FAILURE MODES OF

FLEXURAL MEMBERS
 MAIN FAILURE MODES OF HOT-
ROLLED BEAMS
Category –I:
Excessive bending triggering collapse
Category –II:
Lateral torsional buckling of long beams
Category –III:
Failure by local buckling of
(i) flange in compression
(ii) Web due to shear
(iii) Web under compression
Category –IV:
Local failure by
(i) shear yield of web
(ii) Local crushing of web
(iii) Buckling of thin flanges
 SELECTION OF SUITABLE SECTION

I-sections is the most efficient and economical and therefore,

most commonly used section as a beam member.
𝑴
σ= 𝒚
𝑰
𝟏
𝑰= 𝒃𝒅𝟑
𝟏𝟐
CONVENTIONAL USES OF VARIOUS SECTIONS

• Rolled steel channels and angle sections are generally used as

PURLINS.
• For higher loads I-sections are preferred .
• Double angles , T-sections or ISJB sections are used as
LINTELS.
• For beams with large spans and light loads , CASTELLATED
BEAMS are chosen.
CRITERION OF SELECTING A BEAM SECTION

• The usual method of selecting a beam section is by using a

section modulus .

• The criterion of economy is weight rather than the section

modulus .

• Sometimes deflection and occasionally shear may be the

necessary criterion for selection of section.

• It is desirable to choose a light beam furnishing the

required modulus of section .
 DESIGN CRITERIA

1. Based on deflection
2. Based on stress due to bending
3. Based on Shear

DEFLECTION CRITERIA

The amount of maximum deflection

depends on:
1. Span
2. Moment of inertia of the section
3. Distribution of load
4. Modulus of elasticity &
5. Support condition
In general the maximum deflection in beam is given by

𝑾𝑳𝟑
𝜹= 𝑲
𝑬𝑰

Where,
W Total load on the span
L Effective span length
E Modulus of elasticity
I Moment of inertia of the section
K a coefficient depends upon the distribution of
loading & end support of the beam
Beam Loading Coefficient of
maximum
deflection

Total load W

5
384
L
Beam Loading Coefficient of
maximum
deflection

Total load W

1
8

L
 Beam Loading Coefficient of
maximum
deflection

W
1
48

L/2 L/2
Beam Loading Coefficient of
maximum
deflection

W
1
3
L
 Beam Loading Coefficient of
maximum
deflection

W W
23
384
L/3 L/3 L/3
Beam Loading Coefficient of
maximum
deflection

Total load W

1
384

L
 Beam Loading Coefficient of
maximum
deflection

W W W
19
384

L/4 L/4 L/4 L/4

Beam Loading Coefficient of
maximum
deflection

Total load W

7
1920

L/2 L/2
 Beam Loading Coefficient of
maximum
deflection

Total load W

1
192

L/2 L/2
Beam Loading Coefficient of
maximum deflection

W 3
𝑎 𝑎2 2
1−
9 3𝐿 𝐿2
 LIMITING DEFLECTION

The deflection of a member shall not be such that as to

impair the strength or efficiency of the structure & lead to
damage to finishing. Generally, the maximum deflection
should not exceed the limit recommended by IS 800-2007
in Table 6.

EFFECTIVE LENGTH FOR LATERAL

TORSIONAL BUCKLING
Effective length LLT for lateral torsional buckling shall be
calculated as given in Table 15
 EFFECTIVE LENGTH FOR
BEAMS BETWEEN SUPPORTS
(Table 15, Clause 8.3.1, IS 800: 2007)
Support Conditions Effective Length KL
Compression flange at the ends L
unrestrained against lateral bending
(free to rotate in plan)
Compression flange partially 0.85L
restrained against lateral bending
(partially free to rotate in plane at the
bearings)
Compression flange fully restrained 0.7L
against lateral bending
(rotation fully restrained in plan)
 DESIGN PROCEDURE

The design procedure can be divided into three parts and they are :-

• Structural :Bending moment, shear force, deflection and stability.

• Secondary effects : Local buckling, and secondary forces and

connections.

• Practical limitations : Durability , fabrication tolerances , erection.

LATERALLY SUPPORTED BEAMS
 Laterally Supported Beam (Cl. 8.2.1, IS 800: 2007)

Design Bending Strength

 If V < 0.6 Vd

Where,
V is the factored design shear force and Vd is the design shear
strength of the cross-section
The design bending strength, Md shall be taken as:

Md = βbZpfy / ϒm0
To avoid irreversible deformation under serviceability loads,
following conditions are to be satisfied.
Md ≤ 1.2Zefy/ϒm0 for simply supported beams
Md ≤ 1.5Zefy/ϒm0 for cantilever beams;
Where,
βb = 1.0 for plastic and compact sections;
βb = Ze / Zp for semi-compact sections;
Zp , Ze = plastic and elastic section moduli of the
cross-section, respectively;
fy = yield stress of the material; and
ϒm0 = partial safety factor
 If V > 0.6 Vd
The design bending strength Md will be taken as,
Md = Mdv
Where, Mdv is the design bending strength under high shear and it is
calculated as,
(a) Plastic or compact section
𝑍𝑒 𝑓𝑦
𝑀𝑑𝑣 = 𝑀𝑑 − 𝛽 𝑀𝑑 − 𝑀𝑓𝑑 ≤ 1.2
𝛾𝑚0
Where,
2
𝑉
𝛽 = 2 −1
𝑉𝑑
Vd = design shear strength as governed by web yielding or web
buckling = 𝐴𝑣 𝑓𝑣
fv = design shear strength
Av = shear area = Dtw for rolled sections
= dtw for welded/built up sections
V = factored shear force
Md = plastic design moment of the whole section disregarding high
shear force effect and considering web buckling effects.

Mfd = plastic design strength of the area of the cross section excluding
the shear area
𝑑 2 𝑡𝑤
𝑀𝑓𝑑 = 𝑓𝑦 for built up sections
4
𝐷 2 𝑡𝑤
𝑀𝑓𝑑 = 𝑓𝑦for rolled sections
4
𝑑 = 𝐷 − 2𝑡𝑓
(b) Semi-compact section
𝑓𝑦
𝑀𝑑𝑣 = 𝑍𝑒
𝛾𝑚0
Design for Shear (Cl. 8.4, IS 800: 2007)

The factored design shear force V in a beam should satisfy,

𝑉𝑛
𝑉≤
𝛾𝑚0

Where Vn = nominal shear strength of a section

𝐴𝑣 𝑓𝑦𝑤
𝑉𝑛 =
3

Where Av = shear area

fyw = yield strength of the web
Shear Areas of different Sections (Cl. 8.4.1.1, IS 800: 2007):

Section Shear Area Av

Hot rolled (major axis Dtw
bending)
Welded (major axis bending) dtw
Hot rolled or Welded 2btf
(minor axis bending)
Rectangular hollow Sections AD/(b+D)
(loaded parallel to height)
Rectangular hollow Sections Ab/(b+D)
(loaded parallel to width)
Circular hollow tubes 2A/π
Plates & solid bars A
 Web Buckling
• The web behaves like a column if placed under concentrated
load.

• The Web is quite thin and therefore is subjected to buckling.

• Web buckling occurs when the intensity of vertical compressive

stress near the center of section becomes greater than the critical
buckling stress for the web acting as column.
 Web Buckling
For all cases, bottom flange is assumed to be restrained against
lateral deflection and rotation. For the top flanges, the end
restraints and the effective depth of the web to be considered are
as follows:

1. Restrained against lateral deflection and rotation, the effective

depth = d1/2

2. Restrained against lateral deflection but not against rotation, the

effective depth= (2/3) d1
3. Retrained against rotation but not against lateral deflection,
effective depth = d1

4. Not restrained against rotation and lateral deflection, the

effective depth = 2d1
Web buckling strength

𝐹𝑤𝑏 = 𝐵𝑡𝑤 𝑓𝑐𝑑

(below concentrated load)

𝐹𝑤𝑏 = 𝐵1 𝑡𝑤 𝑓𝑐𝑑
(at support)

Where,
Fwb = web buckling strength at the support
B = b+ 2n1 , B1= b+n1
n1 = length from dispersion at 45° to the level of neutral axis
tw = thickness of the web
fcd = allowable compressive stress corresponding to assumed web strut
according to buckling curve c.
Here, the effective length of strut will be le = 0.7d
𝑙𝑒 0.7𝑑
Thus, the slenderness ratio λ = =
𝑟𝑦 𝑟𝑦
𝐼𝑦 𝑏𝑡 3 𝑡
The radius of gyration, 𝑟𝑦 = = =
𝐴 12×𝑏×𝑡 12

0.7𝑑 0.7𝑑× 12 2.5𝑑

Hence, λ = = ≈
𝑟𝑦 𝑡 𝑡
Thus, the slenderness ratio of the idealized web-strut is taken as
2.5𝑑
λ=
𝑡
Bearing length
An empirical dispersion is assumed through the flange to the
flange-to-web connection at a slope of 1:2.5
Web Crippling:
𝑏1 𝑡𝑤 𝑓𝑦𝑤
𝐹𝑤𝑐 =
𝛾𝑚0
Where
Fwc = web crippling strength
b1 = bearing length
= b+2n1 under concentrated load
= b+n1 under reactions at support
Minimum bearing length = 100 mm
n1 = dispersion through the flange to the
flange-to-web connection at a slope of 1:2.5
to the plane of the flange i.e. 𝑛1 = 2.5 𝑡𝑓 + 𝑅1

tw = thickness of the web

fyw = design yield strength of the web
DESIGN OF LATERALLY
SUPPORTED BEAMS
 DESIGN STEPS FOR
LATERALLY SUPPORTED BEAMS
1) The loads acting on the beam are calculated by multiplying the
appropriate partial load factors.

2) The distribution of B.M. & S.F. along the length of the beam is
determined. The maximum B.M. & S.F. is calculated

3) A trial plastic section for the beam is worked out from the
following equation:
𝑀𝑑
𝑍𝑝 =
𝑓𝑦 /𝛾𝑚0
4) A suitable section is selected which has plastic section modulus
greater than the calculated value. ISMB, ISLB, ISWB sections are
in general preferred.
5) The section is classified as plastic, compact or semi compact
depending upon the specified limits of b/tf and d/tw as specified
in Table 2, IS 800: 2007.

6) Calculate the design shear strength (Vd) from the relation:

𝑓𝑦
𝑉𝑑 = ℎ𝑡𝑤
3𝛾𝑚0

7) The beam is checked for high/low shear. If V < 0.6 Vd , the beam
will be low shear and if V > 0.6 Vd , the beam will be high shear.

8) The trial section is checked for design bending strength

For low shear:
Md = βbZpfy / ϒm0
≤ 1.2Zefy/ϒm0 (for simply supported beams)
≤ 1.5Zefy/ϒm0 (for cantilever beams)
For high shear:
𝑍𝑒 𝑓𝑦
𝑀𝑑𝑣 = 𝑀𝑑 − 𝛽 𝑀𝑑 − 𝑀𝑓𝑑 ≤ 1.2
𝛾𝑚0
(for plastic and compact section)
𝑓𝑦
𝑀𝑑𝑣 = 𝑍𝑒
𝛾𝑚0
(For semi-compact section)

8) If M > Md , increase the section size and repeat from step 5.

9) The design shear strength (Vd) should be greater than the maximum
factored shear force developed due to external load. If V > Vd, redesign
the section by increasing the section size.
10) The beam is checked for deflection as per Table 6, IS 800: 2007.
11) The beam is checked for web buckling:
𝑑
If, ≤ 67𝜖 (for web without stiffeners) the web is assumed to be
𝑡𝑤
safe in web buckling and the shear strength of the web is governed
by plastic shear resistance.
The web should be checked for buckling in case of high shear even
if this limit is satisfied. The web buckling strength of the section,
fwb= Ab × fcd
Here, Ab = area of the web at the neutral axis of the beam = Btw
and fcd = design compressive stress
The web buckling strength should be greater than the design shear
force.

12) The beam is checked for web crippling,

Fwc > V
𝑏1 𝑡𝑤 𝑓𝑦𝑤
𝐹𝑤𝑐 =
𝛾𝑚0
Example:
A cantilever beam of length 4.5 m supports a dead load
(including self weight) of 18 kN/m and a live load of 12
kN/m. Assume a bearing length of 100 mm. Design the
beam.
Solution:

Step 1: Calculation of load

Dead load = 18 kN/m
Live load = 12 kN/m
Total load = (18 + 12) = 30 kN/m
Total factored load =1.5 (18 + 12) = 45 kN/m

Step 2: Calculation of BM and SF

𝑤𝑙 2 45×4.52
BM = = = 456 kN-m
2 2
SF = w×l = 45×4.5 = 202.5 kN

Step 3: Choosing a trial section

𝑀×𝛾𝑚0 456×106 ×1.1
𝑍𝑝,𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑑 = = = 2006.4×103 mm3
𝑓𝑦 250
Let us select the section ISLB 550 @ 0.846 kN/m
Zpz = 2228.16 × 103 mm3

Zez = 1933.2 × 103 mm3

h = 550 mm, bf = 190 mm, tf = 15 mm, tw = 9.9 mm, R = 18

d = 550 – 2×(15 + 18)
= 484 mm

Izz = 53161.6 × 104 mm4

Section classification

𝑏𝑓
2 95 𝑑 484
= = 6.33 < 9.4 = = 48.9< 84
𝑡𝑓 15 𝑡𝑤 9.9
Hence, the section is plastic
Step 4: Calculation of shear capacity of the section

𝑓𝑦 250
𝑉𝑑 = × ℎ × 𝑡𝑤 = × 550 × 9.9
𝛾𝑚0 × 3 1.1 × 3
= 714.47 kN
0.6𝑉𝑑 = 0.6 × 714.47 = 428.68 kN > 202.5 kN
Hence, Low shear

Step 5: Design capacity of the section

𝑍𝑝 × 𝑓𝑦 2228.16 × 103
𝑀𝑑 = = × 250
𝛾𝑚0 1.1
= 506.4 kNm

1.5×𝑍𝑒 ×𝑓𝑦 1.5×1933.2×103 ×250

≤ =
𝛾𝑚0 1.1
= 659.04 kNm
Step 6: Check for deflection

𝑤𝑙 4 30×45004
𝛿= = = 14.5 mm
8𝐸𝐼 8×2×105 ×53161.6×104

Allowable deflection = L/150 = 4500/150 = 30 mm

OK
Step 7: Web buckling
Cross sectional area of web for buckling 𝐴𝑏 = 𝑏1 + 𝑛1 𝑡𝑤
b1 = 100 mm
n1 = D/2=550/2 = 275 mm
Ab = (100 + 275) × 9.9
= 3712.5 mm2
Effective length of the web = 0.7 × d = 0.7 × 484= 338.8 mm
3
𝑏×𝑡𝑤 100×9.93
𝐼= = = 8085.8 mm3
12 12
A = 100 × 9.9 = 990 mm2
 8085.8
𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛 = = 2.86 mm
990
𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑓 338.8
λ= = = 119
𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛 2.85

Allowable stress fcd = 84.8 N/mm2

Capacity of the section = 84.8× 3712.5 = 314.8 kN > 202.5 kN
Hence, the section is safe against web buckling.

Step 8 : Check for web crippling

𝑏1 + 𝑛2 × 𝑡𝑤 × 𝑓𝑦
𝐹𝑤 =
𝛾𝑚0

n2 = 2.5 (R + tf) = 2.5(18 + 15) = 82.5 mm

100:82.5 ×9.9×250
𝐹𝑤 = = 410.6 kN > 202.5 kN
1.1
So the section is safe against web crippling
LATERALLY SUPPORTED BEAMS
WITH HIGH SHEAR
Example: Design a laterally supported beam of effective span 5 m
for the following data.
Grade of steel: Fe 410
Factored maximum B.M. = 180 kN-m
Factored maximum S. F. = 220 kN
Check for deflection is not required
Solution:
For Fe 410 grade of steel: fy = 250 MPa
Partial safety factor: m0 =1.1
Factored Max. B.M. = 180 kNm
Factored Max. S.F. = 220 kN
Plastic section modulus required,
𝑀𝛾𝑚0 180×106 ×1.1
𝑍𝑝,𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑑 = = = 792 × 103 mm3
𝑓𝑦 250

Let us select a section, ISLB 350 @ 0.485 kN/m

Zpz = 851.11 × 103 mm3 Ixx = 13158 × 104
Zez = 751.9 × 103 mm3
h = 350 mm, bf = 165 mm, tw = 7.4 mm, tf = 11.4 mm
R1= 16 mm
d = D - 2(tf + R1) = 350 - 2(11.4 + 16) = 295.2 mm
Section classification:
𝑏𝑓
2 165/2
= = 7.23 < 9.4
𝑡𝑓 11.4
𝑑 295.2
= = 39.9 < 84
𝑡𝑤 7.4
Hence, the section is plastic.

Check for shear capacity:

Design shear strength of the section,
𝑓𝑦 250
𝑉𝑑 = 𝐷𝑡𝑤 = × 350 × 7.4 × 10−3 = 339.8 kN >
3𝛾𝑚0 3×1.1
V=220 kN
0.6Vd = 0.6 × 339.8 = 203.9 kN < V=220 kN
So, it is the case of high shear.
Check for design bending strength:
𝑓𝑦 250
𝑀𝑑 = 𝑍𝑝𝑧 = 851.11 × 103 × × 10−6 = 193.43 kN-m
𝛾𝑚0 1.1
2 2
𝑉 220
𝛽 = 2 −1 = 2 −1 = 0.087
𝑉𝑑 339.8
350
𝑍𝑓𝑑 = 𝑍𝑝𝑍 − 𝐴𝑤 𝑌𝑤 = 851.11 × 103 − (350 × 7.4) ×
4
= 624.49 × 103 mm3
250
𝑀𝑓𝑑 = 624.49 × 103 × = 141.93 kNm
1.1
𝑓𝑦
𝑀𝑑𝑣 = 𝑀𝑑 − 𝛽 𝑀𝑑 − 𝑀𝑓𝑑 ≤ 1.2𝑍𝑒
𝛾𝑚0
𝑀𝑑𝑣 = 193.43 − 0.087 × 193.43 − 141.93 = 188.95 kNm
𝑓𝑦 250
≤ 1.2𝑍𝑒 = 1.2 × 751.9 × 103 × × 10−6 = 205.06 kNm
𝛾𝑚0 1.1

Hence, 𝑀𝑑𝑣 = 188.95 kNm > Mu=180 kNm, OK

Check for web buckling (at support)
Web buckling check is not required in general as
𝑑 295.2
= = 39.9 < 67ϵ
𝑡𝑤 7.4

However, it is a case of high shear, web buckling check should be

applied.
Assume a stiff bearing length, b = 100 mm
𝐴𝑏 = 𝐵1 𝑡𝑤 = 𝑏 + 𝑛 𝑡𝑤 = 100 + 350/2 × 7.4 = 2035 mm2
Effective length of web, KL = 0.7d = 0.7×295.2 = 206.64 mm
3
𝑏𝑡𝑤 100×7.43
Ieff of web = = = 3376.87 mm4
12 12
Aeff of web = btw = 100 × 7.4 = 740 mm2
3376.86
𝑟= =2.136 mm
740
𝐾𝐿 206.64
Slenderness ratio, λ = = = 96.74
𝑟 2.136
For λ= 96.74, fyw = 250 N/mm2 , and buckling curve c , the design
compressive stress from Table 9(c), IS 800: 2007.
fcd = 111.56 N/mm2
Capacity of web section Fwb = Abfcd = 2035 × 111.56 × 10-3 = 227 kN
> 220 kN
Which is alright.
Check for web crippling:
𝑓𝑦𝑤
𝐹𝑤 = (𝑏 + 𝑛1 )𝑡𝑤
𝛾𝑚0
𝑛1 = 2.5 𝑡𝑓 + 𝑅1
= 2.5 ×(11.4 + 16) = 68.5 mm
Stiff bearing length has been assumed, b = 100 mm
Fw = (100 + 68.5)×7.4×250/1.1×10-3 = 283.4 kN
> 220 kN, OK
LATERALLY UNSUPPORTED BEAMS
Laterally Unsupported Beam (Cl. 8.2.2, IS 800: 2007)

FACTORS AFFECTING LATERAL STABILITY

• Cross sectional shape

• Support conditions
• Effective length
 DESIGN STRENGTH

The design bending strength for laterally unsupported beams is

𝑀𝑑 = 𝛽𝑏 𝑍𝑝 𝑓𝑏𝑑
Where,
Zp = Plastic section modulus of the cross-section
βb = 1.0 for compact & plastic sections
= Ze/Zp for semi-compact sections
fbd = design bending compressive stress given by
Χ𝐿𝑇 𝑓𝑦
𝑓𝑏𝑑 =
𝛾𝑚0
ΧLT = bending stress reduction factor to account for lateral
torsion buckling
 1
Χ𝐿𝑇 = ≤ 1.0
∅𝐿𝑇 + ∅2𝐿𝑇 − λ2𝐿𝑇

Where, ∅𝐿𝑇 = 0.5 1 + 𝛼𝐿𝑇 λ𝐿𝑇 − 0.2 + λ2𝐿𝑇

𝛼LT = imperfection factor for lateral torsional
buckling of beams
= 0.21 for rolled steel sections
= 0.49 for welded steel sections
λLT = non-dimensional slenderness ratio given by,
𝛽𝑏 𝑍𝑝 𝑓𝑦 𝑍𝑒 𝑓𝑦
λ𝐿𝑇 = ≤ 1.2
𝑀𝑐𝑟 𝑀𝑐𝑟
𝑓𝑦
=
𝑓𝑐𝑟,𝑏
Where,
Mcr = elastic lateral buckling moment (Cl. 8.2.2.1) is given by,
𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼𝑦 𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼𝑤
𝑀𝑐𝑟 = 𝐺𝐼𝑡 + = 𝛽𝑏 𝑍𝑝 𝑓𝑐𝑟,𝑏
𝐿𝐿𝑇 2 𝐿𝐿𝑇 2

𝐼𝑡 = torsional constant = 𝑏𝑖 𝑡𝑖3 /3 for open section

𝐼𝑤 = warping constant
𝐼𝑦 = moment of inertia about weaker axis
𝑟𝑦 = radius of gyration about weaker axis
𝐿𝐿𝑇 =effective length for lateral torsional buckling (Clause 8.3)
ℎ𝑓 = centre-to-centre distance between flanges
𝑡𝑓 = thickness of flange
G = shear modulus
fcr,b = extreme fiber bending compressive stress corresponding to
elastic lateral buckling moment and is given by
2
𝐿𝐿𝑇
1.1𝜋 2 𝐸 1 𝑟𝑦
𝑓𝑐𝑟,𝑏 = 1+
𝐿𝐿𝑇 2 20 ℎ𝑓
𝑟𝑦 𝑡𝑓

For different values of KL/ry & ℎ𝑓 /tf corresponding values of fcr,b

is given in Table 14, IS 800:2007

Values of fbd can also be found from Table 13(a) and 13(b), IS
800: 2007 corresponds to different values of fcr,b and fy
The following simplified equation may be used in case of
prismatic members made of standard rolled I-sections and
welded doubly symmetric I-sections, for calculating the elastic
lateral buckling moment, 𝑀𝑐𝑟
2
𝐿𝐿𝑇
𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼𝑦 ℎ𝑓 1 𝑟𝑦
𝑀𝑐𝑟 = 1+
2𝐿𝐿𝑇 2 20 ℎ𝑓
𝑡𝑓
However, 𝑀𝑐𝑟 for different beam sections, considering
loading, support condition and non-symmetric section, shall
be more accurately calculated using the method given in
Annex E of IS:800-2007.
 STRENGTH CALCULATION OF
LATERALLY UNSUPPORTED BEAMS
 DESIGN STRENGTH

The design bending strength for laterally unsupported beams is

𝑀𝑑 = 𝛽𝑏 𝑍𝑝 𝑓𝑏𝑑
Where,
Zp = Plastic section modulus of the cross-section
βb = 1.0 for compact & plastic sections
= Ze/Zp for semi-compact sections
fbd = design bending compressive stress given by
Χ𝐿𝑇 𝑓𝑦
𝑓𝑏𝑑 =
𝛾𝑚0
ΧLT = bending stress reduction factor to account for lateral
torsion buckling
 1
Χ𝐿𝑇 = ≤ 1.0
∅𝐿𝑇 + ∅2𝐿𝑇 − λ2𝐿𝑇

Where, ∅𝐿𝑇 = 0.5 1 + 𝛼𝐿𝑇 λ𝐿𝑇 − 0.2 + λ2𝐿𝑇

𝛼LT = imperfection factor for lateral torsional
buckling of beams
= 0.21 for rolled steel sections
= 0.49 for welded steel sections
λLT = non-dimensional slenderness ratio given by,
𝛽𝑏 𝑍𝑝 𝑓𝑦 𝑍𝑒 𝑓𝑦
λ𝐿𝑇 = ≤ 1.2
𝑀𝑐𝑟 𝑀𝑐𝑟
𝑓𝑦
=
𝑓𝑐𝑟,𝑏
Where,
Mcr = elastic lateral buckling moment (Cl. 8.2.2.1) is given by,
𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼𝑦 𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼𝑤
𝑀𝑐𝑟 = 𝐺𝐼𝑡 + = 𝛽𝑏 𝑍𝑝 𝑓𝑐𝑟,𝑏
𝐿𝐿𝑇 2 𝐿𝐿𝑇 2

𝐼𝑡 = torsional constant = 𝑏𝑖 𝑡𝑖3 /3 for open section

𝐼𝑤 = warping constant
𝐼𝑦 = moment of inertia about weaker axis
𝑟𝑦 = radius of gyration about weaker axis
𝐿𝐿𝑇 =effective length for lateral torsional buckling (Clause 8.3)
ℎ𝑓 = centre-to-centre distance between flanges
𝑡𝑓 = thickness of flange
G = shear modulus
fcr,b = extreme fiber bending compressive stress corresponding to
elastic lateral buckling moment and is given by
2
𝐿𝐿𝑇
1.1𝜋 2 𝐸 1 𝑟𝑦
𝑓𝑐𝑟,𝑏 = 1+
𝐿𝐿𝑇 2 20 ℎ𝑓
𝑟𝑦 𝑡𝑓

For different values of KL/ry & ℎ𝑓 /tf corresponding values of fcr,b

is given in Table 14, IS 800:2007

Values of fbd can also be found from Table 13(a) and 13(b), IS
800: 2007 corresponds to different values of fcr,b and fy
Example: Calculate the design bending strength of ISLB 300
@ 0.369 kN/m considering the beam to be
(a) Laterally supported
(b) Laterally unsupported

Assume the design force is less the design shear strength and
is of low shear. The effective length of the beam (LLT) is 4 m.
Assume Fe410 grade of steel.
The relevant properties of ISLB 300

D = 300 mm, bf = 150 mm, tw = 6.7 mm, tf = 9.4 mm,

R1 = 15.0 mm
rx = 124 mm, ry = 28 mm
Zpz = 554.32 × 103 mm3, Zez = 488.9 × 103 mm3,
Iz = 7333 × 104 mm4, Iy = 376 × 104 mm4

d = D – 2(tf + R1) = 300 – 2(9.4 + 15) = 251.2 mm

For rolled section: αLT = 0.21

For Fe 410 grade of steel: fy = 250 MPa

Partial safety factor: m0 = 1.10
𝑏 150/2
= = 7.98 < 9.4
𝑡𝑓 9.4
𝑑 251.2
= = 37.49 < 84
𝑡𝑤 6.7
Hence, the section is plastic.
𝑑 251.2
Since, = = 37.49 < 67ϵ
𝑡𝑤 6.7
Shear buckling check of web will not be required.

(a) Laterally supported beam

For low shear,
𝑓𝑦 250
𝑀𝑑 = 𝛽𝑏 𝑍𝑝 = 1.0 × 554.32 × 103 × = 125.98 kN-m
𝛾𝑚0 1.1
𝑓𝑦 250
≤ 1.2𝑍𝑒 = 1.2 × 488.9 × 103 × = 133.34 kN-m
𝑦𝑚0 1.1
Hence, design bending strength = 125.98 kN
(b) Laterally unsupported beam
𝜋2 𝐸𝐼𝑦 𝜋2 𝐸𝐼𝑤
𝑀𝑐𝑟 = 𝐺𝐼𝑡 +
𝐿𝐿𝑇 2 𝐿𝐿𝑇 2
LLT = 4000 mm
𝐸 2 × 105
𝐺= = = 76.92 × 103
2(1 + 𝜇) 2 × (1 + 0.3)

𝑏𝑖 𝑡𝑖3
Torsional constant, 𝐼𝑡 =
3
150×9.43 (300−2×9.4)×6.73
= 2× +
3 3
= 4
11.12 × 10 mm4

Warping constant, 𝐼𝑤 = 1 − 𝛽𝑓 𝛽𝑓 𝐼𝑦 ℎ𝑓2

Here, ℎ𝑓 = c/c distance between flanges =D - 𝑡𝑓 =300-9.4 = 290.6
 𝐼𝑓𝑐
𝛽𝑓 = =0.5 [Since 𝐼𝑓𝑐 = 𝐼𝑓𝑡 ]
𝐼𝑓𝑐 +𝐼𝑓𝑡

Thus, 𝐼𝑤 = (1 − 0.5) × 0.5 × 376 × 104 × 290.62

= 7.94 × 1010 mm6

𝜋 2 × 2 × 105 × 376 × 104

40002
𝑀𝑐𝑟 = 2 × 2 × 105 × 7.94 × 1010
𝜋
76.92 × 103 × 11.22 × 104 +
40002

= 92.45 kNm
Or,
2 0.5
𝜋 2 𝐸𝐼𝑦 ℎ𝑓 1 𝐿𝐿𝑇 /𝑟𝑦
𝑀𝑐𝑟 = 1+
2𝐿2𝐿𝑇 20 ℎ𝑓 /𝑡𝑓
2 5 4 2 0.5
𝜋 × 2 × 10 × 376 × 10 × 290.6 1 4000/28
= 2
1+
2 × 4000 20 290.6/9.4
= 96.92 kNm

𝛽𝑏 𝑍𝑝𝑧 𝑓𝑦 1×554.32×103 ×250

λ𝐿𝑇 = = = 1.22 > 0.4
𝑀𝑐𝑟 92.45×106
So, the effect of lateral torsional buckling has to be considered.

∅𝐿𝑇 = 0.5 1 + 𝛼𝐿𝑇 λ𝐿𝑇 − 0.2 + λ2𝐿𝑇

∅𝐿𝑇 = 0.5 1 + 0.21 1.22 − 0.2 + 1.222

= 1.35
 1
Χ𝐿𝑇 = ≤ 1.0
∅𝐿𝑇 + ∅2𝐿𝑇 − λ2𝐿𝑇

1
=
1.35 + 1.352 − 1.222
= 0.52

Χ𝐿𝑇 𝑓𝑦
𝑓𝑏𝑑 =
𝛾𝑚0
0.52 × 250
=
1.1
= 118.2 N/mm2

𝑀𝑑 = 1 × 554.32 × 103 × 118.2 × 10−6 = 65.52 kN-m

Using Table
ℎ𝑓 290.6
1. KL/ry = 4000/28 = 142.86, = = 30.9
𝑡𝑓 9.4
For fy = 250 N/mm2, from Table 14, fcr,b = 155 N/mm2

2
𝐿𝐿𝑇
1.1𝜋2 𝐸 1 𝑟𝑦
Using equations: 𝑓𝑐𝑟,𝑏 = 2 1+ ℎ𝑓
𝐿𝐿𝑇 20
𝑟𝑦 𝑡𝑓

2
1.1𝜋2 ×2×105 1 4000 28
𝑓𝑐𝑟,𝑏 = 4000 1+ = 153 N/mm2
28
2 20 290.6 9.4

For, fcr,b = 155 N/mm2 and fy = 250 N/mm2 and αLT = 0.21 , from
Table 13(a), IS 800: 2007, fbd = 109.53 N/mm2
Md = 1 × 554.32 × 103 × 107.59 = 60.71 kN-m
𝑀𝑑 = 65.52 kN-m (Using expressions)