Chapter 6

Design of Steel Beams

 Introduction
• Beams are usually designed for bending (flexure)
strength, and then checked for shear strength and
deflection.

• In steel beams design, the following failure

modes/responses should be considered:

1. Yielding of the steel section due to flexure

2. Lateral torsional buckling (global flexural buckling).
3. Local buckling (associated with flexure).
4. Shear.
5. Deflection.
1. Bending (Flexural) Strength:
Yield Moment:

M x = M yield = S x Fy [case (b) in the stress diagram]

Ix
Sx; the elastic section modulus =
d /2
(Given as a section property in the AISC Tables)
Plastic Moment:

M x = M px = Z x Fy [case (d) in the stress diagram]

Zx; the plastic section modulus

(Given as a section property in the AISC Tables)
 Flexural Design Requirement

Design Bending Strength of Beams is given by:

φb Mn ≥ Mu
φb = 0.9

Mn is the nominal flexural strength that corresponds to

one of the following flexural-related failure modes:

(1) Yielding of the beam’s cross section.

(2) Lateral Torsional buckling of the entire beam.

(3) Local Buckling of the cross section

Local Buckling of Beams:
– To avoid local buckling of the beam web and flanges
before Mp or Mr are reached, the width-to-thickness ratio
(b/t) for such elements should not exceed the limiting
values λp or λr , respectively.
– Table B4.1 pages 16.1-16 to 16.1-18 in the LRFD
summarizes the limiting values.

Flange Local Buckling Web Local Buckling

 Local Buckling of Beams (Cont’d)
• Classification of Local Buckling Cases:

(1) - if λb ≤ λp
No Local Buckling

(2) - if λp < λb ≤ λr
Inelastic Local Buckling
(3) - if λb > λr
Elastic Local Buckling

where:
λb ≡ width to thickness ratio of the element being checked.
λp ≡ limit for a compact section (No Local Buckling) and start
of Inelastic Local Buckling.
λr ≡ limit for a non-compact section (Inelastic Local Buckling)
and start of Elastic Local Buckling..
Classification and Flexural Strength of Beam
Cross Sections Based on Local Buckling (i.e.,
according to (b/t) values):
i. Compact section: (No Local Buckling)

b λp is given in Table B4.1

≤ λp
t for both web and flanges.

In this case, Full Yielding is the failure

mode (assuming that adequate lateral
support is provided for the compression
flange), i.e. full yielding is reached before
any local buckling.
(AISC, LRFD Eq. F2-
M nx = M px = Z x Fy < 1.6 S x Fy 1, p. 16.1-47 and Eq.
A-1-6, p. 16.1-154)
ii. Noncompact section: (Inelastic Local Buckling)

b λp & λr are given in Table B4.1

λ p < ≤ λr for both web and flanges.
t
In this case, Inelastic Local buckling is the
failure mode, if adequate lateral support is
provided. (Mrx ≤ Mnx < Mpx) i.e., some
yielding occurs before local buckling.

 λ − λ pf 
M nx = M px − ( M px − 0.7Fy S x )   ≤ M px
 λrf − λ pf 
(AISC - LRFD Eq. F3-1, p. 16.1-49)
iii. Slender Section: (Elastic Local Buckling)

b λr is given in Table B4.1

> λr
t for both web and flanges.

In this case:

0.9Ek c S x (AISC - LRFD Eq.

M nx = 2
≤ M px F3-2, p. 16.1-49)
λ
Lateral Torsional Buckling (LTB):
• The top flange and portion of the web act as a column,
and tend to buckle laterally, which tends to twist the
cross section.
This is called lateral torsional buckling.

Onset of Lateral Torsional Post-Buckled Shape

Buckling
Lateral Torsional Buckling (LTB)
of Beams (Cont’d)

Source: Teaching Aids for Faculty and Students at: http://www.aisc.org/

Lateral Torsional Buckling (LTB)
of Beams (Cont’d)
 Mnx

Mpx

Mnx

Mr=
0.7FySx For Compact Sec.
with Cb = 1.0

0 Lb
Lp Lb Lr
Full Inelastic Elastic LTB
Yielding LTB

(AISC, LRFD, p. 16.1-269)

 Lateral Torsional Buckling (LTB)
of Beams (Cont’d)
• Classification of LTB Cases:

(1) - if Lb ≤ Lp
No LTB
(2) - if Lp < Lb ≤ Lr
Inelastic LTB
(3) - if Lb > Lr
Elastic LTB

Where:
Lb ≡ laterally unsupported length of the compression flange.
Lp ≡ limit for no LTB.
Lr ≡ limit between elastic and inelastic LTB.
Lateral Torsional Buckling (LTB)
of Beams (Cont’d)

Source: Teaching Aids for Faculty and Students at: http://www.aisc.org/

 Lateral Torsional Buckling (LTB)
of Beams (Cont’d)

beff beff A
hr
ts tc

Conventional Slab Slab on a Metal

System Decking System

Use of shear studs to provide lateral support for composite beams

 Lateral Torsional Buckling (LTB)
of Beams (Cont’d)

Shear Stud
(Connector)
Lb

Composite Beam
Source: Teaching Aids for Faculty and Students at: http://www.aisc.org/
Bending Strength of Beams Based on LTB:

Case (1): When Lb ≤ Lp (Laterally Supported Beam)

Full Yielding
No LTB occurs

M n = M px = Z x Fy < 1.6 S x Fy
φb M n = φb M px = 0.9 Z x Fy < 0.9(1.6 S x Fy )
(AISC, LRFD Eq. F2-1, p. 16.1-47 and Eq. A-1-6, p. 16.1-154)

To ensure elastic behavior due to service loads:

AISC-LRFD Appendix 1, Section 1.7 (p. 16.1-
154) restricts Mp to the value of 1.6 Sx Fy.
Case (2): When Lp < Lb ≤ Lr

Inelastic LTB

  Lb − L p 
M nx = C b M − (M − 0.7 F y S x )   ≤M

px px  L r − L p  px
 

(AISC - LRFD Eq. F2-2, p. 16.1-47)

Case (3): When Lb > Lr

Elastic LTB

M nx = Fcr S x ≤ M (AISC - LRFD Eq. F2-3,

px
p. 16.1-47)

Where:

(AISC - LRFD Eq.

F2-4, p. 16.1-47)
E = Young’s Modulus = 29,000 ksi
J = torsional constant (Section Dimensions Tables)
c = 1 for doubly symmetric I-shapes
h0 = height between centers of flanges (Section Dimensions
Tables)

rts = Torsion radius of gyration (Section Dimensions Tables)

(AISC - LRFD Eq. F2-7, p. 16.1-48)

Cw = warping constant (Section Dimensions Tables)

 (AISC - LRFD Eq. F2-5,
p. 16.1-48)

(AISC - LRFD Eq. F2-6, p. 16.1-48)

Finding Lp and Lr Using Design Selection Tables
(AISC - LRFD Table 3-2, pp. 3-11 to 3-19)
(AISC - LRFD Eq.
F1-1, p. 16.1-46)
 Lb
(All moments MA, MB, MC, and X X
Mmax are absolute values). (1/4)Lb A B C

(Also see Table 3-1 P. 3-10 (1/2)Lb

in the LRFDM) (3/4)Lb
(AISC - LRFD Table 3-1, p. 3-10)
Example:
Find Cb for the
case of uniformly
distributed load
and lateral
supports for the
flange at the
beam ends.
 Using Design Selection Tables
(AISC - LRFD Table 3-2, pp. 3-11 to 3-19)
Notes on the Design Selection Tables:

Tables are provided for Fy = 50 ksi only.

Beam tables arrange the rolled sections

according to their Zx values.

The lightest sections are shown in boldface.

The table values take into account the local

buckling of the cross sections. Therefore, no
check for local buckling is required.
Notes on the Design Selection Tables
(Cont’d.):

Beam tables can be used when Lb ≤ Lp (No LTB).

Also, in case Lp < Lb ≤ Lr (Inelastic LTB):

interpolation of the table values is to be used:

φ M nx = C b φ M px − BF ( L b − L p )  ≤ φ M px

For the case of Lb > Lr (Elastic LTB), tables

cannot be used. The design charts should be
used in this case (refer to next slides).
Using Design Charts
(AISC - LRFD Tables 3-10
& 3-11: pp. 3-96 to 3-
130)
Design Charts (AISC-LRFD Tables 3-10 & 3-11, pp. 3-96 to 3-130)
Design Charts (AISC-LRFD Tables 3-10 & 3-11, pp. 3-96 to 3-130)
Notes on the Beam Design Charts:

Design charts apply only for Fy = 50 ksi.

Beam design charts take into account the local
buckling of cross sections. Therefore, no
check for local buckling is required.

The charts are plotted without taking shear

and deflection into account. Therefore, shear
and deflection should be checked after flexure
strength has been satisfied.
Notes on the Beam Design Charts (Cont’d.):

Beam design charts are prepared for Cb = 1.0.

For beams with Cb>1.0:

* The φMn values obtained from the table

should be multiplied by Cb.

* Values of Mu that is used for design

should be replaced by Mu / Cb.
Notes on the Beam Design Charts (Cont’d.):

The solid portion of each curve indicates the

most economical section by weight.

The points on the curves with filled symbol "●"

(see page 3-103) indicate the points at which:
Lb = Lp

The points on the curves with open symbol "○"

(see page 3-102) indicate the points at which:
Lb = Lr
 Shear:

What Causes Shear Failure?

V τ V V T C V V
V
τ
Shear Buckling

Shear buckling occurs due to diagonal

compressive stresses.

Extent of shear buckling depends on h/tw

of the web (web slenderness).
 Design Equation for Shear for Unstiffened
Webs:

φν Vn ≥ Vu

Where Vu is the factored shear load,

φν = 1.0 (case A) or 0.9 (case B) of next slide,
and Vn is the nominal shear strength of the
web, to be calculated as follows for W sections
when no web holes or coped ends exist:
V n = 0.6Fy Aw C v
(AISC - LRFD Eq. G2-1, p. 16.1-65)
A. For webs of rolled I-shaped members with
h
≤ 2.24 E / Fy , then:
tw
φν = 1.0 & Cν = 1.0 (AISC-LRFD, Eq.G2-2, p. 16.1-65)

B. For webs of all other doubly symmetric shapes

and singly symmetric shapes and channels, except
round HSS, the web shear coefficient, Cv, is
determined as follows:

h
i. For: ≤ 1.10 k v E / Fy ⇒ φν=0.9 & Cν=1.0
tw
(AISC-LRFD, Eq.G2-3, p. 16.1-65)
 h
ii. For: 1.10 k v E / Fy ≤ ≤ 1.37 k v E / Fy
tw
φν=0.9 &

1.10 k v E / Fy
Cv = (AISC-LRFD, Eq.G2-4, p. 16.1-65)
h /tw

h
iii. For: > 1.37 k v E / Fy
tw
φν=0.9 &
1.51 E k v
Cv = 2
(AISC-LRFD, Eq.G2-5, p. 16.1-65)
(h /t w ) Fy
Deflection:
• Deflection is a serviceability limit state, not
a strength limit state that could affect the
safety of the structure. Therefore, service
loads (not factored Loads) should be used in
computing deflection.

• No specific limits for maximum deflection or

drift (lateral deflection due to wind, e.g.)
are provided by the LRFD specifications. It
is left the designer to determine these
limits based on his/her judgment,
experience, and satisfactory performance of
similar structures.
 Deflection:

• The IBC 2003 recommends that live load

deflection value does not exceed (1/360) of
the member span.
• Pre-cambering could be used to avoid large
sagging under service loads.
 Example 1
A simply supported beam whose span L = 30 ft is
subjected to the following uniformly distributed
loads:
Dead = 0.8 kips/ft (including beam self-weight).
Live = 1.4 kips/ft
The compression flange is laterally braced such
that Lb ≤ Lp.
Select the lightest W section of A572 Grade 50
steel to serve for the described beam.
Solution
From AISC-LRFD
page 2-8, the
governing factored
loading is:

qu = 1.2D + 1.6L

qu = 1.2D + 1.6L
=1.2(0.8)+1.6(1.4)
= 3.2 kips/ft
Assume that the section is compact (no local
buckling).

Since Lb ≤ Lp along the beam (no LTB),

the flexural strength of the beam is governed
by:

 Z x Fy
M p = smaller of 
1.6 S x Fy
Using the ZxFy equation we have:

φ Mp > Mu
0.90 ZxFy > Mu

360 (12 )
⇒ Zx ≥ = 96 in 3
0.9 ( 50 )
Using LRFD Table 3-2 (selection by Zx),
p. 3-17, and the φMpx column,
Look at the boldface sections, since they
represent the lightest sections in their group,
until we find: W21X48 f.
Note that W21X48 f is not a compact section
for (Fy=50 ksi), This means that local buckling
controls the strength of the member and causes
it to be less than Mp.
Instead, choose the next lightest section (in the
same block), and that is: W18X50. whose
strength φMpx is:
φMpx = 379 ft-kips) >(Mu = 360 ft-kips)
(φ
(section is compact) Why?
Check that Lb ≤ Lp :

Lp = 5.83 ft which is < L = 30.0 ft

This means that extra lateral supports should be

added to the beam along its span as follows:

Since L/Lp = 30/5.83 = 5.14:

Use 6 segments, 5 ft. each. This makes:

(Lb = 5.0 ft < Lp = 5.83 ft)

Check for shear (manual calculations):

h
tw
( == 43.7 (
45.2) ≤ 2.24 E / Fy = 2.24 29000 / 50 = 53.9 )
(AISC-LRFD, Eq.G2-2,
then: φν = 1.0 & Cν = 1.0 p. 16.1-65)

V n = 0.6Fy Aw C v ⇒ φvV n = 1.0 ( 0.6Fy Aw 1.0 )

k >>(V
φvV n = 0.6Fy Aw = 0.6(50)(6.39) = 192 Kips k)
Vuu ==4848Kips.

Use W 18X50 (Fy =50 ksi) and (Lb =5.0’ ) ≤ (Lp =5.83’ )
Check for shear (tabulated values):

We can find φVn = 192 kips from Table 3-2 last

column, p. 3-17 (or from the bottom of LRFD
Table 3-6, p. 3-59)

Use W 18X50 (Fy =50 ksi) and (Lb =5.0’ ) ≤ (Lp =5.83’ )
 Example 2
For the same simply supported beam of example
1, the compression flange can be laterally
braced such that Lb ≤ Lp.
Select the lightest W section of A572 Grade 65
steel that is acceptable to serve for the
described beam.
Solution
From AISC-LRFD
page 2-8, the
governing factored
loading is:

qu = 1.2D + 1.6L

qu = 1.2D + 1.6L
=1.2(0.8)+1.6(1.4)
= 3.2 kips/ft
The AISC LRFD Tables 3-2 do not list φMpx for
Fy = 65 ksi, so we must proceed with manual
calculations as follows:
Assume that the section is compact (no local
buckling).

Since Lb ≤ Lp along the beam (no LTB),

the flexural strength of the beam is given by:

 Z x Fy
M p = smaller of 
1.6 S x Fy
φMnx (= φMpx = 0.90 Zx Fy ) ≥ Mux (= 360 ft-k)
φMnx [=φMpx=0.90 Zx (65) ] ≥ Mux (= 4320 in-k)

 4320 3
Zx ≥  = 73.8 in. 
 0.9 ( 65 ) 

From AISC LRFD Tables 3-2, p. 3-17, try:

W 18X40; (Zx = 78.4 ≥ 73.8)

Check flange and web local buckling:
Using the section properties in the AISC LRFD
Table 1-1, p. 1-18, and the limiting width-to-
thickness ratios in the AISC LRFD Table B4-1,
pp. 16.1-16 and 16.1-17:

 0.5b f 

 tf
=5.73

(
= 5.7  ≤ λ p = 0.38 E / FY = 8.03 ) No F.L.B.

h 
tw
(
50.0  ≤ λ p = 3.76 E / FY = 79.4
 ==50.9

) No W.L.B.

Therefore, the section is compact.

φMnx = φMpx is valid as we assumed, and we need
to choose Lb ≤ Lp:

E 29000
L p = 1.76r y = 1.76 (1.27 ) = 47.21" = 3.93 '
Fy 65

Since L/Lp = (30 / 3.93) = 7.6

Use 8 segments

 30 
Lb  = = 3.75'  ≤ L p
 8 
Check for shear:

h ??
tw
(= 50.0 ( )
50.9) > 2.24 E / Fy = 2.24 29000 / 65 = 47.3
A. For webs of rolled I-shaped members with
h
≤ 2.24 E / Fy , then:
tw
φν = 1.0 & Cν = 1.0 (AISC-LRFD, Eq.G2-2, p. 16.1-65)

B. For webs of all other doubly symmetric shapes

and singly symmetric shapes and channels, except
round HSS, the web shear coefficient, Cv, is
determined as follows:

h
i. For: ≤ 1.10 k v E / Fy ⇒ φν=0.9 & Cν=1.0
tw
(AISC-LRFD, Eq.G2-3, p. 16.1-65)
 h
ii. For: 1.10 k v E / Fy ≤ ≤ 1.37 k v E / Fy
tw
φν=0.9 &

1.10 k v E / Fy
Cv = (AISC-LRFD, Eq.G2-4, p. 16.1-65)
h /tw

h
iii. For: > 1.37 k v E / Fy
tw
φν=0.9 &
1.51 E k v
Cv = 2
(AISC-LRFD, Eq.G2-5, p. 16.1-65)
(h /t w ) Fy
Check for shear:

h
tw
( = 50.0 (
50.9) > 2.24 E / Fy = 2.24 29000 / 65 = 47.3 )
h
( == 50.0
50.9 ) < 260 , kv = 5
tw

h
tw
( = 50.0 (
50.9) < 1.10 kv E / Fy = 1.10 (5)29000 / 65 = 51.9 )

thus: φν = 0.9 & Cν = 1.0

(AISC-LRFD, Eq.G2-3, p. 16.1-65)
Finally use:

V n = 0.6Fy Aw C v ⇒ φvV n = 0.9 ( 0.6Fy Aw 1.0 )

k > >(VVuu = 48
φvV n = 0.54Fy Aw = 0.54(65)(5.64) = 198 Kips k)
48 Kips

Use W 18X40 (Fy =65 ksi) and (Lb =3.75’ ) ≤ (Lp =3.93’ )
 Example 3
For the same simply supported beam of example
1, the compression flange can be laterally braced
only at the supports and mid span; Lb = 15 ft.

Select the lightest W section of A572 Grade 50

steel that is acceptable to serve for the described
beam.
Solution
X
From AISC-LRFD
page 2-8, the
governing factored
loading is:

qu = 1.2D + 1.6L

qu = 1.2D + 1.6L
=1.2(0.8)+1.6(1.4) X

= 3.2 kips/ft
Since the beam is laterally unsupported, the
strength equations requires the use of the Cb
factor.

From the last case shown in the AISC - LRFD

Table 3-1, p. 3-10, we find that Cb = 1.30.

Segment 1 Segment 2
X
 Segment 1 Segment 2
X

The section must satisfy φMnx ≥ Mux in all Lb

segments.
Since all segments have the same Lb, we
choose the W-section for the segment with
Mu/Cb is max. Both segments are identical in
this particular problem.
From the AISC LRFD Table 3-10, p. 3-123:
1) Find the page on which we find:
φMnx ≥ (Mux = 360/1.30 = 276.923 kips.ft).
2) Plot the point whose coordinates are:
(Lb, Mu / Cb) = (15’ , 276.923 kips.ft).
3) Any curve that passes through this point or
any curve that lies above and to the right of
the plotted point is a satisfactory solution
since φMnx ≥ Mux ( = 360 kips.ft).
4) Solid-line curves indicate the lightest choice
in each region. Therefore, the solid-line on or
closest to, but above and to the right of, the
plotted point is the lightest section that
satisfies φMnx ≥ Mux.
277

15
Try W 18X55:

Check for moment:

 C b ( φ b M n ) Chart = 1.30 (293) = 380 .9 ft .kips


φ M n = smaller of 
 φ b M p = 4 20 ft .kips


(φMn = 380.9 ft.kips) > (Mu = 360 ft.kips) (Ok)

293
Check for shear:

Using the AISC LRFD Table 3-6, p. 3-59, and

at the bottom of the Table:
(φVn = 212 kips) > (Vu = 48 kips)
OK

Since:
φMn (= 380.9 ft-kips) > Mu (= 360 ft-kips) OK
and
φVn (= 212 kips) > Vu (= 48 kips) OK

Use W18x55
 Example 4
For the same simply supported beam of example
1, the compression flange can be laterally braced
only at the supports and at intervals of

Lb = L/3 = 30/3 = 10 ft.

Select the lightest W section of A572 Grade 50

steel that is acceptable to serve for the described
beam.
Solution
From AISC-LRFD
page 2-8, the
governing factored
loading is:

qu = 1.2D + 1.6L

qu = 1.2D + 1.6L
=1.2(0.8)+1.6(1.4)
= 3.2 kips/ft
Segment 1 Segment 2 Segment 3
Since the beam is laterally unsupported, the
strength equations requires the calculation of
the Cb factor:

12.5M max
Cb =
2.5M max + 3M A + 4M B + 3M C

Note that in segment 2, the moment diagram

is close to being constant in this region, so we
expect that Cb ≈ 1.
For segment (2):

12.5(360)
Cb = = 1.0135
2.5(360) + 3(350) + 4(360) + 3(350)

For segments (1) & (3):

The maximum bending ultimate moment is:

Mux = 320 ft-kips.

12.5(320)
Cb = = 1.46
1.59
2.5(320) + 3(110) + 4(200) + 3(270)
Segment Lb (ft) Mmax/Cb (kips.ft)

1 10 320/1.46 = 219.18

2 10 360/1.01 = 356.44

3 10 320/1.46 = 219.18

Segment (2) is the most critical one

 360 ft-kips
320 320

M
ux

Segment 1 Segment 2 Segment 3 z

C = 1.46 C = 1.01 C = 1.46

b b b

L = 10 ft L = 10 ft L = 10 ft
b b b

The section must satisfy φMnx ≥ Mux in all Lb

segments.
Since all segments have the same Lb, we
choose the W-section for the segment with
Mu/Cb is max., which is #(2), where Cb = 1.01
and Mux =360 ft-kips.
From the AISC LRFD Table 3-10, p. 3-121:
1) Find the page on which we find:
φMnx ≥ (Mux = 360 / 1.01 = 356 ft-kips).
2) Plot the point whose coordinates are:
(Lb, Mu / Cb) = (10’ , 356 ft-kips).
3) Any curve that passes through this point or
any curve that lies above and to the right of
the plotted point is a satisfactory solution
since φMnx ≥ Mux ( = 360 ft-kips).
4) Solid-line curves indicate the lightest choice
in each region. Therefore, the solid-line on or
closest to, but above and to the right of, the
plotted point is the lightest section that
satisfies φMnx ≥ Mux.
356
356
Try W 18X55:

Check for moment:

 C b ( φ b M n ) Chart = 1.01 (362) = 365 .6 ft .kips


φ M n = smaller of 
 φ b M p = 4 20 ft .kips


(φMn = 365.6 ft.kips) > (Mu = 360 ft.kips) (Ok)

Check for shear:

Using the AISC LRFD Table 3-6, p. 3-59, and

at the bottom of the Table:
(φVn = 212 kips) ≥ (Vu = 48 kips)
OK

Therefore; use W 18X55 (Fy = 50 ksi)