2.

Flexural Members

2.1 Introduction

The most frequently used, and possibly the earliest used, structural element is the beam. The
primary function of a beam is to transfer vertical loading to adjacent structural elements
such that the load can continue its path through the structure to the foundations. Loading
can be imposed on a beam from one or several of a number of sources, e.g. other secondary
beams, columns, walls, floor systems or directly from installed plant and/or equipment. In
most cases static loading will be considered the most appropriate for design purposes, but
dynamic and fatigue loading may be more critical in certain circumstances.
The structural action of a beam is predominantly bending, with other effects such as
shear, bearing and buckling also being present. In addition to ensuring that beams have
sufficient strength capacities to resist these effects, it is important that the stiffuess
properties are adequate to avoid excessive deflection or local buckling of the cross-section
(see Section Classification 2.2). A large variety of cross-sections are available when
selecting a beam for use in any one of a wide range of applications. The most common types
of beam with an indication of the span range for which they may be appropriate are given in
Table 2.1. For lightly loaded and small spans such as roofpurlins and side sheeting rails the
use of hot-rolled angle sections or channel sections is appropriate (see Figure 4.11). Cold-
formed sections pressed from thin sheet and galvanised and provided by proprietary
suppliers are frequently used. In small to medium spans hot-rolled joists, universal beams
(UBs ), hollow sections and UBs with additional welded flange plates (compound beams) are
often used. If the span and/or magnitude of loading dictates that larger and deeper sections
are required, castellated beams formed by welding together profiled cut UB sections, plate
girders or box girders in which the webs and flanges are individual plates welded together
can be fabricated. Plate girder design is discussed in more detail in Chapter 6. While careful
detailing can minimize torsional effects, when they are considered significant hollow tube
sections are more efficient than open sections such as UBs, universal columns (UCs), angles
and channels.
The section properties of all hot-rolled sections and cold-formed sections are published
by their manufacturers; those for fabricated sections must be calculated by the designer
(Ref.: 11)
The span of a beam is defined in Clause 4.2.1.1 of BS 5950:Part 1 as the distance
between points of effective support. In general, unless the supports are wide columns or
piers then the span can be considered as the centre-to-centre of the actual supports or
columns.
The most widely adopted section to be found in building frames is the Universal Beam.
The design of beams to satisfy the requirements of BS 5950:Part 1 includes the
consideration of:

+ section classification,
+ shear capacity,
34
 Flexural Members 35

+ moment capacity (including lateral torsional buckling),

+ deflection,
+ web buckling
+ web bearing,
+ torsional capacity (not required for the design of most beams)

All of these criteria are explained and considered separately and illustrated in Examples 2.1
to 2. 10. Examples 2.11 and 2.12 illustrate the design of beams using all criteria (except
torsional capacity).
Table 2.1

Span (m) Beam Types

1 - 20
L[ID
Angle Channel Joist Tube Universal beam Compound beam

1-40

UB RHS Composite beams Castellated beams

15 - 200
K}{8}0( I \: :::::», 7
Castellated beams Welded plate girders Welded box girders

Section Classification (Clause 3. 5)

In Clause 3. 5 of BS 5950, the cross-sections of structural members are classified into four
categories:
36 Design of Structural Steelwork

• Class I Plastic Sections

• Class 3 Semi-compact
Class 2 Compact Sections
• Class 4 Slender SectionsSections
•
This classification is based on two criteria:

(i) the aspect ratio of the elements of a cross-section such as the UB indicated in Figure
2.1, which influences their behaviour when subject to either pure compression,
compression caused by bending or a combination of both.
b
I· --1_1
T Element Aspect ratio

D -j~ outstand of
compressiOn
flange
biT

web d/t

I B I

Figure 2.1

Reference should be made to Figure 3 in BS 5950:Part 1 for other cross-sections

(ii) the moment-rotation characteristics of such a cross-section are as indicated in Figure

2.2.
Moment

Class 1

Class 2
Class 3

Rotation

Figure 2.2
where:
M=p plastic moment of resistance
Me= limiting elastic moment of resistance
M = elastic moment of resistance

These criteria detennine whether or not a fully plastic moment as shown in Figure 2.3 can
develop within a beam and possess sufficient rotational capacity to permit redistribution of
the moments in a structure.
In a beam subject to an increasing bending moment, the bending stress diagram changes
from a iinearly elastic condition with extreme fibre stresses less than the design strength,
 Flexural Members 37

(py), to one in which all of the fibres can be considered to have reached the design strength
as shown in Figure 2.3.

Compression cr <py (j = py cr = py

~--~----------L---~

Tension (j <py cr = py (j = py
Elastic Limiting Fully Plastic
Moment Elastic Moment Moment

M= cr x Zxx Me= pyX Zxx Mp =pyX Sxx

Class 4 Class 3 Classes 2 and 1

Slender Semi-compact Compact and Plastic

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 2.3
where:
Zxx elastic section modulus
Sxx = plastic section modulus
cr elastic stress
py design strength

Note: The Shape Factor of a section is defined as:

plastic modulus
v= Sxx The value of v for most I-sections ~ l. 15
elastic modulus Zxx

2.1.1 Plastic Sections

The failure of a structure such that plastic collapse occurs is dependent on a sufficient
number of plastic hinges developing within the cross-sections of the members (i.e. value of
internal bending moment reaching Mp), to produce a mechanism. For full collapse this
requires one more than the number of redundancies in the structure, as illustrated in Figure
2.4.
38 Design ofStructural Steelwork

p w p

/ Ama:l ~

Rigid-Jointed Collapse Mechanism Collapse Bending

Rectangular Portal Moment Diagram
No. of redundancies = 1 Number of hinges= 2

Figure 2.4

The required number of hinges will only develop if there is sufficient rotational capacity
in the cross-section to permit the necessary redistribution of the moments within the
structure. When this occurs, the stress diagram at the location of the hinge is as shown in
Figure 2.3(c), and the aspect ratio of the elements of the cross-section are low enough to
prevent local buckling from occurring. Such cross-sections are defined as plastic sections
and classified as Class 1. Full plastic analysis and design can only be carried out using
Class 1 sections.

2.1.2 Compact Sections

When cross-sections can still develop the full plastic moment as in Figure 2.3(c), but are
prevented by the possibility of local buckling from undergoing enough rotation to permit re-
distribution of the moments, the section is considered to be compact and is classified as
Class 2. Compact sections can be used without restricting their capacity, except at plastic
hinge positions.

2.1.3 Semi-compact Sections

Semi-compact sections may be prevented from reaching their full plastic moment by local
buckling of one or more of the elements of the cross-section. The aspect ratios may be such
that only the extreme fibre stress can attain the design strength before local buckling occurs.
Such sections are classified as Class 3 and their capacity is therefore based on the
limiting elastic moment as indicated in Figure 2.3(b).

2.1.4 Slender Sections

When the aspect ratio is relatively high, then local buckling may prevent any part of the
cross-section from reaching the design strength. Such sections are called slender sections
and are class~fied as Class 4 sections; their capacity is based on a reduced design
strength as spec~fied in Clause 3. 6 of BS 5950: Part 1.
 Flexural Members 39

The limiting aspect ratios for elements of the most commonly used cross-sections subject
to pure bending, pure axial load or combined bending and axial loads are given in Table 7

( r.
of BS 5950:Part 1. The values given in Table 7 must be modified to allow for the design
strength py. This is done by multiplying each limiting ratio by E which equals

~: The usc of Clause 3. 5 and Table 7 is illustrated in the examples in this chapter.

2.2 Shear Capacity (Clause 4.2.3)

Generally in the design of beams for buildings, the effects of shear are negligible and will
not significantly reduce the value of the moment capacity. It is evident from the elastic shear
stress distribution in an 1-beam, as shown in Figure 2.5 that the web of a cross-section is the
primary element which carries the shear force.

!
Applied shear force Maximum shear stress

Shear f1ow Shear area (Av) Elastic shear stress

distribution
Figure 2.5

In situations such as at internal supports of continuous beams where there is likely to be

high coincident shear and moment effects which may induce significant principal stresses,
(see Figure 2.6), it is necessary to consider the reduction in moment capacity caused by the
effects of the shear.

I\._
Applied loading ,

--, 6;-------------------------{6;-r--- - - - - -

I
/r
\~Q--
I
c,,, '
\
:' ',/ /Q--',
1 7 r
I
'
\
'--- : l · I ,___1 j-of
I Ir / I '
I \
'1 I
\
',lT-_\ ~ }'-u-/
r /

Applied 20 stress system to elertJent

Figure 2.6
40 Design ofStructural Steelwork

The shear capacity of a beam is defined in the code as:

where:
0. 6 py is approximately equal to the yield stress of steel in shear
Av is the shear area as defined in Clause 4. 2. 3
When the applied ultimate shear force (Fv) is equal to or greater than 60% of Pv (i.e. Fv
~ 0.36 pyAv) the moment capacity of a beam should be reduced as specified in Clause 4.2.6.
When the aspect ratio of a web is greater than 63s the possibility of shear buckling
should be considered. This is illustrated in the design of plate girders in Chapter 6. In the
design of webs of variable thickness and/or which contain large holes (e.g. castellated
beams) the code requires that shear stresses be calculated from first principles assuming
elastic behaviour and a maximum shear stress not exceeding 0.7py; the design of such webs
is not considered in this text.

2.3 Example 2.1 Shear check of a simply supported beam

A simply supported 406 x 178 x 74 UB is required to span 4.5 m and carry an ultimate
design load of 40 kN/m. Check the suitability of the section with respect to shear (section
properties are given in Ref: 11).

Solution:
Section properties: t = 9.5 mm, D = 412.8 mm, d = 360.4 mm
Design shear force at the end of the beam Fv = 40 x 4 .5 = 90 kN
2
Clause 4.2.3 Pv = 0.6 pyAv
For a rolled UB section Av = tD
Shear area Av = (9.5 x 412.8) = 3.922 x 103 mm2
Clause 3.1.1 Web thickness t = 9.5 mm
Table 6 gives py= 275 N/mm2
Clause 3.5 Since the beam is subject to pure bending the neutral axis will be at mid-
depth.

Section Classification:
d
Table 7 Note: s = 1.0- = 37.9 < 79s
t
Web is plastic
.
Sl1ear capactty p 0.6 X 275 X 3.922 X 103
v= 3 = 64 7 kN
10
>> Fv (90 kN)
This value indicates the excessive reserve of shear strength in the web.
 Flexural Members 41
2.4 Moment Capacity (Clause 4.2.5)

The moment capacity of a beam is determined by a number of factors such as :

(i) design strength (Table 6)

(ii) section classification (Table 7)
(iii) elastic section modulus (Z)
(iv) plastic section modulus (S)
(v) co-existent shear Clauses (4.2.5 and 4.2.6) and
(vi) lateral restraint to the compression flange (Clause 4. 3)

The criteria (i) to (v) are relatively straightforward to evaluate, however criterion (vi) is
related to the lateral torsional buckling of beams and is much more complex. The design of
beams in this text are considered in two categories:

(a) beams in which the compression flange is fully restrained and lateral torsional
buckling cmmot occur, and
(b) beams in which either no lateral restraint or only intermittent lateral restraint is
provided to the compression flange.

2.4.1 Compression Flange Restraint

As indicated in Figure 2.3 a beam subject to bending is partly in tension and partly in
compression. The tendency of an unrestrained compression flange in these circumstances is
to deform sideways and twist about the longitudinal axis as shown in Figure 2.7.

Figure 2.7

This type of failure is called lateral torsional buckling and will normally occur at a value
of applied moment less than the moment capacity (Me) of the section as given in Clauses
4. 2. 5and 4. 2. 6and is known as the buckling resistance moment Mb, defined in Clause
4.3. 7. 3 . as :

where:
Sxx. is the plastic modulus
Pb is the bending strength
42 Design ofStructural Steelwork
The tendency for the compression flange to deform is influenced by:

(i) lateral restraint,

(ii) torsional restraint,
(iii) flange thickness and
(iv) effective buckling length.

2. 4.1.1 Lateral restraint (Clause 4.3.2)

Full lateral restraint

It is always desirable where possible to provide full lateral restraint to the compression
flange of a beam. The existence of either a cast-in-situ or precast concrete slab which is
supported directly on the top flange or cast around it is normally considered to provide
adequate restraint. A steel plate floor that is tack-welded or bolted to the flange also
provides adequate restraint; steel floors which are fixed in a manner such that removal for
access is required are not normally considered adequate for restraint. Timber floors and
beams are frequently supported by steel beams. Generally, unless they are fixed to the beam
by cleats, bolts or some other similar method and are securely held at their remote end or
along their length they are not considered to provide adequate restraint.

Full lateral restraint is defined in Clause 4.2. 2. as being present '... if the frictional or
positive connection of a floor or other construction to the compression flange of the
member is capable of resisting a lateral force of not less than 2.5% of the maximum
factored force in the compression flange of the member under factored loading. This load
should be considered as distributed uniformly along the flange ... '. This is illustrated in
Figure 2.8.

Lateral friction force between underside of slab and top flange

Figure 2.8
 Flexural Members 43

2.5% of Applied Moment

Minimum friction force required
Lever Arm x span

Friction force required = 0.025 x M kN /m

L(D-T)

Friction force provided f.t XR

where:
M maximum moment due to applied factored loads
L span of the beam
f.1 coefficient of friction between the concrete beam and the steel flange
R maximum factored verticalload/m applied to the beam
D and T are as before

As discussed above, there is no need to carry out this calculation in the case of concrete
floor slabs.

Intermittent lateral restraint

Most beams in buildings which do not have full lateral restraint are provided with
intennittent restraint in the form of secondary beams, ties or bracing members as shown in
Figure 2.9.

Effective length of
compression nange

Effective length of Secondary beam

compression nange providing lateral and
torsional restraint

Secondary beam
providing lateral and
torsional restraint

Secondary beam
providing lateral and
torsional restraint

Figure 2.9

It is important to ensure that the elements providing restraint are an integral part of a
braced structural system and are capable of transmitting the lateral force of 2.5% described
previously, divided between the intermediate lateral restraints in proportion to their spacing
(see Clause 4. 3.2.1). If three or more intermediate lateral restraints are present, each
individual restraint must be capable of resisting at least I% of the flange force.
44 Design ofStructural Steelwork
2.4.1.2 Torsional restraint (Clause 4.3.3)

A beam is assumed to have torsional restraint about its longitudinal axis at any location
where both flanges are held in their relative positions by external members during bending;
as illustrated in Figure 2.10.

Depth of plate <!: 0.60

Beam with torsional restraint

Figure 2.10

This type of restraint may be provided by load bearing stiffeners as described in Clause
4. 5. 8 or by the provision of adequate end connection details as discussed in Chapter 5.

Beam without torsional restraint

In situations where a beam is supported by a wall as in Figure 2.11 , no torsional restraint is
provided to the flanges and buckling is more likely to occur.

Figure 2.11

2.4.2 Effective Length Le (Clauses 4.3. 5 and 4.3. 6)

The provision of lateral and torsional restraints to a beam introduces the concept of
effective length. The effective length of a compression flange is the equivalent length
between restraints over which a pin-ended beam would fail by lateral torsional buckling.
The values to be used in assessing this are given in Tables 9 and 10 for beams and
cantilevers respectively. The values adopted depend on three factors relating to the degree of
lateral and torsional restraint at the position of the intermittent restraints, they are:
 l'lexura/A1e1nbers 45

(a) the existence of torsional restraints

(b) the degree of lateral restraint of the compression flange
(c) the type ofloading.

In the case of beams factors (a) and (b) give rise to five possible conditions.

(a) When full torsional restraint exists:

(i) both the compression and tension flanges are fully restrained against
rotation on plan,
(ii) both flanges are partially restrained against rotation on plan, or
(iii) both flanges are free to rotate on plan.

(b) When both flanges are free to rotate on plan and the compression flange is
unrestrained:
(i) torsional restraint is provided soley by connection of the tension flange
to the supports,
(ii) torsional restraint is provided soley by dead bearing of the tension flange
on supports.

Similar conditions exist in Table 10 for cantilevers.

(c) Type of loading:

A beam load is considered normal unless both the beam and the load are free to
deflect laterally and so induce lateral torsional buckling by virtue of the combined
freedom; in which case the load is a destabilising load. In an efficiently designed
braced structural system, destabilising loads should not normally arise. In some
instances the existence of such a load is unavoidable e.g. the sidesway induced in
crane-gantry girders by the horizontal surge loads (see Figure 2.12).

Crab
~V•rtl~l Lood ~

Crane Gantry

Gl'd"
=-I'
CJ
Figure 2.12
46 Design ofStructural Steelwork

In Table 10 it can be seen that destabilising loads are a particular problem for
cantilevers since it may be difficult to achieve torsional rigidity at either the free or fixed
end. In addition the bottom flange, which is in compression, may not be as readily restrained
as the top flange.

2.4.3 Moment Capaci~v (Me) of Beams with Full Lateral Restraint

The moment capacity (Me) of beams with the compression flange fully restrained is
detem1ined using the following equations which are given in Clauses 4. 2. 5 and 4. 2. 6 for low
coincident shear and high coincident shear respectively.

Plastic and compact sections

Clause 4. 2. 5 Low Shear (Fv S 0.6Pv)
Me== pyS
. s 1.2pyZ
When the shape factor of a section is greater than 1.2 then py S > 1.2py Z and the elastic
limitation will govern the design. Generally this will only affect hollow sections and a few
Universal Column sections. This limitation is to ensure that plasticity does not occur at
working loads. There is provision in this clause for enhancing the elastic. limitation by
replacing the 1.2 factor by the average load factor which equals:

factored loads thi . .

------ , s IS approXImate1y 1 5.
unfactored loads

The design of hollow sections, (which tend to have a high shear capacity and high
torsional stiffness and do not generally fail by lateral torsional buckling), will be inefficient
and uneconomic if this enhancement is not allowed for.

Clause 4. 2. 6 High Shear (Fv ~ 0.6Pv)

Me== py (S- SvPI)
s 1.2pyZ
where:

Sv is either
(i) the plastic modulus of the shear area for sections with equal flanges or
(ii) plastic modulus of the gross cross-sections minus the plastic modulus of that part
of the section remaining after deduction of the shear area.

The shear areas in (i) and (ii) are illustrated in Figure 2.12.
 i'lexuralA1e~nbers 47

0 d d

Figure 2.12

Se1ni-co~npact sections
Low Shear and High Shear
Clauses 4. 2. 5 and 4. 2. 6
The same value is used for both situations i.e.:

Slender sections
Low Shear and High Shear
Clauses 4. 2. 5 and 4. 2. 6
The same value is used for both situations i.e.:

where Pr is multiplied by a factor from Table 8 to allow for the slenderness of the cross-
section.
The design of beams with fully restrained flanges is normally determined from the
bending criterion with subsequent checks carried out to ensure that other criteria are
satisfied. A beam can be selected such that the applied ultimate moment does not exceed the
moment capacity of the section, e.g. for a plastic or compact section assuming that the
shape factor is less than 1.2:

An appropriate section can be selected from published section property tables.

2.5 Example 2.2 Bending in fully restrained beam

A single span beam is simply supported between two columns and carries a reinforced
concrete slab in addition to the column and loading shown in Figure 2.13. Using the
working loads indicated, select a suitable section considering section classification, shear
and bending only. Assume that dead loads are inclusive of self-weights.
48 Design of Structural Steelwork

Dead load = 10 kN
Imposed load= 30 kN !I
-
Dead load = 8 kN/m
lmpoj ed load = 10 kN/m
i I~

I[ I
i IT
.L: I
2.0m
I 4.0m
i

- I
6.0m
.I
,..,....

Figure 2.13

Solution to Example 2.2 (see Section 2.21)

2.6 Moment Capacity (Mb) of Beams without Full Lateral Restraint (Clause 4.3. 7)

As discussed in Section 2. 5 .1the moment capacity of a beam in which the compression

flange is not fully restrained is known as the buckling resistance moment (Mb) and is
defined in Clause 4. 3.7. 3 as

The bending strength Pb is dependent on the design strength py the equivalent slenderness
Ar-T (equal to nuvA.which is defined in Example 2.3) ofthe section and the type of member,
i.e. rolled or fabricated by welding. Values of Pb are given in Tables 11, 12 and 19 of the
code. Those in Tables 11 and 12 are for rolled and welded sections respectively and those in
Table 19 are used when using a simplified design procedure which is known as the
Conservative Method. A more rigorous and economic design process is illustrated first in
this Section. The conservative method and the use of safe load tables are illustrated at the
end of the chapter.

2.6.1 Rigorous Method (Clause 4.3. 7.1)

The condition to be satisfied when considering lateral torsional buckling is:

where:
M is the equivalent uniform moment on any portion of a member between adjacent
lateral restraints and is defined in Clause 4. 3.7. 2 as mMA in which:
 JllexuralAfe111bers 49

111 is an equivalent uniform moment factor determined from Clause 4. 3. 7. 6

AlA is the maximum moment on the portion of a member being considered.

2. 7 Example 2.3 Beam with intermittent lateral restraint

A single span beam of 8. 0 m span supporting two factored point loads is shown in Figure
2.14. Assuming lateral and torsional restraint to the compression flange at the ends and
points of application ofthe loads only, check the suitability of a 406 x 140 x 39 UB with
respect to bending. Neglect self-weight, i.e. the beam is not loaded between adjacent lateral
restraints.

45 kN
30 kN

A 2.0 m B 4.0m c 2.0 m 0

406x 140x39UB

~ Bending Moment Diagram

Figure 2.14

On portion AB A1 = 111 x 67.5 kNm

On portion BC A1 = 111 x 82.5 kNm
On portion CD A1 = 111 x 82.5 kNm

The value of '111' may be different for each section.

The evaluation of 'AlA' is dependent on the structural analysis for the applied load
system and resulting bending moment diagram.

The evaluation of '111' is determined by reference to Clause 4. 3. 7. 6, Table 13 and Table

18 if necessary.

Clause 4.3. 7.6: This clause indicates two situations for which to determine '111'

(i) members of uniform cross-section in which case Table 13 is used to determine

'111' and 'n'.
50 Design ofStructural Steelwork

(ii) members of non-uniform cross-section in which reference should be made to

Appendix B: beams in this category are not considered in this text.

Table 13: 'm' is given the value of 1.0 for any member subject to destabalising loads,
any member which is loaded between adjacent restraints and any section
with unequal flanges.
In the case of members with equal flanges not loaded between adjacent
lateral restraints and not subjected to destabalising loads the value of 'm' is
determined from Table 18.
The values of 'm' and 'n' as determined by Table 13 requirements are
to allow for the effects of a moment gradient along the length of the
member. It should be noted from Table 13 that the two adjustments, 'm' to
the applied bending moment and 'n' to the slenderness of the compression
flange do not occur simultaneously.

Table 18: the magnitude and sense of the bending moment diagram on the portion of
beam being considered defines the value of a factor 'p which is
subsequently used to determine 'm' where:

fJ = smaller end moment

1arg er end moment

67.5 kNm

82.5 kNm

Figure 2.15

PortionA-B Portion B-C Portion C-D

0 0
fJ= - = 0 fJ= 675 = 0.82 {J=-=0
67.5 82.5 82.5

Table 18 values are as follows:

m = 0.57 m = 0.91 m = 0.57

M = 0.57 X 67.5 M = 0.91 X 82.5 M = 0.57 X 82.5
= 38.5 kNm = 75.1 kNm =47.0kNm
 Flexural Members 51

Table 18 gives values of f3in increments ofO.l, the value of 'm' for intermediate values
can be found from the following equation but should not be taken as less than 0.43

m = 0.57 + 0.33/3+ O.l/3 2 ~ 1.0

Clearly, in the above case portion B-C of the beam is critical and a section should be
designed such that:
Mb ;::: 75.1 kNm

Equivalent Slenderness Ratio: (Clause 4.3. 7.5)

ALT = nuvA,
where:
n is a slenderness correction factor and is equal to either 1.0, or for members with equal
flanges, loaded between adjacent restraints and not subjected to destabilising loads, can
be determined from Tables 15 and Table 16 (see Table 13 as form) or for standard load
conditions, from Table 20.
u is a buckling parameter which for rolled UB, UC or channel section can be taken as 0.9,
is more accurately evaluated using Appendix B, or is given in published section property
tables.
v is a slenderness factor which for uniform, flanged members with at least one axis of
symmetry can be determined from Table 14.

Evaluation of 'n'
In most cases, the value of 'n' can be estimated by modifying, when required, the values
given in Table 20. Tables 15 and 16 are used for more complex cases, as illustrated in
Example 2.4. The value depends on the bending moment diagram of the portion of a beam
being considered. Consider the portions of beam ABCD as before and using Table 20.

PortionA-B

n = 0.77
67.5 kNm

675k~= n = 1.0 n =0.77

82.5 kNm

Portion B-C
(1.0 + 0.77)
Use average value :. n = = 0.89
2
52 Design of Structural Steelwork

Portion C-D

82.5kNm V n = 0.77

The critical value of n relates to portion C-B

n = 0.89
Evaluation of 'u'
From section property tables for a 406 x 140 x 39 UB
u = 0.858
Evaluation of 'v'
The values of 'v' given in Table 14 are dependent on three factors N, A, and X.

N this factor equals 0.5 for members with equal flanges or in the case of other sections
/cf
equals --=--
fer+ ltJ:

where fer and ltr are the second moments of area of the compression and tension flanges
respectively about the y-y axis of the section.

A is the minor axis slenderness and is defined as A = Le

rYY
where:
Le is the effective length as discussed in Section 2.4.2 and ryy is the radius of gyration about
the minor axis of the member; normally from the section properties tables.

X is the torsional index and may be determined from Appendix B, section property tables
or taken as DIT for rolled sections, provided that U is taken as 0. 9 or 1. 0 for other
sections.

Clause 4.3. 7.5

UB section is being considered N = 0.5
Full restraint to the compression flange is not provided
Table 9 effective length LE = 1.0 x 4.0 = 4.0 m
radius of gyration ryy = 28.7
Le = 4000
slenderness = 139.4
rYY 28.7
A= 139.4
torsional index X = 47.5
A 139.4
= -- = 2.95
X 47.5
 Flexural Members 53
A,
Table 14 N= 0.5 and = 2.95 v = 0.91
X

equivalent slenderness ALT = nuvA,

ALT = 0.89 X 0.858 X 0.91 X 139.4 = 96.7
Au= 96.7
Table 6 T<16.0mm py = 275 N/mm2

Clause 4. 3. 7. 4 Table 11 ALT = 56.7 Pb = 131 N/mm2

Mb = Sx:xPb = (724 x 103 x 131) I 106 = 94.8 kNm

M < Mb
Section is adequate in bending

2.8 Example 2.4 Beam with intermittent lateral restraint

A 406 x 178 x 54 UB is simply supported and carries factored loading as shown in Figure
2.6. Assuming lateral restraints to the compression flange at A, B, C and D as in Example
2.3, check the suitability of the section with respect to bending.

45 kN

81 .75
27.75

X 20.25
.I
65.25
89.25
A B c D E

Figure 2.17

27.75
Distance to point of zero shear from B = 2.31 m
x =
12
Position of maximum bending moment is 4.31 m from the left-hand end. ·
54 Design ofStructural Steelwork

(81.75 + 57.75)2
Bending moment at B = 139.5 kNm
2

( 65.25 + 89 .25)2
Bending moment at C 154.5 kNm
2

(81.75 + 57.75)2 (2.31 X 27.75)

Max. bending moment at 2.3 m = + = 171.6 kNm
2 2

Portion BC is the critical section M = m x 171.6 kNm

Clause 4. 3. 7. 6 Table 13 m = 1.0
M = 171.6 kNm
The value of 'n' is determined from Tables 15 and 16

Table 15 applies to members in which the applied loading is substantially concentrated

within the middle fifth of the unrestrained length; Table 16 applies to all other load cases.
In this example for portion BC Table 16 is appropriate and the value of 'n' is dependent
on two variables

(i) y=MIMo

where:
M is the greater end moment on the portion of beam being considered,
Mo is the mid-span moment on a simply supported span equal to the unrestrained length.
The signs and values to be adopted forM and Mo are illustrated in Table 17.

smaller end moment

(ii) fJ = · as b e1ore
c
1arg er end moment '
Consider portion BC
12 X 4.0 2
Mo = = 24kNm
8
M 1545
r = +- - - - 6.43
MD 24
1395
fJ = +-- 0.9
1545

Table 16 Slenderness correction factor 'n'

n = 0.99
From section property tables for a 406 x 178 x 54 UB u = 0.871
 Flexural Members 55

Table 9 effective length LE = 1.0 X 4.0 = 4.0m

radius of gyration ryy = 38.5
~= 4000 104 'A= 104
rYY 38.5

torsional index X 38.3

A 104
= 2.72
X 38.3

A
Table 14 N=0.5 and - = 2.72 v = 0.92
X

Equivalent slenderness ALT = nuvA

ALT 0.99 X 0.871 X 0.92 X 104 = 82.5

ALT = 82.5
Table 6 T <16.0mm 275 N/mm2

Clause 4. 3. 7. 4 Table 11 82.5 Ph= 159.5 N/mm2

Mb = Sxx.Pb = (1055 x 103 x 159.5) I 106 = 168 kNm

Mb < M
Section is inadequate

Clearly, this section has insufficient bending capacity to support the load and either a
larger section or a higher grade of steel should be used.
Assume grade 50 steel

Table 6 T < 16.0mm 275 N/mm2

Clause 4. 3. 7. 4 Table 11 82.5 Ph = 182.5 N/mm2

Mb = Sxx.Pb = (1055 x 103 x182.5) I 106 = 192.5 kNm

Mb> M
Section is adequate using grade 50 steel

Note: In Clause 4.3 ofBS 5950:Part 1, it is stated that:

'All beams should satisfo the requirementsof 4.2.1 and 4.2.3 to 4.2.6 inclusive.
This implies that although Pb is always :s; Pv the value of the buckling moment of resistance
Mb may be greater than 1.2pyZxx, as given in Clauses 4.2.5 and 4.2.6, and should be
checked; the smaller value indicates the design strength. This will only affect a few of the
very heavy UC sections or situations in which bending occurs about the y-y axis.
56 Design ofStructural Steelwork
2.9 Example 2.5 Rectangular hollow section as a beam

A single span beam supports the 'service' loads indicated in Figure 2.18 and is restrained at
points ABCD as in Examples 2.3 and 2.4. Check the suitability of a 300 x 200 x 8 RHS
section with respect to bending.

Design load at B and C = {1.4 x 12) + 1.6 x 12) = 30.4 kN

Design distributed load (1.4 x 4) + (1.6 x 8) = 18.4 kN/m
Total factored load = 30.4 + 30.4 + {18.4 x 8) = 208 kN
Total unfactored load = 20 + 20 + {12 x 8) = 136 kN
Average load factor = 208 = 1.53
136
The average load factor will be used to modify the 1.2pyZ value in Clause 4. 2. 5, since this
is the governing equation for rolled hollow sections, i.e.

Bending moment at B = (104 x 2)- {18.4 x 2)(1) = 171.2 kNm

Bending moment at C = 171.2 kNm

Bending moment at mid-span= (30.4 X 2) +e 8·48x 82 ) = 208 kNm

~~ Bending moment diagram

Figure 2.19

Clause 4. 3. 7. 6 Table 13 m = 1.0 M=208kNm

Appendix B Clause B. 2. 6 Buckling moment resistance of box sections

This clause states 'Box sections of uniform wall thickness need not be checked for lateral
torsional buckling effects provided that A, = (L/ry) is not greater than the limiting values
given in table 38 '; i.e. when
 JflexuralA1e1nbers 57

DIB A,

1 00

350 X 275
2 Py
225 X 275
3 Py
170 X 275
4 Py

From section property tables

Table 6 T< 16mm Py 275 N/mm2

Table 9 effective length Le 1.0 x 4.0 = 4.0 m
radius of gyration ryy 82.3 mm
~ 4000
slenderness 'A :::: :::: ::::48.6
rYY 82.3
300
DIB :::: 1.5
200

The limiting value of A, for DIB = 2.0 is given by 350 x 275 = 350
Py
The critical span above which this section must be checked is given by:

350 x ryy = 350 x 82.3 = 28805 mm i.e. 28.8 m

Lateral torsional buckling is clearly not critical and the moment capacity is governed by
Clause 4.2.5 (Note: low shear occurs in this case).

Afc 1.53pyZxx
(1.53 X 275 X 653 X 103)/106 ::::274.7 kNm

A1c > 208 kNm

Section is adequate

2.10 Example 2.6 Cantilever beam

Consider a beam with a cantilever overhang and supporting the factored loads shown in
Figure 2.20.
58 Design ofStructural Steelwork

Factored design load= 125 kN/m

A .
, ----- 8 · C

(Jo!·< kN 3.0 m 520.8 kNC 2 .0 m

350 X 171 X 51 UB 350 X 171 X 51 UB

Restraint condition at end of cantilever

Figure 2.20

A maximum bending moment and a maximum shear force always occur at the same
cross-section in a cantilever. It is essential in these circumstances to ensure that a check is
carried out on the effect of the shear force on the moment capacity i.e. either Low Shear
with Fv < 0.6Pv in which case Clause 4.2.5 governs, or High Shear with Fv > 0.6Pv, in
which case Clause 4. 2. 6 is used.
Check the suitability of a 356 x 171 x 51 UB with respect to combined shear and
bending.
250 kN

104.2 kN

A c

43.24 kNm
Figure 2.21

At position B
Design shear force = 270.8 kN
Design bending moment = 240kNm
Section properties:
D = 355 mm B 171.5 mm T = 11.5 mm
ryy = 39.11 mm Sxx = 1010 X 103 mm3 = 7.4 mm
X = 28.8 Zxx 896 x 103 mm3 u = 0.882
 Flexural Members 59

Shear check: Clause 4.2.3

Pv = 0.6pyA.v (0.6 X 275 X 7.4 X 355)/10 3 433.5 kN
270.8
0.62 > 0.6 :. High shear
433.5

Bending check Clause 4. 2. 6

Since Fv > 0.6Pv Me = py (S- SvPI)
:::; 1.2 pyZ
where:
PI = 2 .5~ - 1.5
pv
tD 2
is the plastic modulus of the shear area. For a UB section S = -
v 4
2.5270.8 _ 1.5 = 0.0 6
X S = 7.4 X 355 2
p 233.15 x 103 mm 3
433.5 v 4
py (S- Svpl) = 275 X [1010- (233.15 X 0.06))10 3/10 6 = 273.9 kNm
1.2pyZ = (1.2 X 275 X 896 X 103)/106 = 295.7 kNm
Me = 273.9 kNm > Mx
Me is adequate

Lateral torsional buckling check: Clause 4. 3. 7

Clause 4. 3. 7.1 M :::; Mb
Clau.s·e 4.3. 7.2 M = mA
Table 13 m = 1.0 M 250 kNm
Clause 4.3. 7.3 M SxxPb
Clause 4. 3. 7. 5 /lu nuv/1,
Clause 4.3.6.2 and Table 10
TI1e bottom flange is the compression flange in the cantilever. Assuming the cantilever to be
continuous with torsional restraint only at the end, then:
effective length LE = 2.4L = 2.4 x 2000 = 4800 mm
4800
slenderness - - - = 122.8
39.1
Table 16 j3 = 0

M =250kNm M 0 = ( 125 x 1.0 x ±) = 62.5 kNm r = M = 250 = 4

M0 62.5
n = 0.87
Table 14 N = 0.5 2 = 122.8 = 4 _26
X 28.8
v = 0.85
60 Design ofStructural Steelwork

Au = 0.87 x 0.882 x 0.85 x 122.8

Au= 80.1
Table 11 275 N/mm2 80.1
Ph =180.8 N/mm2

Mb = (1010 x 103 x 180.8)/106 = 182.6 kNm

Mb<< M
Section is inadequate in bending

This UB section does not satisfy the lateral torsional buckling criterion. A larger section,
higher grade of steel, additional restraint to the compression flange or a combination of
these modifications can be used to solve this problem.
The very high value of loading in this problem demonstrates the reason for most beams
being designed for bending with coincident low shear. The design cases in which checks for
high shear are necessary are:

(i) at the supports of cantilevers,

(ii) at the location of heavy point loads on a span,
(iii) where very high distributed loads are applied to short spans.

2.11 Web Buckling and Web Bearing

In addition to shear failure of a web as discussed in section 2.3, there are two other modes
of failure which may occur, they are:

(i) web buckling and

(iii) web bearing.

At locations of heavy concentrated loads such as support reactions or where columns are
supported on a beam flange, additional stress concentrations occur in the web. This
introduces the possibility of the web failing in a buckling mode similar to a vertical strut, or
by localised bearing failure at the top of the root fillet, as shown in Figure 2.22.

Critical section
Critical section for
for web buckling
web bearing L
~Applied concentrated load - --

Figure 2.22
 Flexural Members 61

The code specifies two local capacities relating to these modes of failure. When either of
these is less than the applied concentrated force it will be necessary to provide additional
strength to the web. In most cases this requires the design of load bearing stiffeners; the
detailed design of such stiffeners is given in Chapter 6. There may be other reasons for
utilizing stiffeners, such as enhancing torsional stiffness at supports and points of lateral
restraint, as discussed previously.

2.11.1 Web Buckling (Clause 4.5.2)

In the buckling check the web is considered to be a fixed-end strut between the flanges. It is
assumed that the flange through which the concentrated load is applied is restrained against
rotation relative to the web and lateral movement relative to the other flange.
The load carrying capacity of a strut is dependent on its compressive strength 'pc' and
cross-sectional area and is given by:

is the stiff bearing length,

is the length obtained by dispersion at 45° through half the depth of the flange,
is the web thickness and
is the compressive strength from Table 27(c) as shown in Figure 2.23

Figure 2.23

The slenderness of the strut is given by:

62 Design ofStructural Steelwork

LE = 0.7d r
YY
= ~ Area
1 (b1 +n1 )t 3
12(b1 +n1 )t = fu= t
2.f3
A = 0.7d r:::;
2.5d

(2~)
t

When a flange is not restrained against rotation and lateral movement, the value of A
should be modified by using an effective length based on the values given in Table 24.

2.11.2 Web Bearing (Clause 4.5.3)

The bearing check is similar to the buckling check, in that an effective bearing area over
which the design strength of the web is assumed to act is determined using:

where:
b, is as before
nz is the length obtained by dispersion through the flange to the top of the root fillet
assuming a slope 1:2.5 to the plane of the flange and
pyw is the design strength ofthe web

as shown in Figure 2.24.

Figure 2.24
 Flexural Members 63

In both cases at the design stage it is usually necessary to make assumptions regarding
the provision of bearing plates at supports or cap plates/base plates on columns to provide
stiff bearing. In the code, Clause 4.5 .1.3 defines the stiff bearing length b 1 as 'that length
which cannot deform appreciably in bending'. The value ofb 1 is determined by assuming a
dispersion ofload through a bearing plate at 45° and is illustrated in Figure 8 of the code.

2.12 Example 2.7 Web bearing and web buckling at support

Consider the beam in Example 2.2 in which the left-hand end reaction is 122.9 kN, and
check the suitability of the web with respect to buckling and bearing.

approx 0. 59r

90 X 90 X 10
Angle section u
T'
Figure 2.25 Web buckling

slope = 1:2.5

Figure 2.26 Web bearing

where:
is the end clearance,
~ (T '-c) +0.59r + T' = (2T' + 0.59r- c),
_,_D_---<-d)
__(
2.5 X = 1.25(D -d),
2
n1 D/2
Assuming c = 5 mm
b1 = (2 X 10+(0.59 X 11)-5) =21.5mm
64 Design ofStructural Steelwork
306.6
== 153 mm
2
== 1.25 X (306.6- 265.2) ==52 mm

Web buckling:
Pw == (bi + n1)tpc
Assuming the bottom flange is laterally and torsionally restrained,
A 2.5d/t == (2.5x 265 .2) == 99
6.7
Table 6 < 16 mm py == 275 N/mm2 A == 99
Pc == 127 N/mm2

Pw == [(21.5 + 153) X 6.7 X 127]/103== 148.5 kN

Pw > 122.9 kN
Web buckling strength is adequate

Web bearing:
Pcrip== (b1 + n2)tpyw
Pcrip== [(21.5 +52) X 6.7 X 275]/103 == 135 kN
Pcrip> 122.9 kN
Web bearing strength is adequate

No web stiffeners are required.

A similar calculation can be carried out at the location of the column on the top flange.

62 kN

/ Section for bearing check

~-----------=~ }
.____ Section for buckling check

Figure 2.27

Since the load is normally less and the distribution in the web is considerably greater,
this will generally be less critical than the location at the end reaction. In the case of square
and rectangular hollow sections when the flange is not welded to a bearing plate, additional
effects of moments induced in the web due to eccentricity of loading as shown in Figure
2.28 must be allowed for.
 Flexural Members 65

Bending is induced
in the webs

Welded flange plate Non-welded flange plate

Figure 2.28

Reference should be made to the Structural Design Guide ... (Ref: 11, 12) which contains
detailed information relating to the relevant bearing factors in such cases.

2.13 Deflection of Beams (Clause 2.5.1)

In Table 1 of the code, one of the seniiceability limit states to be considered is deflection.
Recommendations for limiting values of deflection under various circumstances are given in
Table 5.
Limitations on the deflections of beams are necessary to avoid consequences such as:

• damage to finishes, e.g. to brittle plaster, ceiling tiles,

• unnecessary alarm to occupants of a building,
• misalignment of door frames causing difficulty in opening,
• misalignment of crane rails resulting in derailment of crane-gantries.

There are large variations in what are considered by practising engineers to be acceptible
deflections for different circumstances. If situations arise in which a designer considers the
recommendations given in Table 5 to be too lenient or too severe (e.g. conflicting with the
specification of suppliers or manufacturers) then individual engineering judgement must be
used.
The values in Table 5 relating to beams give a span 1 ratio calculated using the
coefficient
service loads only. The coefficient varies from 180 for cantilevers, to 360 for the deflection
of beams supporting brittle finishes. In most circumstances, the dead load deflection will
have occurred prior to finishes being fixed and the building being in use and will not
therefore cause any additional problem while the building is in service. Unfactored loads are
used since it is under service conditions that deflection may be a problem.

1A ratio is used instead of a fixed value since this limits the curvature of the beam which depends
on the span.
66 Design ofStructural Steelwork
Additional values are given for portal frames and crane-gantry girders; they are not
considered here.
In <1; simply supported beam, the maximum deflection induced by the applied loading
always approximates to the mid-span value if it is not equal to it. A number of standard,
frequently used load cases for which the elastic deformation is required are given in Table
2.1 of this text. In the case indicated with '*' the actual maximum deflection will be
approximately equal to the value given (i.e. within 2.5%).
In many cases beams support complex load arrangements which do not lend themselves
to either an individual load case or to a combination of the load cases given in Table 2.1.
Since the values in Table 5 are recommendations for maximum values, approximations in
calculating deflection are normally acceptable. Provided that deflection is not the governing
design criterion, a calculation which gives an approximate answer is usually adequate. The
Steel Designers' Manual (Ref: 17) provides a range of coefficients which can be used either
to calculate deflections or to determine the minimum I value (second moment of area), to
. fy . span
sat1s any part1cu1ar . ratio.
coefficient

An equivalent uniformly distributed load technique which can be used for estimating
actual deflections or required I values for simply supported spans is given in this text.

2.13.1 Equivalent UDL Technique

(a) Estimating deflection

Consider a single-span, simply supported beam carrying a non-uniform loading which
induces a maximum bending moment ofBMax, as shown in Figure 2.29.

Non-uniform loading

Bending Moment Diagram

Figure 2.29

The equivalent UDL (We) which would induce the same magnitude of maximum bending
moment (note that the position may be different) on a simply supported span carrying a
un~form loading can be determined from:

Maximum bending moment= B.Max =

WL2
-·-
8
 l'lexura/A1e111bers 67

8 B.Max.
We=

where We is the equivalent uniform distributed load.

Table 2.1

Maximum Maximum
Load Case Deflection Load Case Deflection

~
~Total
5WL3
--
384EJ

WL3
t:=T4 fp
--
WL3
384EI

~
ta· bL c
:I --a
384EI 1
~
~ L/2
I
L/2
t;;
V,
PL3
--
192EI

JU2
L
PL 3

t~ L/2 - -
l L ·1 48EJ ip b>a

1: r
~ ~
% 2 Pa 2 b 3
~ a J
b
b>a 3 EifJ
* L

~ b PL3

:1
c:S. .I
~--a
a • 48EI 2
L
Wa 2 b
---
24EI

r:§?b •I
I a L ..
Wa 3
--a
8EJ 3
t. a ~
t5'~
Ib
Wb4 Wab 3
-+--
8FJ 6FJ

1:
a
L J, :1 Pa 3
-a
3EI 4
L a .Lb
p.l Wb3
-+--
3FJ
Wab2
3FJ

a 1 = (L 3 + 2L 2a + 4La2 - 8a3) a,= [3; -t)'] a3 = ( 1+ ~~) a4 = ( 1+ ~~)

fJ = (3L - 2a) 2
68 Design of Structural Steelwork

The maximum deflection of the beam carrying the uniform loading will oecur at the mid-

span and be equal to o = 5w;,L4

384EI
Using this expression, the maximum deflection of the beam carrying the non-uniform
loading can be estimated by substituting for the We term, i.e.

5WL4
5 x (8B~~ax) L4 0.104 B.MaxL2 ·
0 ~ _e_
=
384EI 384EI EI

(b) Estimating the required second moment of area (/) value

Assuming a building in which brittle finishes are to be used, from Table 5 in the code:

s: span 0.104B.MaxL2 L
u actual < --
- 360 00 <-
EI - 360

where B.Max is the maximum bending moment due to unfactored imposed loads only .

. I> 37.4B.MaxL
00 - E
Note: care must be taken to ensure that a consistent system of units is used. A similar
calculation can be carried out for any other span ratio.
coefficient

2.14 Example 2.8 Deflection of simply supported beam

In Example 2.2 a 305 x 165 x 46 UB was found to be suitable for shear bending web
buckling and web bearing. Check the suitability with respect to deflection, assuming brittle
finishes to the underside of the beam.

Imposed load= 30 kN
~ Dead load = 60 kN
..L~ - ~ ~ ~

50 kN 2.0 m 1 4.0 m 40 kN
~--------~------------------~
6.0 m

50 kN

40 kN
Figure 2.30
 Flexural Members 69

(50+30)2
Maximum bending moment due to unfactored imposed loads
2
80kNm

0.104B.MaxL 2 span
.•• 8actual ~ -----:::::
EI 360

Clause 3.1. 2 Modulus of Elasticity E = 205 N/mm2

section property tables lxx. = 9899 x 104 mm4

0.104 X 80 X 106 X 6000 2

••• <:5'actual :::::::: 14.6 mm
205 X 10 3 X 9899 X 10 4

Table 5
span = 6000 _
16.7 mm > 5actual
360 360
Section is adequate with respect to deflection

This check could have been carried out more accurately using the values given in Table
2 .1 of the text.

~ 30 kN
~
~+t
Figure 2.31

<5
actual
_ 5WL
-
3
PL 3a 4 a
384EJ + 48EJ L- L
3[ ( )3]

5x60x6000 3 30x6000 3 [3x2 4 (2) 3 ]

384 X 205 X 9899 X 10 4 + 48 X 205 X 9899 X 10 4 -6-- 6

= 8.3 + 5.7= 14 mm

In this case the approximate technique overestimates the deflection by less than 5%.
Provided that the estimated deflection is no more than 95% of the deflection limit, from
Table 5 the approximate answer should be adequate for design purposes and a more
accurate calculation is not required.
70 Design ofStructural Steelwork

2.15 Conservative Method for Lateral Torsional Buckling Moment Capacity

(Clause 4.3. 7. 7)

2.15.1.1 A less rigorous alternative to evaluating the lateral torsional buckling moment
capacity than that given in Clause 4. 3. 7. 3 is given in Clause 4. 3. 7. 7. The method applies
to equal flanged rolled sections such as universal beams, universal columns and channel
sections.

In this method the buckling resistance moment Mb between lateral restraints is given by:
Mb =pbSx
where:
Ph is determined from Table 19 for the appropriate py value, A and X
A is the slenderness of the section taken as LF!r
LE is the effective length from Clauses 4.3.5 or 4.3.6 as before,
r is the radius of gyration about the member minor axis, i.e. ryy
X is the torsional index as before, i.e. from published section property tables or D/T

The slenderness value can be modified to allow for the shape of the bending moment
diagram between restraint points by using the correction factor 'n' from Table 20, or more
accurately using Clause 4. 3. 7. 6, as in the rigorous method demonstrated in section 2.4.4.1
of this text.

2.16 Example 2.9 Simply supported beam 1- conservative method

In Example 2.3 the buckling moment (Mh) was determined using the rigorous method to be
94.8 kNm. The conservative method in determiningMb is as follows:

30 kN 45 kN

A 2.0 m B 4.0 m C 2.0 m D

406 X 140 X 39 UB

~ Figure 2.32

From section property tables:

Sxx = 724 x 103 mm3 ryy = 28.7 mm X=47.5
 Flexural Members 71

In this case the bending moment diagram between the restraints at B and C IS a
combination of two cases given in Table 20.

Figure 2.33

Table 20 n = 1.0 n = 0.77

.
An approxlffiate va1ue of' n ' can b e used = - -0.77
1.0 + - 0.89
2
effective length LE = 0.89 x 4000 = 3560mm

Slenderness A, = ~ = 3560 = 124

rYY 28.7

Table 6 py = 275 N/mm2 X 47.5 124

Table 19(a) Ph = 119 N/mm2

Mb = (119 x 724 x 103)/106 = 86.16 kNm

Mb > 82.5 kNm
Section is adequate

It is evident from this method that the value of Mb is underestimated. In situations where
a section is proved to be inadequate by a small margin then use of the rigorous method may
prove worthwhile in identifying an acceptable economic section.

Example 2.10 Simply supported beam 2- conservative method

In Example 2.4 the Mb value using the Rigorous Method and grade 50 steel was found to be
197.8 kNm.

A 8 c D

Figure 2.34
72 Design ofStructural Steelwork
From section property tables:
Sxx = 1055 x 103 mm3 ryy = 38.5 mm X= 38.3

In this case the bending moment diagram between the restraints at B and C 1s a
combination of two cases given in Table 20.

c__J +

Figure 2.35

Table 20 n = 1.0 n = 0.94

1.0+0.94
Average value of n ~ 0.97
2

effective length LE = 0.97 X 4000 3880 mm

slenderness A, = ~ = 3880 = 101

rYY 38.5
Table 6 py = 355 N/mm 2 X= 38.3 A-= 101
Table 19(a) Pb = 177 N/mm2

Mb = (177 x 1055 x 103)/106 = 187 kNm

Mb > 171.6 kNm
Section is adequate

The other checks such as shear, web buckling, web bearing and deflection are all the
same as before. The Conservative Method is only applicable to the evaluation of the lateral
torsional buckling moment Mb.

2.18 Safe Load Tables

The Steel Construction Institute publishes member capacity tables to enable a rapid,
efficient check on a member subjected to axial load, bending moment or combined axial and
bending forces (Ref.: 11). The use of such tables to check shear, bending, web buckling and
web bearing is illustrated in the following example.
 Flexural Members 73

Example 2.11 Beam with intermittent lateral restraint- Use of safe load tables

It is proposed to use a 533 x 210 x 109 UB as a main roof beam spanning 12.0 m and
supporting three secondary beams at the mid-span and quarter span points, as shown in
Figure 2.36.

(a) Using the design data and safe load tables given, check the suitability of the
section with respect to:

(i) shear,
(ii) bending,
(iii) web buckling and
(iv) web bearing.

(b) Check the suitability of the beam with respect to deflection assuming brittle
finishes.

Design data:

Characteristic dead load 5.0kN/m

Characteristic imposed load 6.0kN/m
Characteristic dead load reaction from each secondary beam 10.0 kN
Characteristic imposed load reaction from each secondary beam 20.0 kN

Assume:

(i) the stiff bearing length for web buckling and web bearing= 25 mm
(ii) lateral and torsional restraint to the compression flange is provided at the end
supports and positions of the secondary beams only.

533 X 210 X 109 UB

3.0 m 3.0 m 3.0m 3.0m

Figure 2.36

Solution:
Design distributed load (1.4 X 5.0) + (1.6 X 6.0) = 16.6 kN/m
Design beam end reactions (1.4 X 10.0) + (1.6 X 20.0) =46kN
74 Design ofStructural Steelwork
~46kN
46kN 46kN 16.6kN/m

~.-3. 0m - ·

168.6kN 118.8kN

~·f'"~ Figure 2.37

Design shear force = 168.6 kN

Design bending moment in portion B-C = 574.8 kNm
Coincident shear at position of maximum bending moment = 23.0 kN

Safe Load Table Extracts:

Table 2 2
BEARING BUCKLING Shear
End bearing Continous End bearing Continous
Bearin Bearin Pv
Cl C2 C3 Cl C2 C3 Cl C2 C3 CI C2 C3
) 284 3.37 8.41 568 3.37 16.8 459 1.69 1.69 918 1.69 3.38 1100
240 3.07 7.69 480 3.07 15.4 371 1.38 1.38 742 1.38 2.76 995
214 2.86 7.16 428 2.86 14.3 313 1.16 1.16 626 1.16 2.32 922
"-./ ~
~

Shear (Pv), Web buckling (Pw) and Web bearing (Pcrip)

Extract from Steelwork design guide to BS 5950: Part I; Volume I (The Steel Construction Institute)

Table 2 3

Buckling Resistance Moment Mb(kNm) For Effective Length (L.) in Metres

With Variable Slenderness Correction Factors (n)

n 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 ~

533 X 210 X 109 0.4 750 750 750 750 750 750 750 750 ~
Mcx= 750 0.6 750 750 750 750 750 735 705 677 )
Plastic 0.8 750 750 750 739 696 655 614 574
1.0 750 750 736 681 625 571 520 473
~
.._, ~

Buckling resistance moment (Mb), Section classification, Moment capacity (Me)

 Flexural Members 75

2.19.1 Shear

The safe loads in Table 2.2 give the value of Pv as determined from Clause 4.2.3

Pv = 995 kN >> 168.6 kN

Section is adequate in shear

2.19. 2 Bending

The moment capacity Me, the section classification and the buckling moment of resistance
Mb for a range of effective lengths with various 'n ' values are given in Table 2. 3. The
values of Mb are calculated on the basis of Au= nuv.-1 as defined in Clause 4.3. 7.5 and in
section 2.4.4.1 of this chapter.

Section tables ryy = 46.0 mm effective length= 3000 mm N=0.5

Slenderness .-1 = 4_ = 3000 = 65.2

rYY 46.0
431.1
Table 18 f3 - - = 0.75
574.8
Table 17 M0 = (574.8- 431.1) = 143.7 kNm
Table 16 r = M = 431.1 =3.0 n = 0.98 say 1.0
M0 143.7
From Extracts of safe load tables i.e. Table2.3 withn =1.0 andLE=3.0m
Section is plastic 750 kNm
= 625 kNm > Mapplied
Section is adequate in bending

2.19.3 Web Buckling

The capacity for web buckling is given by:

Pw= C1+(blxC2)+(tpxC3)
where:
C 1 is the contribution from the beam,
C2 is the contribution from the stiff bearing length (excluding any additional flange
plates),
C3 is the contribution from any continuously welded flange plate if present,
b1 stiff bearing length,
tP thickness of additional flange plate
In this problem there are no additional flange plates present, therefore;
Pw= C1+(b1xC2)
76 Design ofStructural Steelwork
From Extracts Table 2.2 = 371 kN and C2 = 1.38 kN/mm
= 371 + (1.38 X 25) = 405.5 kN
>> 168.6 kN
Section is adequate in web buckling

2.19.4 Web Bearing

Similarly for web bearing

From Extracts Table 2.2 Cl = 240 kN and C2 = 3.07 kN/mm
Pcrip = 240 + (3.07 X 25) = 316.6 kN
Pcrip >> 168.6 kN
Section is adequate in web bearing

Note: At the design stage the stiff bearing length required for web buckling and web
bearing is often not known, a conservative value of Pw and Pcrip can be evaluated
assuming this to be zero.
In locations such as the column positions at mid-span, the web buckling and
web bearing capacities should be calculated on the basis of the load being
distributed in two directions as shown in Figure 2.27, and the continuous
buckling/bearing values in Table 2.2 used. In this example the support is the more
critical location.

2.19. 5 Deflection

The deflection is checked for the unfactored imposed load only as shown in Figure 2.38

20 kN 20 kN 20 kN 6.0 kN/m

66kN~66kN 12.0m

Figure 2.38

Maximum bending moment = (66 x 6)- (20 x 3) x (6 x 6 x 3) = 228 kNm

Using the approximate method illustrated in Section 2.6 to estimate the deflection
Clause 3.1.2 E = 205 kN/mm2 From section tables lxx = 66820 x 104 mm4

OJ 04 X 228 X 106 X 120002

Oactual ~ ---------- 24.5 mm
205 X 103 X 66820 X 104
Table 5 Limiting 15 = span = 12000 33 .3 mm
360 360
Section is adequate in deflection
 Flexural Members 77
A more accurate calculation can be carried out by adding the contribution for each load
case, 1.e.
5WI} PL3
o= 384EI 48EI
1
(UDL) + (2 x -span loads) + (mid-span load)
4
In this case this calculation is not necessary.

2.20 Example 2.12 Pedestrian walkway

Two pedestrian walkways are required for maintenance purposes in the machinery hall of a
petro-chemical plant. It is intended to support the walkways using a series of universal
beams at 4 .5 m centres as shown in Figure 2.39 The proposed surface of the walkways
comprises an open grid flooring system which is attached to the top flange of the beams by
proprietary brackets. Using the data given, design a suitable universal beam section
considering;
(i) shear,
(ii) bending,
(iii) web buckling,
(iv) web bearing and
(v) deflection.
Design data:
Self-weight of open grid flooring (including hand-rails) 0.1 kN/m
Maximum imposed service load allowed on walkway 3.1 kN/m

Elevation

Part plan

Figure 2.39

Solution to Example 2.12 (see Section 2.22)

78 Design of Structural Steelwork

2.21 Solution to Example 2.2

Contract: Flexural Members Job Ref. No.: Cales. by : W.McK.

Part of Structure : Example 2.2 Checked by:
Calc. Sheet No. : I of 4 Date:

References Calculations Output

BS 5950:Part I Stroctural use of steelwork in building: Part 1: 1990

(a) Design a suitable Universal Beam Section

Dead load = 10 kN
Imposed load = 30 kN Dead load = 8 kN/m
Imposed load= 10 kN/m

A 2.0m B 4.0m
c
6.0m

Designpointload =(1.4 x 10)+(1.6 x 30) 62kN

Design UDL = (1.4 x 8) + (1.6 x 10) 27.2 kN/m

62 kN

27.2 kN/m

2.0 m 4.0m
VA ~------~------------------~ Vc
By proportion:
Vertical reaction at A= VA=

(27.2 x 3)+( 626x 4 ) = 122.9 kN

Vertical reaction at C = Vc =

(27.2 x 3)+( 62 6x 2 ) =102.3 kN

122.9 kN

102.3 kN
Shear Force Diagram Design shear force
122.9 kN
 JllexuralAfe~nbers 79

Contract: Flexural Members Job Ref. No.: Cales. by : W.McK.

Part of Structure : Example 2.2 Checked by:
Calc. Sheet No.: 2 of 4 Date:

References Calculations Output

. . of zero shear x = -65- = 0.24 m

Pos1tlon
27.2
Maximum bending moment occurs at position of zero shear

B.Max =shaded area=

Mx = (122.9+68.5)+( 0·242x 65 ) = 192.2 kNm Design bending

moment 192.2 kNm

Compression flange is fully restrained and assuming
low shear
Clause 4.2.5 Maximum bending moment Mx ::; Me
::; pySxx
Note: It is unlikely that 1.2 pyZ will govern
.. Sxx;:: Mx
Py
Table 6 Assume the flange thickness< 16 mm :. py = 275 N/mm2

· S > 192.2xl06 698.9xl0 3 mm3

• • XX - 275
A trial beam size can be selected from published section
tables Try a 305 x 165 x 46 UB

Section Tables D = 306.6 mm d = 265.2 mm B = 165.7mm

T=11.8mm t =6.7mm biT = 7.02
d/t = 39.6 mm Sxx = 720 x 103 mm3 Zxx = 646 x 10 3 mm3

Table 7 (i) Section Classification

Flange: Outstand element of compression flange rolled section

b/Tactual = 7.02 < 7.58 Flange is plastic
Web: Bending only with neutral axis at mid-depth
d/tactual = 39.6 < 798 Web is plastic
Section is plastic

(ii) Shear
Clause 4.2.3 Fv= 122.9 kN Pv = 0.6pyAv = 0.6pytD

Pv = (0.6 X 275 X 6.7 X 306.6)/10 3 = 338.9 kN Section is adequate

Pv>Fv in shear
80 Design ofStructural Steelwork

Contract: Flexural Members Job Ref. No.: Cales. by : W.McK.

Part of Structure : Example 2.2 Checked by:
Calc. Sheet No. : 3 of 4 Date:

References Calculations Output

(iii) Bending
Clause 4.2.5 60% Pv = 0.6 X 338.9 = 203.3 kN > 68.5 kN Low shear
720
Shape factor= v = 646 = 1.11 < 1.2 :. py Sxx. governs

Sxx provided > Sxx required Section is adequate

in bending
(b) Design a suitable Rectangular Hollow Section
Try a 300 x 200 x 8 RHS

Section Tables A=7710 mm2 D=300mm B=200mm

Zxx = 653 X 103 mm3 Sxx = 785 X 103 mm3
~=~.5 ~=n.o

Table 6 t < 16.0 mm py = 275 N/mm2 Note: c= 1.0

I

Table 7 . Sectlon
(1) . C1assttcatwn
'fi . & Pr
= (275) 2 = 1.0

Flange: Internal element of compression flange

rolled section
bftactruJJ = 22 < 26& Flange is plastic
Web: Bending only with neutral axis at mid-depth
dftactual = 34.5 < 79s Web is plastic
Section is plastic
(ii) Shear

Clause 4.2.3 Fv= 122.9 kN Pv = 0.6pyAv = 0.6py (_!!_)A

D+B

Pv = (o.6 X 275 X ( 300+200

300 ) nw)/10 3 =763.3 kN
Section is adequate
in shear
(iii) Bending
Clause 4.2.5 60% Pv = 0.6 x 763.3 = 458 kN > 68.5 kN >(coincident shear) Low shear
785
Shape factor = v = - = 1.2 The 1.2 factor may be
653
replaced by the average load factor
working load
average load factor "" -----"---
factored load
factored loads = 62 + (6 x 27.2) = 225.2 kN
working loads = 40 + (6 x 18) = 148.0 kN
 Flexural Members 81

Contract: Flexural Members Job Ref. No.: Cales. by : W.McK.

Part of Structure : Example 2.2 Checked by:
Calc. Sheet No. : 4 of 4 Date:

References Calculations Output

. 2252
average load factor "'" - - = 1.52
148.0
Me = py Sxx S 1.52py Zxx
pySxx = (275 x 785 x 103 ) I 10 6 = 215.9 kNm
1.52py Zxx = (1.52 x 275 x 653 x 103) I 106 = 273 kNm
Me= 215.9 kNm > Mx Section is adequate
in bending
82 Design ofStructural Steelwork

2.22 Solution to Example 2.12

Contract: Flexural Members Job Ref. No.: Cales. by : W.McK.

Part of Structure: Example 2.12 Checked by:
Calc. Sheet No. : 1 of 4 Date:

References Calculations Output

BS 5950:Part 1 Structural use of steelwork in building: Part 1: 1990

Design load due to each walkway =

= ((1.4 X 0.1) + (1.6 X 3.1)]4.5
= 23 kN
Assume the self-weight ofthe beam equal to 1.4 kNim
Design load due to self-weight= 1.4 x 1.4 ""2.0 kNim

23.0 kN 23.0 kN

t=t
28.1 kN 33.9 kN

28.1 kN

8 .9 kN

31 .9
X
33.9 kN

7
Design shear force = 33.9 kN
Design bending moment = 52.5 kNm
Coincident shear force = 24.1 kN
Note: The coincident shear force used is adjacent to the
position of maximum bending moment

Try a 457 x 152 x 52 UB, this is selected on the basis of

experience or the use of sate load tables.
Section Property
Tables D=449.8mm d =407.6 mm lxx = 21370 cm4
B = 152.4 mm biT= 6.99 Zxx = 950 cm3
t =7.6mm dlt = 53.6 Sxx = 1096 cm3
T= 10.9 mm ryy = 3.11 em u = 0.859 X= 43.9

Table 6 T < 16 py = 275 Nlmm2

Table 7 Outstand of compression flange biT= 6.99 < 8.5£ Flange is plastic
Web with neatral axis at mid-depth dlt = 53.6 < 79£ Web is plastic
Section is plastic
 Flexural Members 83

Contract : Flexural Members Job Ref. No. : Cales. by : W.McK.

Part of Structure: Example 2.12 Checked by:
Calc. Sheet No. : 2 of 4 Date:

~eferences Calculations Output

Clause 4.2.3 Design shear force Fv = 33.9 kN

Shear capacity Pv = [0.6 x 275 x (7.6 x 449.8)]/10 3
= 564 kN
Pv >> Fv Adequate in shear

Clause 4.2.5 Coincident shear = 24.1 kN << 0.6 Pv

sxx - 1096
Shape f:actor v -- - --- = 1.15 <1.2
Zxx 950
.. Me= pySxx = (275 X 1096 X 10 3)/10 6 = 301.4 kNm

Clause 4. 3. 7.1 M::;Mb where

The compression flange is restrained at the ends only
Clause 4.3.7.6 m = 1.0 M=52.5kNm
Table 13
Clause 4.3. 7.3 Mb = SxxPb
Clause 4.3. 74 ALT = nuvA
M
Clause 4.3. 7.5 r = -Mo M=O :. r= o
Tables 13,16 p = 0 n = 0.94
Section Tables u = 0.859
8000 = 257 A 257
Table 14 N= 0.5A = -=-=5.9 v = 0.77
31.1 X 43.9
ALT = (0.94 X 0.859 X 0.77 X 257) = 160 ALT = 160

Table 11 ALT = 160, py = 275 N/mm2 Pb = 60N/mm2

Mb = (1096 x 10 3 x 60 )/10 6 = 65.8 kNm

Adequate in bending

Clause 4.5.2 Web buckling

Assume b1 = 0 nl - D = 449.8 = 224.9

2 2
t=7.6mm A = 2.5 !!.._ = 2.5 X 53.6 = 134.0
t
Table 27(c) Pc = 82 N/mm2
Pw = (224.9 X 7.6 X 82)/103 = 140 kN Adequate in web
Pw > 33.9 kN buckling
84 Design ofStructural Steelwork

Contract: Flexural Members Job Ref. No.: Cales. by : W.McK.

Part of Structure : Example 2.12 Checked by:
Calc. Sheet No. : 3 of 4 Date:

References Calculations Output

Clause 4.5.3 Web bearing

b= 25 x(D~d) = 2.5 x (449.8;407.6) =2 1.1

2

3
Pcrip = (21 .1 X 7.6 X 275)/10 = 44.1 kN
Pcrip > 33.9 kN Adequate in web
bearing
Clause 2.5 Assuming no brittle finishes 0 :::;; span = 8000 = 40 mm
200 200

Oactual
, ____
0.104B.MaxL_ 2

EI
Unfactored imposed load due to each walkway
= 3.} X 4.5 = 14.0 kN

14.0 kN 14.0 kN

12.25 kN rf -z=-.-=-o-m~t----5=-.o-m---tl--1,.·-0:-m-.t 15.75 kN

1.75 kN

15.75 kN

Maximum bending moment= (12.25 x 2.0) = 24.5 kNm

O"" 0.104 X 24.5 X 106 8000 2 = 3.7 mm

X

205 X 10 3 X 21370 X 104

Oactual << 0 limited Adequate in

deflection
Alternatively, a more accurate calculationfor deflection
can be determined from:

Oactual = flL[3a _4(!!...)

48E/ L L
3
] + flL[ 4(.: .)
48E/ L
3a _
L
3
]

due to left hand load due to right-hand load

 Flexural Members 85

Contract: Flexural Members Job Ref. No. : Cales. by : W.McK.

Part of Structure : Example 2-12 Checked by:
Calc. Sheet No. : 4 of 4 Date:

References Calculations Output

3
b'actual
14x83 x108 [3x2 4 (2) ] +
48 X 205 X 103 X 21370 8 8

1 8 [
14 X 8· X 10
48 X 205 X 103 X 21370 8
()3]
3 X 1 _ 4 l_
8
= 3 6 II1ffi
.