Problem 2.3. Stresses of an I beam

Approximate normal and shear stresses in the cross section of an I-beam are given. Suppose uniform normal stresses in the flanges, and pure shear in the web, the vertical shear stress in the flanges is neglected. σf=167 N/mm2,   τw=15.4 N/mm2.

Determine the principal stresses of point A in the midheight of the web and the maximum shear stress of point B in the tension flange.

Solve Problem

Solve

Point A

Maximum stress, σ1 [MPa]=

Minimum stress, σ2[MPa]=

Point B

Maximum shear stress, τmax [MPa]=

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Steps

Step by step

Point A

Step 1. Write stress vector of point A in x-y  coordinate system attached to the beam’s axis.

Check stress vector

According to the approximation the web is subjected to pure shear stage. The stress vector is

σxσyτxy=0015.4MPa

Step 2. Determine principal stresses of point A.

Check principal stresses

see Eq.(2-11)

σ1=σx+σy2+σxσy22+τxy2=τxy=15.4 MPa (tension)σ2=σx+σy2σxσy22+τxy2=τxy=15.4 MPa (compression)

Step 3. Calculate and draw the principal directions.

Check principal directions

cot 2β0=σxσy2τxy=0      β0=±45 

Principal directions are shown in the Figure.

See Mohr circle in Figure 2.7c

Step 4. Draw the stresses.

Check figure

Pure shear is equivalent to the sum of a pure compression and a pure tension in ±45directions.

Point B

Step 1. Write stress vector of point B in x-y  coordinate system attached to the beam’s axis.

Check stress vector

According to the approximation the bottom flange is in pure tension stage. The stress vector is

σxσyτxy=σ100=16700MPa.

The x and y directions are the principal directions, the principal stress, σ1 is equal to the tensile stress, σf.

Step 2. Calculate the maximum shear stress.

Check stress vector

Eq.(2-13)

τmax=σxσy22+τxy2=σx2=1672=83.5 MPa

See also Mohr circle in Figure 2.7a

Results

Worked out solution

Point A

According to the approximation the web is subjected to pure shear stage. The stress vector is

σxσyτxy=0015.4MPa

The principal stresses of point A are

see Eq.(2-11)

σ1=σx+σy2+σxσy22+τxy2=τxy=15.4 MPa (tension)σ2=σx+σy2σxσy22+τxy2=τxy=15.4 MPa (compression)

The principal directions are shown in the Figure

cot 2β0=σxσy2τxy=0      β0=±45 

See Mohr circle in Figure 2.7c

Pure shear is equivalent to the sum of a pure compression and a pure tension in ±45directions.

Point B

According to the approximation the bottom flange is in pure tension stage. The stress vector is

σxσyτxy=σ100=16700MPa.

The x and y directions are the principal directions, the principal stress, σ1 is equal to the tensile stress, σf.

The maximum shear stress is

Eq.(2-13)

τmax=σxσy22+τxy2=σx2=1672=83.5 MPa

See also Mohr circle in Figure 2.7a