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BEAM STABILITY
FACTOR, CL
TIMBER DESIGN

OBJECTIVES:

• To calculate the beam stability factor, CL.

• To calculate adjusted allowable flexural stress of timber beams.
• To design beams that may permit to lateral buckling.

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TERMS, NOTATIONS AND DEFINITIONS

• BRIDGING - allows each joist to share weight with its neighbors and can cut
“deflection”—how much the joists flex—by half.
• CL – beam stability factor
• le – effective length
• lu – unsupported length
• RB – slenderness ratio

HOW TO AVOID LATERAL BUCKLING ON BEAMS?

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*617.4.1.1 Stability of
Bending Members

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EXAMPLE

• A Mahogany, Big Leafed (80% Stress Grade) 4”x16” (88mm x 380mm actual size), 6-
meter simple span supports a hoist located at the center of the span. Taking into account
the weight of the beam, determine the maximum allowable load on the hoist based on
bending. Assume normal load duration. The beam is supported on a 2”x4” (50mm x
100mm) top plate. Lateral support is provided only at the ends of the member and the
ends are considered pinned. Assume room temperature. Also, assume 10% increase of
actual density.

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