Training – Steelwork Design

Bending, Shear & Deflection

2.0 Bending Shear & Deflection

2.1 Introduction to Design Codes

2.1.1 Limit State Design
2.1.2 Permissible Stresses
2.2 Introduction to Steel Beam Design
2.2.1 Modes of Failure
2.3 Initial Beam Design
2.4 Bending of Beams
2.4.1 Bending Stress
2.4.2 Bending Moment
2.4.3 Section Modulus
2.4.4 General Bending Equations
2.4.5 Lateral Torsional Buckling
2.4.6 Bending Capacity of Beams
2.4.7 Effective length
2.4.8 Slenderness Ratio
2.4.9 Depth to flange ratio, D/t
2.4.10 Radius of Gyration, rx or ry
2.5 Moment of Inertia
2.5.1 Parallel Axis Modulus
2.6 Shear Force
2.6.1 Shear stress
2.7 Deflection
2.8 Combination Loads
2.9 Initial Beam Design – Worked Example
2.9.1 Bending Capacity
2.9.2 Shear Capacity
2.9.3 Deflection
2.9.4 Combined Stresses
2.10 Worked Example of a Needle Beam Design
2.10.1 Bending Capacity
2.10.2 Shear Capacity
2.10.3 Deflection
2.10.4 Combined Stresses
2.11 Worked Example of a Header Beam Design
2.11.1 Bending Capacity
2.11.2 Shear Capacity
2.11.3 Deflection
2.11.4 Combined Stresses

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Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

2.1 Introduction to Design Codes

Various British Standards and Codes of Practice cover the design of steelwork. These are
based on either permissible stresses or limit state design.

2.1.1 Limit State Design

Using the latest Eurocodes and British Standards such as BS EN 1993 and
BS5950, the steelwork is designed for both the serviceability load case and ultimate
load case.

Under these codes the loads and materials are factored depending upon the degree
of certainty of the load and reliability of the material used. In theory a more
economical design can be established using the limit state method than using the
previous permissible stress method. This is of significance in permanent works
design where the overall weight of the steel contributes a substantial proportion of
the structural costs.

2.1.2 Permissible Stresses

In the past all steelwork design was carried out by checking the stresses within the
steelwork due to the unfactored applied loads against the factored stresses
(permissible stresses).

A factor of safety of 2 is generally incorporated into these permissible stresses.

BS449 is still a current code utilising this design method.
BS5975, the Falsework Code also uses the basis of permissible stresses and was
updated in 1996 to incorporate many sections of BS449.

Permissible stresses are still a good way of designing falsework systems, as the
design procedure is quick and simple to use.
For these reasons RMDK continues to use the permissible stress design method
which incorporates an overall factor of safety of 2 into the design. The design Codes
employed by RMDK are mainly BS5975 and BS449.

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Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

2.2 Introduction to Steel Beam Design

In order to design a beam 4 modes of failure must be considered. These are Bending and
Lateral-Torsional Buckling, Shear Capacity, Deflection and Web Bearing & Buckling. Only
when a beam has been checked for all these can it be considered safe for use.
RMDK use steel beams in many applications within Falsework design. These range from
needle beams on small propping jobs to large capacity header beams with the Megashor
System.

2.2.1 Modes of Failure

• Bending and Lateral Torsional Buckling
Bending is the most common failure condition and the first to address. It refers
to the strength of the beam to resist the largest possible moment that can be
applied to the beam. Bending depends on the load, the supports, the span of
the beam, and the strength of the steel.
When a beam is subject to bending the compression flange will try and buckle
sideways setting up twisting and torsion in the beam. This is referred to as
lateral torsional buckling. Unless a beam is braced sufficiently, holding it in
position, lateral torsional buckling will cause failure before the beam achieves
yield stress due to bending.
• Shear Capacity, is not usually the limiting factor, except for beams with very
small spans. The shear in the web of a beam must be limited so it does not
exceed the maximum allowable shear.
• Deflection refers to the beam's deflection under the applied loads. The beam
must be serviceable and not deflect too much.
• Web Bearing & Buckling refers to the strength of the web of a beam to resist
local failure. Basically, the width and thickness of the web must be large enough
to withstand the loading conditions. This means the width-thickness ratio must
fall between certain limits so the web does not collapse or fail.

The capacity of a steel beam varies depending upon several factors, which include:
• Span
• Support conditions
• Intermediate restraints
• Section properties

An understanding of steelwork design is required in order to determine a suitable

section size to suit the required arrangement. Ideally the most economical section
should be employed. This will usually be the lightest section or one of RMDK’s
standard beams.

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Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

2.3 Initial Beam Design

To summarise the main areas, which need to be checked in steel beam design, are as
follows:
• Bending and Lateral -Torsional Buckling
• Shear
• Deflection
• Web Buckling & Bearing
• Combination Loads

For long spans, the bending and deflections are usually the limiting criteria.

For short spans the shear and web buckling or bearing are often the limiting criteria.

2.4 Bending of Beams

When a beam is subjected to a bending action the material on the outside of the bend is
stretched, i.e. is subjected to a tensile stress, whereas that inside the bend is compressed,
i.e. is subjected to a compressive stress.
Somewhere in the middle of the beam is a plane of material where there is no change in
stress. This is called the neutral axis. The stress in the bar increases with increasing
distance from the neutral axis.

TENSILE STRESS
Neutral Axis

increases with increasing distance from the neutral

Bending Action

COMPRESSIVE STRESS

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Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

2.4.1 Bending Stress

If we plot a graph of the stress variation in a cross section of a beam with a

rectangular section;

MAX COMPRESSIVE STRESS

b

σ
NEUTRAL AXIS
d

BEAM
MAX TENSILE STRESS

Each of the triangular areas in this graph is called a stress block; these are useful to
help us understand the distribution of internal forces in a structural element.

The permissible tensile bending stress for grade S275 Steel, up to 40mm
thick using BS5975 is;

pbt = 180 N/mm2

For the permissible compressive bending stress for grade S275 Steel, up to
40mm thick;

pbc use Table A.1 of BS5975 Annex A

The Neutral Axis is the plane of zero fibre stress in any given section of a
member subject to bending.

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Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

2.4.2 Bending Moment

The Bending Moment is a system of internal forces whose resultant is a

moment.

Each stress block can be thought of as a load acting at its centroid:

COMPRESSIVE LOAD

d/2

LEVER ARM

TENSILE LOAD

These loads are offset from each other by a distance known as the lever arm. The
moment caused by these loads and their offset is called the Bending Moment.
Bending Moments are measured in kNm.
The bending moment at any section of the beam is the moment of all forces that act
on the beam to the left of that section, taken about the horizontal axis of the section.
The bending moment is positive when clockwise and negative when counter
clockwise: a positive bending moment therefore bends the beam so that it is
concave upwards, and a negative bending moment bends it so that it is concave
downwards.
The moment equation is an expression for the bending moment at any section in
terms of x, the distance to that section measured from a chosen origin, usually
taken at the left end of the beam.

For the rectangular beam we have been considering;

if the maximum stress due to bending = σ
depth of section = d
width of section = b
The area of one stress block = σd
4

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Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

Lever arm = 2d
3
Hence bending moment in the whole width of the section
= b x 2d x σd = σ bd2
3 4 6
⇒ M = σ bd²
6
The relationship between bending moment and bending stress is more
sensitive to section depth than section width.

2.4.3 Section Modulus

The Section Modulus is a property of a cross-sectional shape, which depends

on shape and orientation.

We can see that the bending stress in a rectangular section is related to the
bending moment by a constant bd². This is called the Section Modulus or
6
Elastic Modulus and is given the symbol Z hence;
M=σZ
The section modulus depends on the shape of the cross section of the beam and is
a commonly quoted section property. Non-circular sections will have different
section Moduli about each axis.
e.g. Super Slim Soldier Zxx = 161 cm³
Zyy = 61 cm³

In summary: In order to calculate the actual compressive bending stress fbc in the
beam the section modulus Z is required.
Stress due to bending, fbc = Bending Moment
Section Modulus

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Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

The bending moment is that calculated on the section due to the applied loading
using the normal span lengths between centres of supports.

Note. In a symmetrical beam the tensile bending stress in the member equals the
compressive bending stress. The compressive bending stress is the limiting factor.

As has been seen above the Section Modulus is used to determine the maximum
working bending moment of a beam. In all cases it is a characteristic of a member for
the determination of the maximum stress at the outermost part of a beam.
For all sections it can be shown that:
Z min = I
ymax
y is the position of the neutral axis to the outermost fibre of the beam. In regular
shaped beams the neutral axis is in the middle of the beam, consequently the
distance to the outermost part of the beam (y) is equal (both top and bottom).
In irregular shaped beams however, the neutral axis is nearer to one edge than the
other, consequently the maximum bending stress is different at each extreme.
The neutral axis always runs through the centre of area therefore its calculation is
required for determining Moment of Inertia and Section Modulus.

QUESTION
1) A rectangular wooden beam 225 x 75 mm is bending about its stiff axis.
If the maximum allowable bending stress is 6.2N/mm² what is the
allowable bending moment in kNm?

2) What is the bending stress in a Super Slim Soldier when it carries a

bending moment of 38 kNm in N/mm²

Answer:
1) From above M = σ Z

We know that the Section Modulus Z for a rectangular section is bd2

6

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Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

Hence; Z = 75 x 2252 = 633,000 mm2

6
therefore the maximum allowable bending moment M is
M = 6.2 x 633,000 = 3,923,000 Nmm
= 3.9 kNm

2) For a Super slim Soldier Zxx = 161 cm3 = 161,000 mm3

From above σ = M
Z
Therefore σ = 38 x 1000 x 1000 = 236.0 N/mm2
161,000
Note: Superslim soldiers are made from high yield steel.

2.4.4 General Bending Equations

For single span simply supported beams the following equations are useful.
W

Mmax = WL
L
4 More complicated
arrangements are
w
covered by the
Formwork Guide to
Mmax = wL2 Good Practice.
L
8
W

Mmax = Wxy
x y
L
L

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Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

2.4.5 Lateral Torsional Buckling

LTB is the type of instability most likely in beams undergoing bending. It occurs
when the compression flange of the beam buckles sideways. Due to the presence
of the web, the tension flange partly restrains the sideways movement and
deformation takes the form of twisting or torsion of the beam between the points of
restraint. The way to prevent LTB is to have adequate lateral bracing to the
compression flange at intervals along the beam.
Where the support sections of a beam are effectively restrained against torsion
(BS5975 Annexe L.5) and the compression flange has effective lateral restraints
(BS5975 Annexe L.6.1) at intervals along its length the effective length of the beam
is the distance between restraints (BS5975 Annexe L.3.1).

2.4.6 Bending Capacity of Beams

When a beam goes into bending one flange goes into compression while the other
goes into tension.
Many factors influence the capacity of a beam in bending. Generally as the span
increases in length, the compression flange in the beam is more likely to buckle
under load; therefore the bending moment capacity is reduced.
To establish the allowable moment standard tables have been developed that take
into account these factors. In order to use them the following need to be calculated:
• Slenderness ratio (l/r) of a beam
• Depth to flange ratio (D/T)

The permissible bending stress in compressive members, pbc, for beams can then
be determined from Table A.1 of BS 5975 Annex A.
If the actual stress is less than the permissible stress then the section is OK in
bending. If fbc < pbc then the Section is OK in Bending.

2.4.7 Effective Length of Beams in Bending

To calculate the permissible compressive bending stress of the beam the support
conditions need to be considered in order to determine the effective length, l, of the
compression flange.
There are three main cases, which need to be considered

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1) Beams with intermediate lateral restraints and torsional restraint at the

support
If the compression flange is adequately restrained (e.g. laced and braced) and
the beam is effectively restrained against torsion at the supports then the
effective length is taken as the distance between restraints. Ref. BS5975
Annex L.3.1
In accordance with BS5975 Annex L.5 Effective torsional end restraint is such
that both flanges are fixed in position laterally at the supports either by:
Cleats or end plates attaching the beam to the support structure
Load bearing stiffeners BS 5975 Annex K.3
Lateral end frames

The end restraint must be such that the top and bottom flanges are prevented
from moving relative to each other by a force of 2½ % of the maximum load in
the flanges.
2) Beams without intermediate lateral restraints and effectively restrained
against torsion at the supports
The effective length varies between 0.85L and 1.2L depending upon the
effective restraint at the supports.
Ref. BS5975 Annex L.3.2 Table L2 shown below:
Restraint Condition Effective
Length, l
Compression flange fully restrained against rotation in plan at the 0.85L
supports.
Compression flange partially restrained against rotation in plan at 1.05L
the supports e.g. securely cleated connections.
Compression flange not restrained against rotation in plan at the 1.2L
supports.

3) Beams without intermediate lateral restraints and only limited torsional

restraint at the supports
If the torsional restraint at the support is achieved by bolting the beam onto the
support.
l = 1.2L + 2D

If the torsional restraint is achieved only by the self weight of the section
bearing on its support then;
l = 1.4L + 2D
Ref. BS5975 Annex L.3.2.

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Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

2.4.8 Slenderness Ratio, l/r

Slenderness ratio = effective length .

Radius of gyration about yy axis of the beam

2.4.9 Depth to Flange Ratio, D/T

D/T is a ratio, which considers the flange stability in steel sections. It is particularly
useful when determining the allowable bending stresses in steel beams.
D = overall depth of the beam
T = mean thickness of flange

2.4.10 Radius of Gyration, rx or ry

The Radius of Gyration is a radial distance from a given axis at which the mass
of a body could be concentrated without altering the rotational inertia of the body
about that axis.

The radius of gyration is particularly required for calculating the Moment of Inertia of
a body and also the slenderness ratio of a beam.

2.5 Moment of Inertia, I

The Moment of Inertia or Second Moment of Area is a sectional property that

signifies how stiff a member is in bending. It also relates to the magnitude of the
moment required to rotate the object and overcome its inertia.

The stiffer the member, the greater the moment of inertia and hence the less that member
deflects.
I is a function of the shape of the object. The value for an individual shape can be found in
the table ‘Geometrical Properties of Sections’ found in The Steel Designers Manual and
other good reference books.

I for a rectangular shape is I = bd3

12

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Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

Calculation of the Moment Of Inertia for more complex shapes is determined using the
Parallel Axis Theorem or using AutoCAD.

2.5.1 Parallel Axis Theorem

Generally the formula for calculating the Moment of Inertia of a section about its x-
axis using the parallel axis theorem is:
x x

IG = IX + Ah² h

Example
Calculation of Moment of Inertia for I-Section

10

100

20

50 10 50

The Moment of Inertia is calculated by splitting the beam up into simple individual
sections.
First determine the position of the centre of area, this is coincident with the Neutral
Axis.
A = 110 x 10 = 1100
A = 100 x 10 = 1000

y = 20 + 100 + 10/2 = 125

y = 20 + 100/2 = 70

y A = 110 x 20 = 2200

y = 20/2 = 10

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Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

The dimensions summarised in table form are:

Part A y Ay
Top Flange 1100 125 137500
Web 1000 70 70000
Bottom Flange 2200 10 22000
Totals 4300 229500

The position of the neutral axis from the base axis is:
y = M = ∑ Ay = 229500
A ∑A 4300
= 53.37
The centre of area lies along the neutral axis, which is positioned so:

Centre of Area/Neutral Axis

53.37

The next step is to calculate the Moment of Inertia’s of each individual section with
its distance from the neutral axis, h.

IG = 110 x 103 = 9166

12
h
h = 130 - 5 – 53.37 = 71.63
h

IG = 10 x 1003 = 833333 IG = 110 x 203 = 73333

12 12
h = 130- 10 – 50 - 53.37 = 16.63 h = 53.37 – 10 = 43.37

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The above summarised into table form is:

Part A y Ay IG h Ah2 IG + Ah2
Top Flange 1,100 125 137,500 9,167 71.63 5,643,943 5,653,109
Web 1,000 70 70,000 833,333 16.63 276,557 1,109,890
Bottom Flange 2,200 10 22,000 73,333 43.37 4,138,105 4,211,438

Totals 4300 229,500 915,832 10,058,605 10,974,437

Therefore the Moment of Inertia for the combined I-Section about the X-axis section using
the Parallel Axis Theorem is:

Ix = IG + Ah2 = 10,974,437

This principle can be applied in both x and y directions.

Example

1) A scaffold tube is connected to the end of an inverted T-Bar.

A 48.3 O.D. CHS with a

wall thickness of 4mm

From Section Tables:

For a 48.3mm 3mm thick CHS
A = 5.57 cm2
100 I = 13.8 cm4

20

110 30 110

First determine the centre of gravity of the complete section by splitting the section up into
simple shapes.

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A = 5.57 cm2
A = 100 x 30 = 3000
y = 20 + 100 = 70 y = 20 + 100 + 48.3= 144.15
2
2

A = 250 x 20 = 5000
y
y = 20 = 10
2

The dimensions summarised in table form are:

Part A y Ay
Top tube 557 144.15 80,291
Web 3,000 70 210,000
Bottom Flange 5,000 10 50,000
Totals 8,557 340,291

The position of the neutral axis from the base axis is:
y = M = ∑ Ay = 340,291 = 39.77 mm
A ∑A 8,557
Next calculate the Moment of Inertia of each individual section with its distance from the
neutral axis, h.
Summarised into table form:
Part A y Ay IG h Ah2 IG + Ah2
Top Tube 557 144.2 80,291 138,000 104.4 6,070,944 808,944
Web 3,000 70 210,000 2,500,000 30.2 2,736,120 5,236,120
Bottom Flange 5,000 10 50,000 166,667 29.8 4,440,200 4,606,867

Totals 8,557 340,291 2,804,667 13,247,264 16,051,930

Therefore the Moment of Inertia for the combined I-Section about the X-axis section using
the Parallel Axis Theorem is:

Ix = IG + Ah2 = 16,051,930 mm4

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Bending, Shear & Deflection

2.6 Shear Force

A system of internal forces whose resultant is a force acting perpendicular to

the longitudinal axis of a structural member or assembly

In a bar of material a shear force is the force trying to slide adjacent sections of the bar
past each other in a shearing fashion.

SHEAR PLANE V (Shear Force)

For single span simply supported beams the following equations are very useful.

V=W
L
2
More complicated
arrangements are
covered by the
w Formwork Guide to
Good Practice.
V = wL
L
2

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2.6.1 Shear Stress

The stress acting parallel to an imaginary plane cut through an object.

The shear stress within a section varies in intensity reaching a maximum at the
neutral axis. For simplicity the average shear stress is used in most calculations
were;
Average shear stress = Shear Force
Area
σ = F
A
In a solid section the entire area can be considered as resisting the shear stress. In
a universal beam or column section only the web and part of the flanges above and
below can be considered.

Whole area resists

Shear Forces

SOLID SECTION

The shear force

applied to a steel
beam is resisted
by the area of the Only shaded area
web. resists Shear Forces

I SECTION

Average shear Stress = Shear Force

Web Area

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To calculate the average actual shear stress, fq’, in the section, the web area needs
to be established from section properties.
Calculate the average shear force acting on the section due to the loading and self-
weight of beams.
Divide by the shear area and compare with the permissible average shear stresses,
pq’ in Appendix A BS449 Table 11.
Average actual Shear Stress, fq’ = Shear Force
Web Area

The average permissible shear stress for grade S275 Steel in unstiffened
webs of I-Beams is;

pq’ = 110 N/mm2

If the actual shear stress in the section is less than the permissible stress then the
section is OK in shear.

fq’ < pq’ Section is OK in shear.

QUESTION
What is the shear stress in a rectangular bar 10 x 30 mm with a shear force
of 12kN?

Answer:
From above σ = F
A
Therefore σ = 12 x 1000
10 x 30
the shear stress = 40 N/mm2

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The difference between maximum shear stress and average shear stress depends on the
section properties of the section being considered. For the vast majority of BS rolled beam
and column sections the maximum shear stress is never more than a 15% increase in the
average shear stress. For column sections greater than 240kg/m this increases to 20%.

The maximum permissible shear stress for grade S275 Steel in unstiffened
webs of I-Beams is;

pq = 125 N/mm2

2.7 Deflection
When a load is applied to a member the member will deflect. The calculated deflection of a
beam is limited by BS449 to 1/360 of the span, calculated on loads other than the dead
weight.
In temporary works designs however we often use 1/270 of the span. The deflection
limitation used must consider the end result required, this might lead to a reduced
deflection limitation. The client may also specify a particular deflection limitation to ensure
the construction is within an acceptable tolerance, limited in order to suit appearances for
example.

Fitness for purpose must be considered, for example, if a cantilever soffit form deflects by
more than 5mm at the edge adjacent to the existing structure then grout loss would
become a significant problem.
Some useful equations to calculate the anticipated deflections upon a member are
illustrated below. More complicated arrangements are covered by the Formwork Guide to
Good Practice.

In addition to individual members a global check on the structure must be examined to

ensure the overall deflections are within acceptable limits.
W
W (total load evenly

3
distributed) d = 5WL3
d = 8WL
L 384EI
L
384EI
d = maximum deflection

If the actual deflections are less than the allowable deflections then the beam is
considered OK in deflection.

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Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

2.8 Combination Loads

When a combination of stresses exists simultaneously the following criteria must be

satisfied to ensure that this does not result in an overstress on the beam. Refer to BS 449
Clause 14.

Combined bending and shear Stresses

Two checks are required
Check 1:
fe shall not exceed Pe
where fe is the equivalent stress calculated from the expression:
fe = √(fbt2 + 3fq2 ) or fe = √(fbc2 + 3fq2 )
where pe is the permissible equivalent stress = 250 N/mm2 for grade S275
steel less than 40mm thick.
fbc is the applied compressive bending stress
fbt is the applied tensile bending stress
fq is the maximum shear stress in the web

Check 2:
2 2
⎡ fbc ⎤ +
⎡ fq'⎤ ≤ 1.25
⎢⎣ Po ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ P '⎥⎦ q

where fbc is the applied compressive bending stress

Po is the allowable bending stresses
Fq’ is the average shear stress in the web
Pq’ is the allowable average shear stress in the web
t

Allowable bending stresses (Po)

For grade S275 steel Po = [220 – 0.4 x d2/t] N/mm2
d2

where d2 is the clear distance between flanges

t is the web thickness

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Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

Combined bending and axial stresses

fc fbc ft fbt
+ ≤1 and + ≤1
Pc Pbc Pt Pbt
where fc is the applied axial compressive stress
ft is the applied axial tensile stress
fbc is the applied compressive bending stress
fbt is the applied tensile bending stress
pc and pt are the appropriate allowable axial stresses
Pbc and pbt are the appropriate allowable bending stresses

At points of concentrated load such as supports or reactions a further combined check

needs to be carried out. See section on Web Buckling and Bearing.

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Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

2.9 Initial Beam Design - Worked Example

A uniformly distributed load of 50kN/m is applied over a 3m span. A steel beam is

required to support this load. The beam is to be supported at 3m centres with
Slimshor props and adjustable rocking heads.

UDL = 50 kN/m
Steel Beam Section

RMDK Slimshor
Rocking Head
Supports
A
B
3000mm

785 3785 4570

A 203 x 133 x 30 kg/m UB is established as an initial estimate of the beam section size.

For the above section EI = 6069 kNm2.

By inserting the above arrangement into the RMDK Beam Analysis Suite or by calculating
by hand, the maximum shear forces, reactions, bending moments and deflections can be
determined.
Results of the Analysis from the Beam Analysis Suite;
RA = RB = 75 kN
Smax = 75 kN
Mmax = 56.25 kNm
dmax = 8.7 mm

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Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

2.9.1 Bending Capacity

Check Bending

For a 203 x 133 x 30 kg/m UB; Z = 279.3 x 103 mm3 from Steel section property
tables.
From the RMDK Beam Analysis results Mmax = 56.25 kNm
Therefore;
fbc = 56.25 x 1000 x 1000 (Nmm)
279.3 x 1000 (mm3)
fbc = 201.4 N/mm2 (Actual Bending Stress)
In this example we have a beam supported by a Slimshor Rocking Head. This is not
a bolted connection and therefore we shall use the formula l = 1.4L + 2D to
determine the effective length.
Effective length, l = 1.4L + 2D
Where L = 3000mm and D = 206.8mm from steel section property tables.
l = 4614 mm

For a 203 x 133 x 30 kg/m UB; D/T = 21.5 and ry = 31.8mm from Steel section
property tables.
Therefore utilising BS5975 Table A.1, the permissible compressive bending stress
is determined;
l/ ry = 145 therefore;
pbc = 103 N/mm2

However as the actual stress > permissible stress, the section is not OK in bending.
fbc > pbc Hence NOT OK in bending.

Try the above check utilising a beam section with a greater moment capacity!!

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Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

What section size should be tried next?

An estimate of the Z value required can be determined from the permissible
stresses.
pbc = M/Z
Zreq = M/ pbc
= 56.25 x 1000 x 1000
103
Zreq = 546 x 103 mm3

Utilising a 305 x 165 x 40 kg/m UB, Z = 561.2 x 103 mm3

Hence check bending in the beam utilising the above section size.
Actual compressive bending stress, fbc
fbc = 56.25 x 1000 x 1000 (Nmm)
561.2 x 1000 (mm3)
fbc = 100.2 N/mm2 (Actual Bending Stress)

Calculating permissible bending stress;

For a 305 x 165 x 40 kg/m UB; D/T = 29.9 ry = 38.5mm and D = 303.8mm
From BS5975 Annex L.3.2
l = 1.4L + 2D
therefore l = 4807mm and l/ ry = 125

From Table A.1;

pbc = 101 N/mm2 (Permissible Bending Stress)

fbc < pbc Hence this section is OK in Bending.

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 Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

2.9.2 Shear Capacity

Check Shear Capacity:

For a 305 x 165 x 40 kg/m UB; D = 303.8mm and t = 6.1mm from Steel section
property tables.
As the Shear Stress = Shear Force
Web Area
fq’ = 75 x 1000
303.8 x 6.1
fq’ = 40.5 N/mm2 (Actual Shear Stress)
The permissible shear stress, pq, in a steel section using Grade S275 steel is stated
in BS5975: Appendix A.1.e as;
pq’ = 110 N/mm2 (Permissible Shear Stress)
As the actual stress < permissible stress, the section is OK in shear.
fq’ < pq’ Hence OK in shear.

2.9.3 Deflection

Check Deflection
The maximum actual deflection is 10.2mm from the RMD K Analysis Results.
Generally the allowable deflection within a section is limited to the span/270. Hence
the allowable deflection for a 3m span is;
dallow = 3000 = 11.1mm
270
As the actual deflection < allowable deflection, the section is OK
dmax < dallow Hence deflections OK.

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Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

2.9.4 Combined Stresses

Check Combined Bending and Shear
Check 1
Calculate, fe , the equivalent stress in the member from the expression:
fe = √(fbc2 + 3fq2 )
From the 'Bending Check' calculations above
fbc = 100.2 N/mm2 (Actual Bending Stress)
From the ‘Shear Check’ calculations above
fq’ = 40.5 N/mm2 (Actual Average Shear Stress)
fq = 40.5 N/mm2 x 1.15 = 46.6 N/mm2 (Maximum Shear Stress)
Therefore: fe = √(fbc2 + 3fq2 )
= √ (100.22 + (3 x 46.62))
fe = 128.7 N/mm2 (Equivalent stress)

For grade S275 steel less than 40mm thick the permissible equivalent stress,
pe = 250 N/mm2
fe < pe
Check 2
2 2
⎡ f ⎤ + ⎡ f '⎤
bc q
≤ 1.25
⎢⎣ Po ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ P '⎥⎦ q

The average permissible shear stress (pq’) = 110 N/mm2

Po = [220 – 0.4 x d2/t] N/mm2
Po = [220 – 0.4 x (303.8 – 2 x 10.2) / 6.1] = 201.4 N/mm2
2 2
⎡ 100.2 ⎤ ⎡ 40.5 ⎤
⎢ 201.4 ⎥ + ⎢ 110 ⎥ = 0.38 ≤ 1.25
Therefore: ⎣ ⎦ ⎣ ⎦

Hence this section is OK for Combined Bending and Shear.

At points of concentrated load a further combined check needs to be carried out.

See section on Web Buckling and Bearing.

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Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

2.10 Worked Example of a Needle Beam Design

Needle Beams are to be placed at 1m centres to suit the fabric of material being
restrained above. A centrally placed load of 80 kN is applied to the needle beam with
two additional point loads of 2 kN to allow for lifting loads.

2 kN 80 kN 2 kN

RMDK Standard Beam

1000 1000
A B

1900 1900

A 356 x 171 x 67 kg/m UB is established as an initial estimate of the beam which will be
used.
For the above section EI = 40,950 kNm2.
By inserting the above arrangement into the RMDK Beam Analysis Suite or by
calculating by hand, the maximum shear forces, reactions, bending moments and
deflections can be determined.
Results of the Analysis from the RMDK Beam Suite;
RA = RB = 42 kN
Smax = 42 kN
Mmax = 77.8 kNm
dmax = 2.3 mm

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 Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

2.10.1 Bending Capacity

Check Bending
For a 356 x 171 x 67 kg/m UB; Z = 1073 x 103 mm3 from Steel section property
tables.
From the RMDK Beam Analysis results Mmax = 77.8 kNm
Therefore;
fbc = 77.8 x 1000 x 1000 (Nmm)
1073 x 1000 (mm3)
fbc = 72.5 N/mm2 (Actual Bending Stress)
In this example we have a needle beam supported by header beams. This is not a
bolted connection and therefore we shall use the formula l = 1.4L + 2D to determine
the effective length.
Effective length, l = 1.4L + 2D
where L = 3800mm and D = 364 mm from steel section property tables.
l = 6048 mm

For a 356 x 171 x 67 kg/m UB; D/T = 23.2 and ry = 39.9 mm from Steel section
property tables.
Therefore utilising BS5975 Table A.1, the permissible compressive bending stress
is determined. When l/r = 152 and D/T = 23;
pbc = 78 N/mm2
As the actual stress < permissible stress, the section is OK in bending.
fbc < pbc Section OK in Bending.

2.10.2 Shear Capacity

Check Shear Capacity:

For a 356 x 171 x 67 kg/m UB; D = 364 mm and t = 9.1 mm from Steel section
property tables.
As the Average shear Stress = Shear Force
Web Area

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Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

fq’ = 42 x 1000
364.0 x 9.1
fq’ = 12.7 N/mm2 (Actual Average Shear Stress)
The permissible shear stress, pq’, in a steel section using Grade S275 steel is stated
in BS5975: Appendix A.1.e as;
pq’ = 110 N/mm2 (Permissible Shear Stress)
As the actual stress < permissible stress, the section is OK in shear.
fq’< pq’ Hence OK in shear.

2.10.3 Deflection

Check Deflection
The maximum actual deflection is 2.3mm from the RMDK Analysis Results.
Generally the allowable deflection within a section is limited to the span/270. Hence
the allowable deflection for a 3m span is;
dallow = 3800 = 14 mm
270
As the actual deflection < allowable deflection, the section is OK
dmax < dallow Hence deflections OK.

2.10.4 Combined Stresses

Check 1
Calculate, fe , the equivalent stress in the member from the expression:
fe = √(fbc2 + 3fq2 )
From the 'Bending Check' calculations above
fbc = 72.5 N/mm2 (Actual Bending Stress)
From the ‘Shear Check’ calculations above
fq’ = 12.7 N/mm2 (Actual Average Shear Stress)
fq = 12.7 N/mm2 x 1.15 = 14.6 N/mm2 (Maximum Shear Stress)

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Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

Therefore: fe = √(fbc2 + 3fq2 )

= √ (72.52 + (3 x 14.62))
fe = 76.8 N/mm2 (Equivalent stress)

For grade S275 steel less than 40mm thick the permissible equivalent stress,
pe = 250 N/mm2
fe < pe
Check 2
2 2
⎡ f ⎤ + ⎡ f '⎤
bc q
≤ 1.25
⎢⎣ Po ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ P '⎥⎦ q

The average permissible shear stress (pq’) = 110 N/mm2

Po = [220 – 0.4 x d2/t] N/mm2
Po = [220 – 0.4 x (364 – 2 x 15.7) / 9.1] = 205.4 N/mm2
2 2
⎡ 72.5 ⎤ ⎡12.7 ⎤
⎢ 205.4 ⎥ + ⎢ 110 ⎥ = 0.14 ≤ 1.25
Therefore: ⎣ ⎦ ⎣ ⎦

Hence this section is OK for Combined Bending and Shear.

At points of concentrated load a further combined check needs to be carried out.
See section on Web Buckling and Bearing.
2.11 Worked Example of a Header Beam Design
Check Header Beam

1000 1000

21 kN 42 kN 42 kN

RMDK Standard Beam

A B
2500

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Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

The Needle Beams apply 42 kN point loads at 1000 mm centres onto the Header
beam as illustrated above.
Assume a 2500mm long RMDK 254 x 146 x 37 kg/m UB will be used as the Header
Beam.
Inserting the above arrangement into RMD K Beam Analysis programme gives the
following results;
RA = 54.6 kN
RB = 50.4 kN
Smax = 50.4 kN
S(at max moment) = 33.6 kN
Mmax = 33.6 kNm
dmax = 1.8 mm
2.11.1 Bending Capacity
Check Bending
For a 254 x 146 x 37 kg/m UB; Z = 434 x 103 mm3 from Steel section property
tables.
From the RMDK Beam Analysis results Mmax = 33.6 kNm
Therefore;
fbc = 33.6 x 1000 x 1000 (Nmm)
434 x 1000 (mm3)
fbc = 77.4 N/mm2 (Actual Bending Stress)
In this example we have a header beam supported by RMDK Slimshor Props at 2.5
m centres. This is not a bolted connection and therefore we shall use the formula
l = 1.4L + 2D to determine the effective length.
Effective length, l = 1.4L + 2D
Where L = 2500mm and D = 256 mm from steel section property tables.
l = 4012 mm
For a 254 x 146 x 37 kg/m UB; D/T = 23.4 and ry = 34.7 mm from Steel section
property tables.
Therefore utilising BS5975 Table A.1, the permissible compressive bending stress
is determined. When l/r = 115 and D/T = 24;
pbc = 117 N/mm2
As the actual stress < permissible stress, the section is OK in bending.
fbc < pbc Section OK in Bending.

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Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

2.11.2 Shear Capacity

Check Shear Capacity:

For a 254 x 146 x 37 kg/m UB; D = 256 mm and t = 6.4 mm from Steel section
property tables

As the Average Shear Stress = Shear Force

Web Area
fq’ = 50.4 x 1000
256 x 6.4
fq’ = 30.8 N/mm2 (Actual Shear Stress)
The permissible shear stress, pq, in a steel section using Grade S275 steel is stated
in BS5975: Appendix A.1.e as;
pq’ = 110 N/mm2 (Permissible Shear Stress)
As the actual stress < permissible stress, the section is OK in shear.
fq’ < pq’ Hence OK in shear.
33.6 × 10 3
fq’ (at max moment) = = 20.5N / mm 2
256 × 6.4
Deflection

Check Deflection
The maximum actual deflection is 2.1mm from the RMDK Analysis Results.
Generally the allowable deflection within a section is limited to the span/270. Hence
the allowable deflection for a 2.5m span is;
dallow = 2500 = 9.3 mm
270
As the actual deflection < allowable deflection, the section is OK
dmax < dallow Hence deflections OK.

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Training – Steelwork Design
Bending, Shear & Deflection

2.11.3 Combined Stresses

Check 1
Calculate, fe , the equivalent stress in the member from the expression:
fe = √(fbc2 + 3fq2 )
From the 'Bending Check' calculations above
fbc = 77.4 N/mm2 (Actual Bending Stress)
From the ‘Shear Check’ calculations above
fq’ = 30.8 N/mm2 (Actual Average Shear Stress)
fq = 30.8 N/mm2 x 1.15 = 35.4 N/mm2 (Maximum Shear Stress)
Therefore: fe = √(fbc2 + 3fq2 )
= √ (77.42 + (3 x 35.42))
fe = 98.8 N/mm2 (Equivalent stress)

For grade S275 steel less than 40mm thick the permissible equivalent stress,
pe = 250 N/mm2
fe < pe
Check 2
2 2
⎡ f ⎤ + ⎡ f '⎤
bc q
≤ 1.25
⎢⎣ Po ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ P '⎥⎦ q

The average permissible shear stress (pq’) = 110 N/mm2

Po = [220 – 0.4 x d2/t] N/mm2
Po = [220 – 0.4 x (256 – 2 x 10.9) / 6.4] = 205.4 N/mm2
2 2
⎡ 77.4 ⎤ ⎡ 30.8 ⎤
⎢ 205.4 ⎥ + ⎢ 110 ⎥ = 0.22 ≤ 1.25
Therefore: ⎣ ⎦ ⎣ ⎦

Hence this section is OK for Combined Bending and Shear.

At points of concentrated load a further combined check needs to be carried out.
See section on Web Buckling and Bearing.

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