to account for nonuniform bending within the
unbraced length Lb
√
2 Iy C w
rts = Sx
c = 1.0 for doubly-symmetric I shapes
q
h0 I
c = 2 Cyw for channels
h0 = distance between flange centroids = d − tf
If the moment when lateral-torsional buckling occurs is greater than
the moment corresponding to first yield, the strength is based on
inelastic behavior. The moment corresponding to first yield is

Mr = 0.7Fy Sx (5)

where the yield stress has been reduced by 30% to account for the
effect of residual stress.
As shown in Figure 5.13, the boundary between elastic and inelastic
behavior will be for an unbraced length of Lr , which is the value of
Lb obtained from AISC Equation F2-4 when Fcr is set equal to
0.7Fy with Cb = 1.0. The following equation results:
AISC Equation F2-6
v s
u 2  2
E t Jc
u Jc 0.7Fy
Lr = 1.95rts + + 6.76 (6)
0.7Fy Sx h0 Sx h0 E
Inelastic LTB
As with columns, inelastic buckling of beams is more complicated
than elastic buckling, and empirical formulas are often used.
AISC Equation F2-2
  
Lb − Lp
Mn = Cb Mp − (Mp − 0.7Fy Sx ) ≤ Mp (7)
Lr − Lp
where the 0.7Fy Sx term is the yield moment adjusted for residual
stress, and Lp (AISC Equation F2-5)
s
E
Lp = 1.76ry (8)
Fy
Summary of Nominal Flexural Strength
For compact I and C-shaped sections

For Lb ≤ Lp

Mn = Mp

For Lp < Lb ≤ Lr
  
Lb − Lp
Mn = Cb Mp − (Mp − 0.7Fy Sx ) ≤ Mp
Lr − Lp
Summary of Nominal Flexural Strength
For compact I and C-shaped sections

For Lb > Lr

Mn = Fcr Sx ≤ Mp

where
s 2
2

Cb π E Jc Lb
Fcr = 1 + 0.078 (9)
(Lb /rts )2 Sx h0 rts
Example 5.4 of Segui (2013)
Solution
Solution
Solution
Solution
With moment gradient
Example 5-5 of Segui (2013)
Solution
Values of Cb for common cases
Values of Cb for common cases

For unbraced cantilever beams, AISC specifies a value of Cb of 1.0.

A value of 1.0 is always conservative, regardless of beam
configuration or loading, but in some cases it may be excessively
conservative.
Cb values effect on the nominal
strength
Bending Strength
Noncompact Shapes
Example 5-6 of Segui (2013)
Solution
Solution
Solution
Summary
Nominal Moment Strength for I and C-shaped sections bent about the x axis

(1) Determine whether the shape is compact.

(2) If the shape is compact, check for lateral-torsional buckling as
follows.
If Lb ≤ Lp , there is no LTB

Mn = Mp

If Lp < Lb ≤ Lr , there is inelastic LTB

  
Lb − Lp
Mn = Cb Mp − (Mp − 0.7Fy Sx ) ≤ Mp
Lr − Lp
If Lb > Lr , there is elastic LTB

Mn = Fcr Sx ≤ Mp

where
s 2
2

Cb π E Jc Lb
Fcr = 1 + 0.078
(Lb /rts )2 Sx h0 rts
(3) If the shape is noncompact because of the flange, the nominal
strength will be the smaller of the strengths corresponding to
flange local buckling and lateral-torsional buckling.

a. Flange local buckling

If λ ≤ λp , there is no FLB
If λp < λ ≤ λr , the flange is noncompact, and
 
λ − λp
Mn = Mp − (Mp − 0.7Fy Sx )
λr − λp
b. Lateral-torsional buckling
If Lb ≤ Lp , there is no LTB
If Lp < Lb ≤ Lr , there is inelastic LTB, and
  
Lb − Lp
Mn = Cb Mp − (Mp − 0.7Fy Sx ) ≤ Mp
Lr − Lp

If Lb > Lr , there is elastic LTB, and

Mn = Fcr Sx ≤ Mp where
s  2
2
Cb π E Jc Lb
Fcr = 1 + 0.078
(Lb /rts )2 Sx h0 rts
Shear Strength
Chapter G of AISC Specification - Design of Members for Shear

From elementary mechanics of

materials, the shearing stress is
VQ
fv =
Ib
where
fv = vertical and horizontal shearing
stress
V = vertical shear force
Q = first moment
I = moment of inertia
b = width of the cross section
Shearing Stress
The shearing stress distribution for a W shape is shown. The
average stress in the web, V /Aw , is superimposed. Clearly, the web
will completely yield long before the flanges begin to yield. Thus,
yielding of the web represents one of the shear limit states.
Taking the shear yield stress as 60% of the tensile yield stress, the
stress in the web at failure is
Vn
fv = = 0.6Fy
Aw
where Aw = area of the web. The nominal strength corresponding
to this limit state is therefore

Vn = 0.6Fy Aw

and will be the nominal strength in shear provided that there is no

shear buckling of the web. Whether that occurs will depend on
h/tw , the width-to-thickness ratio of the web. If this ratio is too
large – that is, if the web is too slender – the web can buckle in
shear, either inelastically or elastically.
AISC Specification Requirements for
Shear

For LRFD

V u ≤ φ v Vn

where
Vu = maximum shear based on the controlling combination of
factored loads
φv = resistance factor for shear
AISC Specification Requirements for
Shear
For ASD

Vn
Va ≤
Ωv
where
Va = maximum shear based on the controlling combination of
service loads
Ωv = safety factor for shear
Note: The values of the resistance factor and safety factor will
depend on the web width-to-thickness ratio.
AISC Section G2.1 covers both beams with stiffened webs and
unstiffened webs. In most cases, hot-rolled beams will not have
stiffeners (see Chap 10 for stiffened webs).
AISC Equation G2-1 is the basic strength equation

Vn = 0.6Fy Aw Cv

where
Aw = area of the web, dtw
d = overall depth of the beam
Cv = ratio of critical web stress to shear yield stress
Note: The value of Cv depends on whether the limit state is web
yielding, web inelastic buckling, or web elastic buckling.
Case 1: For hot-rolled I shapes with
s
h E
≤ 2.24 (10)
tw Fy

The limit state is shear yielding, and

Cv = 1.0 (AISC Equation G2-2)

φv = 1.00
Ωv = 1.50
Most W shapes with Fy ≤ 50 ksi fall into this category.
Case 2: For all other doubly and singly symmetric
shapes

φv = 0.90
Ωv = 1.67
Cv ( see below)

There is no web instability if

s
h kv E
≤ 1.10 and Cv = 1.0 (AISC Equation G2-3)
tw Fy
Inelastic web buckling can occur if
s s
kv E h kv E
1.10 < ≤ 1.37 and
Fy tw Fy
q
1.10 kFv yE
Cv = (AISC Equation G2-4)
h/tw

The limit state is elastic web buckling if

s
h kv E 1.51kv E
> 1.37 and Cv = (AISC Equation G2-5)
tw Fy (h/tw )2 Fy
where kv = 5. This value of kv is for unstiffened webs with
h/tw < 260.
The relationship between shear strength and the web
width-to-thickness ratio is shown below.
Allowable Stress Formulation
The allowable strength relation is
Vn
Va ≤
Ωv
can also be written in terms of stress as
f v ≤ Fv
where
Va
fv = = applied shear stress
Aw
Vn /Ωv 0.6Fy Aw Cv /Ωv
Fv = = = allowable shear stress
Aw Aw
For the mostpcommon case of hot-rolled I shapes with
h/tw ≤ 2.24 E/Fy ,

0.6Fy Aw Cv /Ωv 0.6Fy Aw (1.0)/1.50

Fv = = = 0.4Fy
Aw Aw
Note: Shear is rarely a problem in rolled steel beams; the usual
practice is to design a beam for flexure and then to check it for
shear.
Example 5.7 of Segui (2013)
Solution
Solution
Solution
Solution

Note: Values of φv Vn and Vn /Ωv are given in several tables in Part

3 of the Manual, including the Zx table, so computation of shear
strength is unnecessary for hot-rolled shapes.
Beam Bearing Plates and Column Base
Plates

The design procedure for column base plates is similar to that for
beam bearing plates. The determination of the thickness of a
column base plate requires consideration of flexure, so it logically
belongs in this chapter. In both cases, the function of the plate is
to distribute a concentrated load to the supporting material.
Types of Beam Bearing Plates
one that transmits the beam reaction to a support such as a
concrete wall (see Figure 5.36 - Beam support, i.e. bridge
abutment)
one that transmits a load to the top flange of a beam
Design of the bearing plate

3 Design Steps
1 Determine dimension `b so that web yielding and web crippling
are prevented.
2 Determine dimension B so that the area B × `b is sufficient to
prevent the supporting material (usually concrete) from being
crushed in bearing.
3 Determine the thickness t so that the plate has sufficient
bending strength.
AISC Chapter J - Design of Connections addressed web yielding,
web crippling, and concrete bearing strength.
Web Yielding
Web yielding is the compressive crushing of a beam web caused by
the application of a compressive force to the flange directly above
or below the web. This force could be an end reaction from a
support (see Figure 5.36), or it could be a load delivered to the top
flange by a column or another beam.
Web Yielding - at support
When the load is transmitted through a plate, web yielding is
assumed to take place on the nearest section of width tw . In a
rolled shape, this section will be at the toe of the fillet, a distance k
from the outside face of the flange. If the load is assumed to
distribute itself at a slope of 1:2.5, the area at the support subject
to yielding is tw (2.5k + `b ).
Nominal strength for web yielding at the support

Rn = Fy tw (2.5k + `b ) AISC Equation J10-3

Note: The bearing length `b at the support should not be less than
k.
Web Yielding - at interior load
At the interior load, the length of the section subject to yielding is

2(2.5k) + `b = 5k + `b

Nominal strength at interior load

Rn = Fy tw (5k + `b ) AISC Equation J10-2

For LRFD, the design strength is φRn , where φ = 1.0.

For ASD, the allowable strength is Rn /Ω, where Ω = 1.50.
Web Crippling

Web crippling is buckling of the web caused by the compressive

force delivered through the flange.
For an interior load, the nominal strength is
"    1.5 # r
`b tw EFy tf
Rn = 0.80t2w 1+3 AISC Eqn J10-4
d tf tw
For a load at or near the support (no greater than half the beam
depth from the end),
For a load at or near the support, the nominal
strength is (AISC Eqns J10-5a and -5b)
"    1.5 # r
`b tw EFy tf
Rn = 0.40t2w 1+3 for `b /d ≤ 0.2
d tf tw
or
"   1.5 # r
4`b tw EFy tf
Rn = 0.40t2w 1 + − 0.2 for `b /d > 0.2
d tf tw

Note: The resistance factor for this limit state is φ = 0.75. The
safety factor is Ω = 2.00.
Concrete Bearing Strength
The material used for a beam support is usually concrete which
must resist the bearing load applied by the steel plate. The nominal
bearing strength specified in AISC J8 is the same as that in ACI and
may be used if no other building code requirements are in effect.
Concrete Bearing Strength

If the plate covers the full area of the support,

the nominal strength is

Pp = 0.85fc0 A1 AISC Eqn J8-1

If the plate does not cover the full area of the

support, the nominal strength is
r
A2
Pp = 0.85fc0 A1 ≤ 1.7fc0 A1 AISC Eqn J8-2
A1
where
fc0 = 28-day compressive strength of the concrete
A1 = bearing area
A2 = full area of the support
If area A2 is not concentric with A1 , then A2 should be taken as
the largest concentric area that is geometrically similar to A1 (see
Figure 5.38).
For LRFD, the design bearing strength is φc Pp where φc = 0.65.
For ASD, the allowable bearing strength is Pp /Ωc where Ωc = 2.31.
Plate Thickness
Once the length and width of the plate have been determined, the
average bearing pressure is treated as uniform load on the bottom
of the plate, which is assumed to be supported at the top over a
central width of 2k and length `b . The plate is then considered to
bend about an axis parallel to the beam span. Thus the plate is
treated as a cantilever of span length n = (B − 2k)/2 and a width
of `b .
Considering a 1-inch width, with a uniform load
The maximum bending moment in the plate is

R n Rn2
M= ×n× =
B`b 2 2B`b
where R is the beam reaction and R/B`b is the average bearing
pressure between the plate and the concrete.
For a rectangular cross section bent about the minor axis, the
nominal moment strength Mn is equal to the plastic moment
capacity Mp . As illustrated in Figure 5.40, for a rectangular cross
section of unit width and depth t, the plastic moment is

t2
  
t t
Mp = Fy 1 × = Fy
2 2 4
For LRFD
Since the design strength must at least equal the factored-load
moment

φb Mp ≥ Mu
t2 Ru n2
0.90Fy ≥
4 2B`
s b
2Ru n2
t≥ or
0.90B`b Fy
s
2.22Ru n2
t≥
B`b Fy

where Ru is the factored-load beam reaction.

For ASD
The allowable flexural strength must at least equal the applied
moment:
Mp
≥ Ma
Ωb
Fy t2 /4 Ra n2
≥
1.67 2B`
s b
3.34Ra n2
t≥
B`b Fy

where Ra is the service-load beam reaction.

Solution
Assignment: To be submitted on or
before 8am Monday, 10 Dec 2018.

Solve the following problems in Segui (2013) book pages 281-293 :

5.2-1, 5.2-3, 5.4-1, 5.5-1, 5.5-3, 5.5-6, 5.5-10, 5.6-1, 5.8-3, 5.14-1