DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

STEEL DESIGN

CE LICENSURE EXAMINATION PROBLEMS BENDING IN BEAMS

STEEL DESIGN
5. A 10 m steel wide flange beam is laterally supported. The depth of
the beam is 700 mm and the web thickness is 10 mm. If Fy is equal
STEEL PROPERTIES to 250 MPa, the allowable bending stress is: (N94 D 22)
a. 180 MPa c. 165 MPa
1. The coefficient of expansion of structural steel per degree b. 150 MPa d. 200 MPa
centigrade is: (N95 D 32)
a. 0.25 c. 11.25 x 10-6 6. The structural I-beam supporting a floor carries a floor load of 4.6
b. 0.0000473 d. 0.3 kN/m2. The beams span 6.0 m and are simply supported at their
ends. Determine the centerline spacing if the allowable stress in the
2. The coefficient of expansion of steel per degree Centigrade is: beam is 120 MPa and the section modulus is 534 x 103 mm3. (M95
(N96 D 25) D 9)
a. 0.000005 c. 11.25 x 10-6 a. 3.75 m c. 4.0 m
b. 0.0025 d. 0.00125 b. 3.45 m d. 3.0 m

7. A simple beam has a span of 5.0 m. The maximum moment in the

STEEL SECTION PROPERTIES beam is 69.0 kN-m. The allowable bending stress is 138 MPa. The
required section modulus is: (M96 D 3)
3. The section modulus Sx of a channel with a web depth of h and a. 2.0 x 103 mm3 c. 250 x 103 mm3
6 3
thickness tw, and flange width b and thickness tf is: (N94 D 24) b. 9.522 x 10 mm d. 500 x 103 mm3
a. h2 (6 b tf + h tw) / 12 c. 2 b tf + h tw
b. h (6 b tf + h tw) / 6d. (2 b tf + h tw3) / 3 8. A simply supported steel beam has a span of 6 m and is subjected
to a vertical concentrated load of 150 kN acting at midspan. An
4. A BW 775 x 287 steel I beam has the following dimensions: allowance of 100% for impact is made for the concentrated load
Total beam depth, H = 775 mm only. The beam is laterally supported only at the supports. The
Web thickness, tw = 19 mm 1992 National Structural Code of the Philippines states that the
Flange width, B = 360 mm allowable tensile stress for laterally unsupported members subject
Flange thickness, tf = 32 mm to bending is 0.60Fy while the allowable compressive stress for
The moment of inertia Ix about the principal axis is: (N95 D 21) laterally unsupported members subject to bending is given by the
a. 375,086 cm4 c. 375,086 mm4 equation:
6
b. 375,086 mm d. none in the list Fb = [ 2/3 Fy (L/rt)2 / 10,550,000 Cb ] Fy
where Cb may be taken as 1.0 since the maximum moments does
not occur at the supports. rt is the radius of gyration comprising the
compression flange and 1/3 of the compression web area, taken
about the axis in the plane of the web.

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STEEL DESIGN

Steel is A36 with yield strength Fy = 248 MPa. Which of the 10. Which of the following most nearly gives the minimum moment of
following most nearly gives the most economical (lightest) section inertia (Ix), in m4, such that maximum deflection will not be
that will limit the flexural stress to the allowable value? (N97 D exceeded? (M98 D 14)
24) a. 0.00065 c. 0.00060
a. W18x76; beam weight = 1108 N/m, rt = 75 mm, b. 0.00050 d. 0.00055
Sx = 0.00239 m3 11. Assuming that shear stress is not critical, which of the sections
b. W21x62; beam weight = 911 N/m, rt = 53 mm, being considered is the most economic section that is adequate for
Sx = 0.0023 m3 the given load? (M98 D 15)
c. W24x68; beam weight = 1000 N/m, rt = 57 mm, a. W21x62
Sx = 0.00253 m3 b. W24x55
d. W27x84; beam weight = 1234 N/m, rt = 63 mm, c. W21x68
Sx = 0.0035 m3 d. none of the sections are adequate

Situation: A simply supported beam with span of 8 meters is Situation: A floor is made up of a 150 mm thick concrete slab and a
subjected to a uniform vertical downward load equal to 50 mm thick floor finish both of which has a unit weight
50 kN/m acting on the plane of the minor axis of the beam of 24 kN/m3. The floor also carries a ceiling whose weight
section, which includes the beam weight. The beam is is 720 Pa and a live load of 2400 Pa. The floor is
restrained against lateral buckling on the top and bottom supported by simply supported steel beams with a span of
flanges for the entire span. The material is A36 steel with 6 m spaced at 3 m on centers. The beam is W14x30, with
Fy = 248 MPa and modulus of elasticity = 200 GPa. The weight of 440 N/m, depth of 352 mm, and moment of
allowable flexural stress for laterally braced compact inertia I = 0.000121 m4.
sections is 0.66Fy. The allowable deflection is 1/360 of the
span. Three compact sections are being considered, as 12. Which of the following most nearly gives the uniform pressure
follows, with their respective properties relevant of this carried by the floor in Pa? (N99 D 7)
problem (length units are in meters): a. 8200 c. 7840
Section Moment of Inertia (Ix) Beam depth (d) b. 7200 d. 7920
W24x55 0.000558 0.598
W21x62 0.000554 0.533 13. Which of the following most nearly gives the uniform weight
W21x68 0.000616 0.537 carried by the beam in kN/m? (N99 D 8)
a. 32 c. 18
9. Which of the following most nearly gives the minimum section b. 24 d. 28
modulus (Sx), in m3, such that the maximum flexural stress will not
be exceeded? (M98 D 13) 14. Which of the following most nearly gives the maximum flexural
a. 0.0018 c. 0.0024 stress in the beam in MPa? (N99 D 9)
b. 0.0015 d. 0.0021 a. 160 c. 210
b. 140 d. 120

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STEEL DESIGN

Situation: A simply supported beam with span of 10 m is subjected Situation: A simply supported beam has the cross-section shown in
to a uniform vertical downward load equal to 50 kN/m the figure. The section is W21x147 A36 steel, compact
acting on the plane of the minor axis of the beam section, section with Fy = 248 MPa and reinforced with 12 mm x
which includes the beam weight. The beam is restrained 360 mm A36 steel plate at the top and bottom. The beam
against lateral buckling on the top and bottom flanges for is laterally supported over the entire span of 6 m and
the entire span. The material is A36 steel with Fy = 248 carries a uniformly distributed load of 360 kN/m including
MPa and modulus of elasticity = 200 GPa. The allowable its own weight. The allowable bending stress for laterally
flexural stress for laterally braced compact sections is supported compact section is 0.66Fy and allowable
0.66Fy. The allowable deflection is 1/360 of the span. Three shearing stress is 0.4Fy. Allowable deflection is 1/360 of the
compact sections are being considered, as follows, with span.
their respective properties relevant of this problem (length
units are in meters): The properties of W21x147 are as follows:
Section Moment of Inertia (Ix) Beam depth (d) d = 560 mm
W26x66 0.00124 0.654 tw = 18 mm
W30x74 0.00146 0.772 Ix = 1,511 x 106 mm4
W24x62 0.00119 0.618

15. Which of the following most nearly gives the minimum section
modulus Sx, in m3, such that the maximum flexural stress will not
be exceeded? (M00 D 25)

560 mm
12 mm x 360 mm
a. 0.00382 c. 0.00523
b. 0.00376 d. 0.00315 Y

16. Which of the following most nearly gives the minimum moment of
inertia Ix, in m4, such that the maximum deflection will not be
exceeded? (M00 D 26)
a. 0.00128 c. 0.00104
b. 0.00098 d. 0.00117 X

17. Assuming that shear stress is not critical, which of the sections
being considered is the most economic section that is adequate for
the given load? (M00 D 27) 18. Which of the following gives the section modulus of the section in
a. W30x74 m3? (M01 D 28)
b. W24x62 a. 0.0076 c. 0.0054
c. W26x66 b. 0.0095 d. 0.0058
b. none of the sections are adequate
19. Which of the following gives the maximum deflection of the beam
in mm? (M01 D 29)
a. 12.1 c. 15.9
b. 13.7 d. 14.8

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STEEL DESIGN

20. Which of the following statements is true for the given section? Or, when the compression flange is solid and
(M01 D 30) approximately rectangular in cross section and
a. The section is adequate for flexure only. its area is not less than that of the tension flange:
b. The section is adequate for shear and deflection only.
c. The section is adequate for deflection only. 83000 Cb Af (4.5-7)
Fb =
d. The section is not adequate for flexure, shear, and Ld
deflection. In the foregoing:
l distance between cross-section braced against twist or
Situation: Section 4.5.1.4 of NSCP states the following for bending lateral displacement of the compression flange, mm. For
of laterally unsupported beam: cantilevers braced against twist only at the support, l may
conservatively be taken as the actual length.
1. Tension:
Fb = 0.60Fy rT radius of gyration of a section comprising the
2. Compression: compression flange plus 1/3 of the compression web area,
a. For members meeting the requirements of Sect. taken about an axis in the plane of the web, mm.
4.9.1.2, having axis of symmetry in, and loaded
in, the plane of their web, and compression on Af area of the compression flange, mm2.
extreme fibers of channels bent about their major
axis: Cb = 1.75 + 1.05(M 1/M2) + 0.3(M1/M2)2 but not more than
2.3, where M1 is the smaller and M2 the larger bending
The larger value computed by formula (4.5-6a) moment at the ends of the unbraced length, taken about
or (4.5-6b) and (4.5.7), as applicable (unless a the strong axis of the member, and where M1/M2 the ratio
higher value can be justified on the basis of a of end moments, is positive when M1 and M2 have the
more precise analysis), but not more than 0.60Fy. same sign (reverse curvature bending) and negative when
they are of opposite signs (single curvature bending).
When When the bending moment at any point within an
unbraced length is larger than that at both ends of this
703000 Cb 3520000 Cb

L length, the value of Cb shall be taken as unity. When

Fy rT Fy computing Fbx and Fby to be used in formula (4.6-1a), Cb
may be computed by the formula given above for frames
Fb = [ 2
3

Fy ( L / rT )2
10.55 x 106 Cb ] Fy (4.5-6a) subject to joint translation, and it shall be taken as unity
for frames braced against joint translation. Cb may
When conservatively be taken as unity for cantilever beams.
3520000 Cb

L W21x62 steel is used as a beam simply supported over a span of 8
>
rT Fy m. The beam is laterally unsupported over the entire span. Fy =
1170 x 103 Cb 250 MPa.
Fb = (4.5-6b)
( L / rT )2

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STEEL DESIGN

The properties of the section are as follows: Section 4.5.1.4.5 of the 1992 NSCP gives the allowable stresses, in
Depth, d = 533 mm MPa, for beams not restrained against lateral buckling as follows:
Flange width, bf = 210 mm
Flange thickness, tf = 15.6 mm 1. Tension:
Web thickness, tw = 10.2 mm Fb = 0.60Fy
Radius of gyration, rT = 53.34 mm
Section modulus, Sx = 2,077 x 103 mm3 2. Compression:
The larger value computed by formula (4.5-6a) or (4.5-
21. Which of the following gives the value of the ratio L/rT? (N01 D 6b) and (4.5-7), as applicable, but not more than 0.60Fy.
28)
a. 130 c. 170 When
b. 150 d. 160
703000 Cb 3520000 Cb

L

22. Which of the following gives the allowable bending stress in MPa Fy rT Fy
in accordance with the provisions of the National Structural Code
of the Philippines? (N01 D 29)
a. 150 c. 52.01
Fb = [ 2
3

Fy ( L / rT )2
10.55 x 106 Cb ] Fy (4.5-6a)

b. 78.21 d. 63.77 When

3520000 Cb

23. Which of the following gives the safe uniformly distributed load L
>
that the beam can carry in kN/m? (N01 D 30) rT Fy
a. 19.98 c. 16.56 1170 x 103 Cb
b. 15.21 d. 18.32 Fb = (4.5-6b)
( L / rT )2
Situation: A simply supported beam with span of 8 m is subjected to Or, when the compression flange is solid and approximately
a counterclockwise moment at the left support and a rectangular in cross-section and its area is not less than that of the
clockwise moment at the right equal to 25% of the tension flange:
moment at the left support, both acting in the plane of the
minor axis of the beam. The beam is not restrained against 83000 Cb Af (4.5-7)
Fb =
lateral buckling. The beam is A36 steel with yield strength Ld
Fy = 248 MPa. The provisions of the 1992 National Where
Structural Code of the Philippines relevant to this problem Cb = 1.75 + 1.05(M 1/M2) + 0.3(M1/M2)2 but not more than
are given below. The beam is a W21x62 steel shape, 2.3, where M1 is the smaller and M2 the larger bending
whose relevant properties for this problem are: moment at the ends of the unbraced length, taken about
the strong axis of the member, and where M1/M2 the ratio
rT = 0.053 m of end moments, is positive when M1 and M2 have the
d = 0.533 m same sign (reverse curvature bending) and negative when
bf = 0.210 m they are of opposite signs (single curvature bending).
tf = 0.016 m When the bending moment at any point within an
S = 0.002077 m3 unbraced length is larger than that at both ends of this

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STEEL DESIGN

length, the value of Cb shall be taken as unity. When
computing Fbx and Fby to be used in formula (4.6-1a), Cb
may be computed by the formula given above for frames
subject to joint translation, and it shall be taken as unity
for frames braced against joint translation. Cb may
conservatively be taken as unity for cantilever beams.
rT radius of gyration of a section comprising the
compression flange plus 1/3 of the compression web area,
taken about an axis in the plane of the web, mm.
Situation: A simply supported beam with span of 8 m is subjected to
a counterclockwise moment at the left support and a
counterclockwise moment at the right support equal to
25% of the moment at the left support, both acting in the
plane of the minor axis of the beam. The beam is not
restrained against lateral buckling. The beam is A36 steel
with Fy = 248 MPa. The provisions of the 1992 NSCP is
given below. The beam is a W21x62 whose relevant
properties are:

d depth of beam rT = 0.053 m

d = 0.533 m
bf width of flange bf = 0.210 m
tf = 0.016 m
tf thickness of flange S = 0.002077 m3

24. Which of the following most nearly gives the slenderness ratio, Section 4.5.1.4.5 of the 1992 NSCP gives the allowable stresses, in
above which the beam is long with respect to lateral buckling? MPa, for beams not restrained against lateral buckling as follows:
(M03 D 22)
a. 146 c. 86 1. Tension:
b. 221 d. 373 Fb = 0.60Fy
2. Compression:
25. Which of the following most nearly gives the allowable flexural The larger value computed by formula (4.5-6a) or (4.5-
stress in the compression flange, in MPa? (M03 D 23) 6b) and (4.5-7), as applicable, but not more than 0.60Fy.
a. 71.5 c. 98.5
b. 64.9 d. 83.1 When
703000 Cb 3520000 Cb

26. Which of the following most nearly gives the maximum value of L

the moment at the left support, in kN-m? (M03 D 24) Fy rT Fy
a. 82 c. 205
b. 193 d. 378 Fb = [ 2
3

Fy ( L / rT )2
10.55 x 106 Cb ] Fy (4.5-6a)

When
3520000 Cb

L
>
rT Fy
1170 x 103 Cb
Fb = (4.5-6b)
( L / rT )2

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STEEL DESIGN

Or, when the compression flange is solid and approximately 28. Which of the following most nearly gives the allowable flexural
rectangular in cross-section and its area is not less than that of the stress in the compression flange according to equation 4.5-6a or
tension flange: equation 4.5-6b, as applicable? (N03 D 17)
a. 99.9 MPa c. 68.7 MPa
83000 Cb Af (4.5-7) b. 86.3 MPa d. 75.4 MPa
Fb =
Ld
Where 29. Which of the following most nearly gives the maximum value of
Cb = 1.75 + 1.05(M 1/M2) + 0.3(M1/M2)2 but not more than the moment at the left support, in kN-m? (N03 D 18)
2.3, where M1 is the smaller and M2 the larger bending a. 254.7 c. 302.1
moment at the ends of the unbraced length, taken about b. 275.8 d. 287.4
the strong axis of the member, and where M1/M2 the ratio
of end moments, is positive when M1 and M2 have the
same sign (reverse curvature bending) and negative when SHEAR IN BEAMS
they are of opposite signs (single curvature bending).
When the bending moment at any point within an 30. The shear capacity V of a steel wide flange section, 600 mm deep
unbraced length is larger than that at both ends of this whose web is 9 mm thick, is closest to: (Assume Fy = 200 MPa)
length, the value of Cb shall be taken as unity. When (N94 D 36)
computing Fbx and Fby to be used in formula (4.6-1a), Cb a. 486 kN c. 432 kN
may be computed by the formula given above for frames b. 864 kN d. 684 kN
subject to joint translation, and it shall be taken as unity
for frames braced against joint translation. Cb may 31. A structural steel I-beam is subjected to a shear of 90 kN. The top
conservatively be taken as unity for cantilever beams. and bottom flanges are 12 mm by 150 mm, while the web is 9 mm
by 300 mm. The average shearing stress is V/dtw or 33.33 MPa. The
rT radius of gyration of a section comprising the moment of inertia I of the section is 108 x 106 mm4 and the first
compression flange plus 1/3 of the compression web area, moment of the area Q above the neutral axis is 382,050 mm3.
taken about an axis in the plane of the web, mm. However, the maximum shearing stress is: (M95 D 8)
a. 35.37 MPa c. 33.33 MPa
d depth of beam b. 14.29 MPa d. 7.77 MPa

bf width of flange 32. A floor is made up of a 150-mm thick concrete slab and 50-mm
thick floor finish both of which has a unit weight of 24 kN/m3. The
tf thickness of flange floor also carries a ceiling whose weight is 720 Pa and a live load
of 2,400 Pa. The floor is supported by simply supported steel
27. Which of the following most nearly gives the slenderness ratio, beams with a span of 10 m spaced at 4.6 m on centers, with
below which the beam is short with respect to lateral buckling? compression flange rigidly attached to the concrete floor. The steel
(N03 D 16) is A36 with yield strength Fy = 248 MPa. The allowable shear
a. 65.8 c. 86.3 stress specified in the 1992 National Structural Code of the
b. 75.9 d. 95.7 Philippines is 0.40Fy. Considering the weight of the beam, which
of the following sections is the most economic (lightest) section for

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the given load, assuming that shear stress governs the design? BOLTED AND RIVETED CONNECTIONS
(N97 D 9)
a. W12x19; beam weight = 278 N/m, depth = 309 mm, 36. A steel plate is 360 mm wide and 20 mm thick with four bolt holes
web thickness = 6 mm cut into a plate as shown in the figure. The general expression for
b. W10x33; beam weight = 484 N/m, depth = 247 mm, the specification method for computing the net area is:
web thickness = 7 mm An = T [ B summation (H) + summation (S2/4g) ]
c. BW300x41; beam weight = 407 N/m, depth = 300 mm, where T = thickness of the plate, B is the width, H = diameter of
web thickness = 6 mm the holes, S = pitch, and g = gage.
d. BW300x47; beam weight = 460 N/m, depth = 300 mm, Which of the following most nearly gives the critical net area (An)
web thickness = 6 mm of the section in accordance with the 1992 National Structural
Code of the Philippines? (N97 D 1)
Situation: A beam has a T-section built up by two plates as follows:
a 200 mm x 40 mm plate as flange and a 100 mm x 20 mm 45 mm 45 mm
plate as web. The maximum shear force acting on the
beam is 60 kN.

33. Which of the following most nearly gives the moment of inertia of
the section about the neutral axis, in mm4? (M03 D 7) 25 mm hole typ.
a. 10,600,000 c. 8,700,000 3 @ 90 mm
b. 39,000,000 d. 24,500,000

34. Which of the following most nearly gives the shear stress at the
neutral axis, in MPa? (M03 D 8)
a. 4.63 c. 1.94
b. 3.28 d. 2.71 60 mm
35. Which of the following most nearly gives the shear stress on the a. An = 4,125 mm2 c. An = 4,625 mm2
web at the junction of the flange and the web, in MPa? (M03 D 9) b. An = 5,625 mm2 d. An = 5,125 mm2
a. 19.6 c. 31.8
b. 48.2 d. 52.2 Situation: A plate with width of 300 mm and thickness of 20 mm is
to be connected to two plates of the same width with half
the thickness by 25 mm diameter rivets, as shown. The
rivet holes have a diameter 2 mm larger than the rivet
diameter. The plate is A36 steel with yield strength Fy =
248 MPa, allowable tensile stress of 0.60Fy, and
allowable bearing stress of 1.35Fy. The rivets are A502,
Grade 2, hot-driven rivets with allowable shear stress of
150 MPa.

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STEEL DESIGN

300 mm

400 mm
60 mm b

1
100 mm
2
P 100 mm P
t
3
t /2 P
/2 4 100 mm
P
P
/2
37. Which of the following most nearly gives the maximum load, in 150 mm
kN, that can be applied to the connection without exceeding the
allowable tensile stress in the plates? (M98 D 4) t = 12 mm
P t = 12 mm
a. 750 c. 700 P
b. 780 d. 730 40. Which of the following most nearly gives the value of b in
millimeters? (M02 D 10)
38. Which of the following most nearly gives the maximum load, in a. 28.6 c. 52.1
kN, that can be applied to the connection without exceeding the b. 37.4 d. 19.7
allowable shear stress in the rivets? (M98 D 5)
a. 640 c. 550 41. Which of the following most nearly gives the value of the net area
b. 590 d. 700 for tension in plates in square millimeters? (M02 D 11)
a. 3,624 c. 3,867
39. Which of the following most nearly gives the maximum load, in b. 3,214 d. 4,178
kN, that can be applied to the connection without exceeding the
allowable bearing stress between the plate and the rivets? (M98 D 42. Which of the following most nearly gives the value of P so that the
6) allowable tensile stress on net area will not be exceeded? (M02 D
a. 670 c. 620 12)
b. 650 d. 700 a. 575 kN c. 539 kN
b. 687 kN d. 424 kN
Situation: A plate with width of 400 mm and thickness of 12 mm is
to be connected to a plate of the same width and thickness
by 34 mm diameter bolts, as shown in the figure. The
holes are 2 mm larger than the bolt diameter. The plate is
A36 steel with yield strength Fy = 248 MPa. Allowable
tensile stress is 0.60Fy. It is required to determine the
value of b so that the net width along bolts 1-2-3-4 is
equal to the net width along bolts 1-2-4.

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BEAM-COLUMN CONNECTION

Situation: A W16x58 is connected to W18x31 as shown in the figure.

The material is A36 steel with Fy = 248 MPa. The
allowable bearing stress is 1.35Fy. The rivets are A502
Grade 2 hot-driven rivets with allowable shearing stress
of 120 MPa. The support is to be designed using the full
strength of the W16x58 beam based on gross section. The
properties of the section are:
W16x58 Total depth, d = 403 mm
Thickness of web, tw = 10 mm
W18x31 Flange thickness, tf = 11 mm
W18x31
W16x58

2 angles
90 x 90 x 10
43. Which of the following most nearly gives the minimum diameter
of the rivets without exceeding the allowable shearing stress in the
rivets? (N98 D 10)
a. 20 mm c. 23 mm
b. 25 mm d. 28 mm

44. Which of the following most nearly gives the minimum diameter
of the rivets without exceeding the allowable bearing stress in
steel? (N98 D 11)
a. 30 mm c. 25 mm
b. 22 mm d. 36 mm

45. Which of the following most nearly gives the required diameter of
the rivets? (N98 D 12)
a. 23 mm c. 30 mm
b. 28 mm d. 25 mm

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