Unrestrained Beams

1
 Outline
Introduction
Lateral Torsional Buckling
Lateral deflection and twisting
Special cases where LTB checks can be ignored
Moment Resistance
Moment check
Approaches for determining the reduction factor for LTB
LTB Curves – General Case
LTB Curves & Imperfection Factors
Buckling Curves for LTB
Elastic Critical Moment for LTB
Correction Factor for Non-Uniform Moment C1
LTB Curves – Rolled Sections or Equivalent Welded Sections
LTB Curves & Imperfection Factors –
Comparison of Buckling Curves Given in Clauses 6.3.2.2 & 6.3.2.3
Simplified method for determination of non-dimensional slenderness
Design Procedure for LTHB
Examples
Example URB-1 (Buckling resistance of UB) 2
 Introduction
 Lateral torsional buckling (LTB) is a form of buckling that involves both
lateral deflection and twisting. It is a member buckling mode associated
with slender unrestrained beams loaded about their major axis.
 Checks for lateral torsional buckling should be carried out on all
unrestrained segments of beams (between points where lateral restraint
exists).
 If continuous lateral restraint is provided to the beam, then lateral
torsional buckling will be prevented and failure will be due to in-plane
bending and/or shear (refer to restrained beams).
 The load at which LTB occurs may be substantially less than the beam
in-plane bending capacity.

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Lateral Torsional Buckling

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Lateral Torsional Buckling (LTB)

major axis minor axis

moment My moment Mz

Cross-section of the deflected

free end of the cantilever IF
subjected to minor axis moment Δ
Cross-section of the
free end of an
unloaded cantilever

Cross-section of the free end of the φ

cantilever that undergoes LTB when
subjected to MAJOR axis moment

LTB involves both a lateral deflection

Demonstration of LTB on a cantilever ∆ and a torsional twist angle φ 5
Lateral Deflection and Twisting
Member subjected to MAJOR axis moment Elements under compression
⇒ prone to buckling

Elements under tension

⇒ resist buckling
Partial section under compression

Beam would deflect in the same direction as minor axis

buckling
Weak axis of Strong axis of
compressive section compressive section

When member is subjected to MAJOR axis moment, the upper flange & web are in compression and
act as a strut.
Being free to move, the compression elements would tend to move laterally
However, the tension flange and web are reluctant to move, creating resistance to lateral movement.
As such, the cross-section twists when it deflects, with the tension flange and web dragging behind.
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 Lateral Torsional Buckling
End Support Conditions
Both flange free to rotate on plan Both flanges restrained from rotation on plan

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Special Cases where LTB checks can be ignored
The following are cases where LTB checks can be ignored:
 SHS, CHS, circular or square bar
 Fully laterally restrained beams
 Minor axis bending
 λLT ≤ 0.2 for welded sections 

 λLT = W y f y / M cr
 λLT ≤ 0.4 for hot rolled sections 


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Z

No LTB for minor axis bending

Z Minor axis bending

major axis
moment My

Major axis bending

Y
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SHS and CHS under bending

No LTB

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 Buckling Resistance
Moment Check
EN 1993-1-1 (Cl 6.3.2.1)
Each segment between intermediate lateral restraints or between the end supports of a
member subject to major axis bending should be verified against lateral torsional
buckling using the following:
M Ed
≤ 1.0
M b , Rd

The design buckling resistance moment, Mb,Rd of a laterally unrestrained beam should
be taken as :
Wy f y
M b , Rd = χ LT M c , Rd = χ LT where Wy is the appropriate section modulus
γ M1
– Wy = Wpl,y for Class 1 and 2 cross-sections
γ M 1 = 1.0 (refer to NA to SS) – Wy = Wel,y for Class 3 cross-sections
– Wy = Weff,y for Class 4 cross-sections
χLT is the reduction factor for LTB
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Approaches for Determining the Reduction Factor for LTB
General Case/Rolled Sections or Equivalent Welded Sections
EN 1993-1-1 (Cl 6.3.2.2, 6.3.2.3)
The primary method adopts the lateral torsional buckling curves given by equations 6.56
and 6.57.

Simplified Assessment Methods for Beams with Restraints in Buildings

EN 1993-1-1 (Cl 6.3.2.4)
This method utilizes a simplified assessment approach for beams with restraints in
buildings given by equations 6.59 and 6.60.  for info only

General Method for Structural Components

EN 1993-1-1 (Cl 6.3.4)
This method may be used when the above methods do not apply.  for info only

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LTB Curves – General Case
EN 1993-1-1 (Cl 6.3.2.2) – conservative method for general use
For the general case, the value of χLT for the appropriate non-dimensional slenderness
is given as follows:
1
χ LT = ≤ 1.0
2 2
Φ LT + Φ LT −λ LT

where Φ LT = 0.5[1 + α LT (λLT − 0.2) + λLT

2
]
0.5

λLT = Wy f y / M cr π EI z  I w
2
L GI T 
2
M cr = C1  + cr


L2cr  I z π EI z 
2

αLT is an imperfection factor

Mcr is the elastic critical moment for LTB

The general case method is meant to be used for deep slender beams that are outside the range
of shapes of rolled sections.
The general case is also applicable to rolled and welded sections but provides a more
conservative estimate of the buckling resistance.

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LTB Curves & Imperfection Factors – General Case
Table 6.4: Recommended lateral torsional buckling curves for cross-sections
Cross-section Limits Buckling curve
h/b ≤ 2 a
Rolled I-sections
h/b > 2 b
h/b ≤ 2 c
Welded I-sections
h/b > 2 d
Other cross-sections – d

Table 6.3: Recommended values for imperfection factors for lateral torsional buckling curves
Buckling curve a b c d
Imperfection factor αLT 0.21 0.34 0.49 0.76

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Buckling Curves for LTB
χLT
1.0

0.8

α =0.21
0.6 α =0.34
α =0.49
α =0.76
0.4

0.2

0.0 λLT
0 1 2 3 4
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Elastic Critical Moment for LTB – General Case

NCCI (SN003a-EN-EU)
For doubly symmetric cross-sections loaded through its shear center, the elastic critical
moment is given by:
0.5
π 2 EI z  I w L2cr GI T 
M cr = C1  + 2 
L2cr  I z π EI z 
where C1 is the correction factor for non-uniform bending moment
Lcr is the buckling length of the beam/segment
G is the shear modulus
IT is the torsion constant
IW is the warping constant
Iz is the section second moment of area about minor axis

λLT = Wy f y / M cr

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Correction Factor for Non-Uniform Moment C1 – General Case

C1 values for end moment loading

M1
M2 1.88 − 1.40ψ + 0.52ψ 2 ≤ 2.70
ψ = M 2 / M1 − 1.0 ≤ ψ ≤ 1.0

C1 values for transverse loading

C1 ≥ 1.0
(C1 = 1.0 corresponds to the most
severe case loading condition of
constant bending moment)

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Effective Length for Beams without Intermediate Restraint
0.5
π EI z  I w L2cr GI T
2

M cr = C1 2  + 2  λLT = Wy f y / M cr
Lcr  I z π EI z 
Lcr = kL or DL

3

For destabilizing load, Lcr = DL = 1.2 L
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 Typical Beam Support Conditions in Building Frame

1 1. Flanges are fully

restrained against rotation
on plan

2. Flanges are partially

2 restrained against rotation
on plan





 3. Flanges are free to rotate
3 
 on plan




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Destabilizing Load Neutral Load Stabilizing Load

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Cantilever
0.5
π EI z  I w
2
L GI T 
2
M cr = C1  + cr

L2cr  I z π EI z 
2

C1 should be 1.0 for cantilever

Effective length
Lcr = kL = DL
where
D = parameter for destabilizing load

Source: The Institution of Structural Engineers Manual for the

design of steelwork building structures to Eurocode 3
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LTB Curves – Rolled Sections or Equivalent Welded Sections
EN 1993-1-1 (Cl 6.3.2.3) – less conservative method

For rolled or equivalent welded sections in bending, the value of χLT for the appropriate
non-dimensional slenderness is given as follows:
1 1.0
χ LT = ≤ 2
Φ LT + Φ 2LT − βλLT
2
1 / λLT

where Φ LT = 0.5[1 + α LT (λLT − λLT , 0 ) + βλLT

2
]

λLT ,0 = 0.4 (rolled sections, hot finished and cold formed hollow sections)
= 0.2 (welded sections)

β = 0.75 (rolled sections, hot finished and cold formed hollow sections)
= 1.00 (welded sections)

λLT = Wy f y / M cr

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LTB Curves & Imperfection Factors – Rolled
Sections or Equivalent Welded Sections h

Table 6.5: Recommended lateral torsional buckling curves for cross-sections b

Cross-section Limits Buckling curve
h/b ≤ 2 b
Rolled I- and H- sections, and hot-finished hollow sections
2.0 < h/b < 3.1 c
Angles (for moments in the major principal plane) and
d
other hot-rolled sections
h/b ≤ 2 c
Welded sections and cold-formed hollow sections
2.0 < h/b < 3.1 d
(refer to NA to SS)
Table 6.3: Recommended values for imperfection factors for lateral torsional buckling curves
Buckling curve a b c d
Imperfection factor αLT 0.21 0.34 0.49 0.76

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Comparison of Buckling Curves Given in Clauses 6.3.2.2 & 6.3.2.3
Rolled I- Section with h/b < 2
χLT
1.0
Buckling curve for rolled section
0.8 (Cl 6.3.2.3)

0.6

0.4

0.2 Buckling curve for general case

(Cl 6.3.2.2)

0.0 λLT
0 1 2 3 4
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Modifying χLT for Moment Gradient Effect
EN1993-1-1 Clause 6.3.2.3(2) and the SS NA.2.18.
The reduction factor is modified to take account of the moment distribution between the
lateral restraints of members using the reduction factor f :
χ LT
χ LT ,mod = but χ LT ,mod ≤ 1
f
λLT = Wy f y / M cr
f = 1 − 0.5(1 −k c )[1 − 2.0( λLT − 0.8) 2 ] but f ≤ 1.0

1 C1 values for end moment loading

kc =
C1 M1
M2 1.88 − 1.40ψ + 0.52ψ 2 ≤ 2.70
ψ = M 2 / M1 − 1.0 ≤ ψ ≤ 1.0

C1 values for transverse loading

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Beams with Intermediate Restraint
Where a beam has effective intermediate restraints the moment resistance can be
based on the length between restraints. For destabilizing load, Lcr = 1.2 L.

Effective length of
compression flange
Lcr
Effective length of
compression flange
Lcr

Secondary beams providing

lateral and torsional restraint.

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Beams with Intermediate Restraints
Lateral torsional buckling resistance checks should be carried out on all unrestrained segments of
beams (between the points where lateral restraint exists).
The effect of moment distribution between the lateral restraints may be taken into account by
modifying χLT using Equation 6.58 from EN1993-1-1 Cl 6.3.2.3(2).

z
Illustration of flanges being free to x
rotate on plan along span u
Bottom flange
y

Top flange
Plan φ
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 Design Procedure for LTB
Determine shear and bending moment diagram from design loads.

Select and classify section.

Determine effective buckling length Lcr.

Determine buckling curve (a, b, c, or d) from Table 6.4 or Table 6.5.

Determine imperfection factor αLT from Table 6.3 after identifying the buckling curve.

Determine the elastic critical lateral torsional buckling moment Mcr.

Calculate non-dimensional slenderness λLT .

Calculate buckling reduction factor χLT .

Determine buckling resistance Mb,Rd .

Check MEd / Mb,Rd ≤ 1.0 for each unrestrained segment.

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Design Flow Chart for Beams Subjected to LTB
0.5
π EI z  I w L2cr GIT 
2
=
Compute and draw the SFD and BMD M cr C1  + 2 
Lcr  I z π EI z 
2

under design actions

Wy f y
Select a trial section for the most critical λ LT =
M cr
segment based on Mb,Rd

Determine fy and perform section Φ LT= 0.5 1 + α LT ( λ LT − 0.2 ) + λ LT

2

classification
1
Ultimate strength check  moment and χ LT =
shear at critical locations Φ LT + Φ 2LT − λ LT
2

Section
Member buckling resistance check for each classification
segment
fy fy
M b , Rd = χ LTW y M b , Rd = χ LTW y
γ M1 γ M1
Serviceability check M Ed ≤ M b , Rd 29
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Examples

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Example URB-1: Buckling Resistance of UB
A beam of span 10 m is simply supported at its ends and unrestrained along its length. It
supports a uniformly distributed load across the entire span and a point load at its mid-span.
Check and verify if section UB 533×210×101 in S355 steel is suitable for this beam. Assume
that the beam carried plaster finish.
Unfactored load values:
Dead Load UDL 5 kN/m Imposed Load UDL 10 kN/m
Point load 50 kN Point load 100 kN

50 kN + 100 kN
5 kN/m + 10 kN/m

5m 5m

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Ultimate Limit State
The section and loading are the same as Example RB-1.
Perform the same section classification, shear check, deflection check as described in
Example RB-1.
In this example, we will perform check on the lateral torsional buckling for this unrestrained
beam.

67.5 kN + 150 kN
UB 533×210×101 in S355 steel
6.75 kN/m + 15 kN/m

5m 5m
217.5 kN 217.5 kN

Design Moment
Maximum bending moment at mid-span: MEd = (6.75+15)*102/8 + (67.5+150)*10/4 = 816 kNm.

Design Shear
Maximum shear force at the supports: VEd = 217.5 kN.
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Buckling Length Assume beam end conditions:
Compression flange laterally restrained;
Lcr = 10m Nominal torsional restraint against rotation about longitudinal axis;
Both flanges free to rotate on plan;
Normal loading condition; k= 1.0 and Lcr = 10m
Imperfection Factor
h/b = 536.7/210.0 = 2.6 > 2
Use buckling curve c (refer to Table 6.5)
Imperfection factor αLT = 0.49 (refer to Table 6.3)

Elastic Critical Moment

Comment: for beam subject to UDL C1 = 1.132
Assume C1 = 1.0 (conservative estimate) for mid-span point load C1 = 1.365
You may select C1 = 1.132 instead of 1.0
0.5
π 2 EI z  I w L2cr GI T 
M cr = C1  + 2 
L2cr  I z π EI z 

=
π 2 * 210000 * (2690 *10 4 )  1.81*1012 (
100002 * 81000 * 101*10 4 
+ 2 × 10 −6
) 0.5

100002

 2690 * 10
4
( 4 
π * 210000 * 2690 * 10  )
= 258 kNm

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 W pl,y f y
λLT =
0.5
π EI z  I w L2cr GI T
2

M cr M cr = C1 2  + 2 
Lcr  I z π EI z 

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Non-Dimensional Slenderness
W pl,y f y (2610 * 103 ) * 345
λLT = = = 1.868
M cr 258 * 10 6

Buckling Reduction Factor

Φ LT = 0.5[1 + α LT (λLT − λLT , 0 ) + βλLT
2
] Less conservative method Eq. 6.57

= 0.5[1 + 0.49 * (1.868 − 0.4) + 0.75 * 1.8682 ] = 2.17

1 / λLT
2
= 1 / (1.8682 ) = 0.287
1
χ LT =
Φ LT + Φ 2LT − βλLT
2

1
= = 0.277
2.17 + 2.17 − 0.75 * (1.868 )
2 2

Buckling Resistance
W pl,y f y (2610 * 103 ) * 345
M b,Rd = χ LT = 0.277 * * 10 −6 = 249 kNm
γM 1 1.0
Since MEd = 816 kNm > Mb,Rd, resistance to lateral torsional buckling is inadequate.
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Re-design the beam – Options?
UB 533×210×101 in S355 steel is inadequate

67.5 kN + 150 kN

6.75 kN/m + 15 kN/m

5m 5m
217.5 kN 217.5 kN

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Example URB2

The simply supported beam shown below is restrained laterally at the ends and at the
points of load applications only. For the given loading, design the beam in S275 steel.

Gk 1 , Qk 1 Gk 2 , Qk 2
A B C D

Beam 1 Beam 2
3m 3m 3m

Permanent: Imposed:
self-weight: 3 kN/m point load, beam 1, Qk1 = 60 kN
point load, beam 1, Gk1 = 40 kN point load, beam 2, Qk2 = 30 kN
point load, beam 2, Gk2 = 20 kN

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Design loads:
UDL = 3 × 1.35 = 4.05 kN/m
FD1 = 40 × 1.35 + 60 × 1.5 = 144 kN;
Need to check LTB for segment BC only
FD2 = 20 × 1.35 + 30 × 1.5 = 72 kN

144 kN 72 kN
4.05 kN/m
A D
B C
3m 3m 3m
138.2
Shear (kN) 126.1

17.9 30.1
102.1
114.2
B C
Bending (kNm) A
D

324.5
396.5 38
 Tutorial Question 4
The beam shown in Figure Q4 is laterally restrained at the ends and at
the two cross beams which carry uniformly distributed load. For the
bending moment diagram shown, design the beam in S275 steel to
resist bending only.

Need to check LTB for segments BC and CD

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Tutorial questions
• What are the main different behaviour between laterally
restrained and un-restrained steel beam?
Unrestrained beam deflects and buckles laterally

• What are the main factors affecting the bending capacity of

laterally unrestrained steel beams?
Unbraced length, cross sectional shapes, loading, end support
conditions etc.

• How do we prevent lateral torsional buckling of beams?

Use hollow sections; provide adequate lateral bracing

• How do we ensure lateral restraints are effective?

Need to anchor the lateral tie

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