Western Philippines University

College of Engineering and Technology

Civil Engineering Department

STRUCTURAL STEEL DESIGN

By Dr. Cesario A. Bacosa , Jr.
(Geotechnical and Structural Engineer)

Module 8. Cover Plated Beams

In some cases the total depth of the beam is limited that the resisting moment of the W sections of the
specified depth are too small. One solution would be to reinforce the beam with cover plates. Also since the
moment requirements in a simple span decreases toward the support, a cover-plated beam with cover plates
extending only over the portion where the bending moment in the span requires it would sometimes give an
economical option especially for longer spans. There are also situations that due to changes in building geometry or
occupancy it would be necessary to reinforce existing beams with cover plates.
b
t

The formula below may be used to estimate the required thickness of cover plate when cover plates are provided at
the top and bottom flange.
1.05( S S ')
t
(6.8a)
bd
where:
t = thickness of cover plates, mm
b = width of cover plate (32 mm wider or narrower than the flanges for welded connection)
S = required section modulus, mm3
S = section modulus of beam without cover plates, mm3
d = depth of beam, mm
Problem 611. A beam is to carry a total uniform load of 210 kN/m on a simple span of 7.5 m. Select a beam limited
to a maximum depth of 700 mm. The beam has full lateral support for its compression flange. Design cover plates if
necessary. Use Fy = 248 MPa.
Solution:
1) Compute maximum bending moment
1
1
M wL2 (210)(7.5)2 1476.56 kN-m
8
8
2) Required section modulus
Assume, Fb 0.60Fy 0.60(248) 148.8 MPa

M 1476.56 x106

9923x103 mm3
Fb
148.8
3) Select trial section
Try W610x241: Sx 6780 x103 mm3
S

d = 635 m, bf = 329 mm, Ix = 2150x106 mm4

Since (Sx 6780x103 ) (S 9923x103 ) , provide cover plates
4) Width of cover plates
b 329 32 361 mm, say 370 mm
5) Estimate thickness of cover plate using equation (6.8a)
1.05(S S ') 1.05(9923 6780)103
t

14 mm
bd
370(635)
370 mm
210 kN/m

14
c

324.5
635 mm

14

x
787.5 kN

Lct
787.5 kN

6) Check adequacy of beam with cover plates

6.1) Moment of inertia
I 2150x106 370(14)(324.5)2 (2) 3240.91x106 mm4
6.2) Section modulus
I 3240.91x106
S
9776 x103 mm3 > 9923x103 mm3 OK
c
331.5
7) Length of cover plates
7.1) Moment capacity of beam without cover plates
M x Sx Fb (6780 x103 )(148.8)106 1008.86 kN-m
7.2) Moment equation of beam
M M L :
M 787.5x 210x( x / 2)
7.3) Locate distance x from support where cover plates are not needed
1008.86 787.5x 210x(x / 2)

x2 7.5x 9.608 0 ,
x 1.64 m
7.4) Theoretical length of cover plates
Lct 7.50 2(1.64) 4.22 mm
7.5) Actual length of cover plates

Extend cover plate past the theoretical cut-off point 1.5b = 1.5(0.37) = 0.56 m.
Lc 4.22 2(0.56) 5.34 m