QM Aligned Course Design Template

Course Name: CE 3130: Steel Structures Design

Module 08: Title (Beams: Bending Strength of Compact & Noncompact Shapes)

Module Overview / Introduction (ST. 1 - 8)

A compact section is a section that has a sufficiently stocky profile so that it is capable of developing a fully
plastic stress distribution before buckling locally (web or flange). For a section to be compact, the width thickness ratio
of the flanges of W-or other I-shaped rolled sections must not exceed a 𝑏⁄𝑡 value 𝜆𝑝 = 0.38√𝐸 ⁄𝐹𝑦 , Similarly, the
webs in flexural compression must not exceed an ℎ⁄𝑡𝑤 value 𝜆𝑝 = 3.76√𝐸 ⁄𝐹𝑦 , the value of b, t, h and 𝑡𝑤 are
show in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Values of b, t, h and 𝑡𝑤 to be used for computing 𝜆 = width-thickness ratios. (McCormac-2013)

The dividing line between compact and noncompact compression elements is the limiting width-to-thickness
ratio 𝜆𝑝 , while the dividing line between noncompact and slender compression elements is limiting width-to-thickness
ratio 𝜆𝑟 . For a section to qualify as a compact section, alla of its compression elements must have width-to-thickness
ratios smaller than the limiting ratios, 𝜆𝑝 . On the other hand, if the with-to-thickness ratio of any one compression
element of a section exceeds 𝜆𝑟 , the section is referred to as a slender-element section. If the width-to-thickness
ratio of one or more compression elements exceeds 𝜆𝑝 bot none exceeds 𝜆𝑟 , the section is a noncompact section.
(Vinnakota-2006)

Module Learning Objectives (ST. 2 & 8)

Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
1. Understanding the basic concepts associated to design of bending strength of compact and noncompact shapes.
2. Selection of the materials, shape dimensions in compact-noncompact shapes.
3. Determinate the bending stress, elastic flexural and shear stresses in compact and non compact shapes..

BENDING STRENGTH OF COMPACT SHAPES

A noncompact section is one for which the yield stress can be reached is some, but not all, of its compression
elements before buckling occurs. It is not capable of reaching a fully plastic stress distribution. The noncompact
sections are those that have web-thickness ratios greater than 𝜆𝑝 , but not greater than 𝜆𝑟 . The 𝜆𝑟 values are provided
in Table 9.2 which is Table B4.1b of the AISC Specification.
For the noncompact range, the width-thickness ratios of the flanges or W-or other I-shaped rolled sections
must not exceed 𝜆𝑟 = 1.0√𝐸 ⁄𝐹𝑦 , while those for the webs must no exceed 𝜆𝑟 = 5.70√𝐸 ⁄𝐹𝑦 , other values are
provided in the AISC Table B4.1b for 𝜆𝑝 and 𝜆𝑟 , for other shapes. For noncompact beams, the nominal flexural
strength 𝑀𝑛 is the lowest of the lateral-torsional buckling strength, the compression flange local buckling strength, or
web local buckling strength. (Mc Cormac-2013)
Example 1
A 6-ft simply supported beam is to carry a factored uniformly distributed load of 30 klf. Assume adequate continuous
lateral bracing and neglect self-weight of beam. Select:

a.- The lightest W-shape of A992 steel.

b.- The lightest W12-shape of A992 steel.
SOLUTION:
𝐿 = 6 𝑓𝑡; 𝑞𝑢 = 30 𝑘𝑙𝑓; 𝑓𝑦 = 50 𝑘𝑠𝑖

As the loading is rather heavy and the span is short, shear might control the member selection.
𝑞𝑢 𝑙2 1
𝑀𝑢 = 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = = (30.0)(6.02 ) = 135 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 .
8 8

𝑞𝑢 𝑙 1
𝑉𝑢 = 𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 = = (30.0)(6.0) = 90.0 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
2 2

For A992 steel, with 𝐹𝑦 = 50 𝑘𝑠𝑖, the limiting web slenderness ratio for plate yielding in shear is given by:
29000
𝜆𝑝𝑣 = 2.45√𝐸 ⁄𝐹𝑦 = 2.45√ = 59.0
50
The limiting slenderness ratios for plate buckling in flexure are given by:

29000 29000
𝜆𝑝𝑓 = 0.38√𝐸 ⁄𝐹𝑦 = 0.38√ = 9.15 ; 𝜆𝑝𝑤 = 3.76√𝐸 ⁄𝐹𝑦 = 3.76√ = 90.6
50 50

Lightest W-shape:
W-shape selection by 𝑍𝑥 , con 𝑀𝑟𝑒𝑞 = 135 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠, and select a W12 x 26 section in bold face, for which:
𝜙𝑏 𝑀𝑝𝑥 = 140 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 > 𝑀𝑢 = 135 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠. 𝑂. 𝐾.

From Table 1-1 of the LRFDM for W12 x 26:

ℎ
𝑑 = 12.2 𝑖𝑛, 𝑡𝑤 = 0.230 𝑖𝑛, 𝜆𝑤 = = 47.2
𝑡𝑤

As 𝜆𝑤 < 𝜆𝑝𝑣 for the web, the design shear strength of the wed is given by (LRFD Eq. F2-1) namely:
𝑉𝑑 = 𝜙𝑏 𝑉𝑛 = 0.9(0.6𝐹𝑦 𝑑𝑡𝑤 ) = 0.9(0.6)(50)(12.2)(0.230)

= 75.9 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 < 𝑉𝑢 = 90 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠. 𝑁. 𝐺.

Indicating that the W 12 x 26 section is inadequate for the limit state of shear strength. (instead of calculating, the design shear
strength 𝜙𝑏 𝑉𝑛 = 75.9 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠. Could have been read from LRFDM Table 5-3; W-Shapes Selection by 𝑍𝑥 , corresponding to a
W12 x 26 shape).
Select a heavier and/or deeper section, from one of the sections located above the W 12 x 26 shape, in that. For example,
select a W 14 x 26 shape that is also in boldface, for which:

𝜙𝑣 𝑉𝑛 = 95.7 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 > 𝑉𝑢 = 90 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠. 𝑶. 𝑲. 𝜙𝑏 𝑀𝑝𝑥 = 150 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 > 135 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 𝑶. 𝑲.

BENDING STRENGTH OF NONCOMPACT SHAPES

An I-shape is compact, if:

𝜆𝑓 ≤ 𝜆𝑝𝑓 and 𝜆𝑤 ≤ 𝜆𝑝𝑤

It is a slender-element section if:

𝜆𝑓 < 𝜆𝑟𝑓 and 𝜆𝑤 < 𝜆𝑟𝑤

And it is a noncompact section in all other cases. From LRFD Table B5.1, for rolled steel I-shapes.

𝐸 𝐸
𝜆𝑝𝑓 = 0.38√ ; 𝜆𝑝𝑤 = 3.76 √
𝐹𝑦 𝐹𝑦

𝐸 𝐸
𝜆𝑟𝑓 = 0.83√ ; 𝜆𝑟𝑤 = 5.70 √
𝐹𝐿 𝐹𝑦

The webs of all hot-rolled shapes in the Manual are compact, so the noncompact shapes are subject only to
the limit states of lateral-torsional buckling and flange local. buckling. Built-up welded shapes, however, can have
noncompact or slender webs as well as noncompact or slender flanges.

Example 2
A W12 x 65 beam of A992 steel has an unbraced segment of length 11 ft
Calculate the values of 𝐿𝑝 , 𝐿′𝑝 , Ф𝑏 𝑀𝑝𝑥 , and Ф𝑏 𝑀′𝑝𝑥 . Also, determine the maximum uniform factors major-axis
bending moment that may be applied to this beam segment as per LRFD.
Solution:
From LRFD Table 1-1 for W12 x 65 shape:
𝑏𝑓 ℎ
𝑍𝑥 = 96.8 𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑔3 ; 𝑟𝑦 = 3.02 𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑔. 𝜆𝑓 = = 9.92 ; 𝜆𝑤 = = 24.9
2𝑡𝑓 𝑡𝑤

The limiting slenderness parameters for the flange and web of a rolled steel I-section are as follows:

29000 29000 29000 29000

𝜆𝑝𝑓 = 0.38√ = 9.15; 𝜆𝑟𝑓 = 0.83√ = 22.3 ; 𝜆𝑝𝑤 = 3.76√ = 90.6 ; 𝜆𝑟𝑤 = 5.70√ = 137
50 (50 − 10) 50 50
As 𝜆𝑝𝑓 < 𝜆𝑓 < 𝜆𝑟𝑓 , the flange is noncompact. And 𝜆𝑤 < 𝜆𝑟𝑤 , el alma es compacta.

The limiting unbraced length for full plastic bending capacity, for 𝐶𝑏 = 1.0, is given by:

𝐸 1.76(3.02) 29000
𝜆𝑝 = 1.76𝑟𝑦 √ = √ = 10.7 𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑠
𝐹𝑦 12 50

96.8(50)
Plastic moment, 𝑀𝑝𝑥 = 𝑍𝑥 𝐹𝑦 = = 403 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.
12

Ф𝑏 𝑀𝑝𝑥 = (0.9)(403) = 363 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.

From the Table 5-3 LRFD, for W a W12 x 65, of 𝐹𝑦 = 50 𝑘𝑠𝑖 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙.
Ф𝑏 𝑀𝑝𝑥 = 264 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠. 𝐿𝑟 = 31.7 𝑓𝑡. ; 𝐵𝐹 = 5.01

The flange local buckling strength of the noncompact section Is obtained with the help of Equation as:
(𝜆𝑓 − 𝜆𝑝𝑓 )
𝑀𝑑 , 𝑃𝐿𝑃 = Ф𝑏 𝑀𝑝𝑥 − (Ф𝑏 𝑀𝑝𝑥 − Ф𝑏 𝑀𝑟𝑥 )
(𝜆𝑟𝑓 − 𝜆𝑝𝑓 )

(9.92 − 9.15)
= 363 − (363 − 264) = 357 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 − 𝑝𝑖𝑒 = Ф𝑏 𝑀′𝑝𝑥
(22.3 − 9.15)

Also from Eq. 10.5.9:

(Ф𝑏 𝑀𝑝𝑥 − 𝑀𝑑 , 𝑃𝐿𝑃) (363 − 357)
𝐿′𝑝 = 𝐿𝑝 + = 10.7 + = 11.9 𝑓𝑡.
𝐵𝐹 5.01

Note that values of Ф𝑏 𝑀𝑝𝑥 and 𝐿𝑝 tabulated in LRFD beam selection tables, for the noncompact shape considered,
are actually Ф𝑏 𝑀´𝑝𝑥 and 𝐿′𝑝 calculated.

Unbraced length for the beam segment, 𝐿𝑏 = 11.0 𝑓𝑡.

As 𝐿𝑏 < 𝐿´𝑝 = 11.9 𝑓𝑡, the design bending strength of the beam segment:
𝑀𝑑 = Ф𝑏 𝑀´𝑝𝑥 = 357 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠. (𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟)

The dividing line between compact and noncompact compression elements is the limiting width-to-thickness
ratio 𝜆𝑝 , while the dividing line between noncompact and slender compression elements is limiting width-to-thickness
ratio 𝜆𝑟 . For a section to qualify as a compact section, alla of its compression elements must have width-to-thickness
ratios smaller than the limiting ratios, 𝜆𝑝 . On the other hand, if the with-to-thickness ratio of any one compression
element of a section exceeds 𝜆𝑟 , the section is referred to as a slender-element section. If the width-to-thickness
ratio of one or more compression elements exceeds 𝜆𝑝 bot none exceeds 𝜆𝑟 , the section is a noncompact section.
(Vinnakota-2006)
Example 3.
A simply supported beam with a span length of 45 feet is laterally supported at its ends and is subjected to the
following service loads:
Dead load = 400 lb/ft (including the weight of the beam)
Live load = 1000 lb/ft.
If 𝐹𝑦 = 50 ksi, is a W14 × 90 adequate?
Determine whether the shape is compact, noncompact, or slender:
𝑏𝑓
𝜆= = 10.2
2𝑡𝑓

𝐸 29000
𝜆𝑝 = 0.38√𝐹 = 0.38 √ = 9.15
𝑦 50

𝐸 29000
𝜆𝑟 = 1.0√ = 1.0 √ = 24.1
𝐹𝑦 50

Since 𝜆𝑝 < 𝜆 < 𝜆𝑟 , this shape is noncompact. Check the capacity based on the limit state of flange local buckling:

𝑀𝑝 = 𝐹𝑦 𝑍𝑥 = 50 (157) = 7850 𝑖𝑛 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.

𝜆 − 𝜆𝑝
𝑀𝑛 = 𝑀𝑝 − (𝑀𝑝 − 0.70 𝐹𝑦 𝑍𝑥 ) ( )
𝜆𝑟 − 𝜆𝑝

10.2 − 9.15
𝑀𝑛 = 7850 − (7850 − 0.70 × 50 × 143 ) ( )
24.1 − 9.15

= 7650 𝑖𝑛 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 = 637.7 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.

Check the capacity based on the limit state of lateral-torsional buckling. From the
𝑍𝑥 table:

𝐿𝑝 = 15.1 𝑓𝑡. and 𝐿𝑟 = 42.5 𝑓𝑡.

Figure 2 (Segui-2012)
𝐿𝑏 = 45 𝑓𝑡. > 𝐿𝑟 ∴ 𝐹𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑦 𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝐿𝑇𝐵.

For a uniformly loaded, simply supported beam with lateral support at the ends:
𝐶𝑏 = 1.14 (as Figure 2) From Part 1 of the Manual:

For a doubly-symmetric I shape, c = 1.0. AISC Equation F2-4 gives 𝐿𝑦 = 362 𝑖𝑛4
𝑟𝑡𝑠 = 4.11 in.
𝐶𝑏 𝜋 2 𝐸 𝐽𝑐 𝐿𝑏 2 ℎ𝑜 = 13.3 in.
𝐹𝑐𝑟 = √1 + 0.078 ( ) 𝐽 = 4.06 𝑖𝑛4
(𝐿𝑏 ⁄𝑟𝑡𝑠 )2 𝑆𝑥 ℎ𝑜 𝑟𝑡𝑠
𝐶𝑤 = 16,00 𝑖𝑛6

1.14𝜋 2 29000 4.06 × (1.0) 45 × 12 2

= √1 + 0.078 ( ) = 37.20 𝑘𝑠𝑖.
45 × 12 2 143(13.3) 4.11
( 4.11 )

From AISC Equation F2-3:

𝑀𝑛 = 𝐹𝑐𝑟 𝑆𝑥 = 37.20(143) = 5320 𝑖𝑛 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 < 𝑀𝑝 = 7850 𝑖𝑛 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.

This is smaller than the nominal strength based on flange local buckling, so lateral-torsional buckling controls.
LRFD solution:

𝜙𝑏 𝑀𝑛 = 0.90(5320) = 4788 𝑖𝑛 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 = 399 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠.

The factored load and moment are:

𝑀𝑢 = 1.2𝑤𝐷 + 1.6𝑤𝐿 = 1.2(0.400) + 1.6(1.000) = 2.080 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠/𝑓𝑡.

1 1
𝑀𝑢 = 𝑤𝑢 𝐿2 = (2.080)(45)2 = 527 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠 > 399 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠. (𝑁. 𝐺. )
8 8

Answer: Since 𝑀𝑢 > 𝜙𝑏 𝑀𝑛 the beam does not have adequate moment strength.

ASD solution:

The allowable stress is:

𝐹𝑏 = 0.6𝐹𝑐𝑟 = 0.6(37.20) = 22.3 𝑘𝑠𝑖.

ASD solution:

The applied bending moment is:

1 1
𝑀𝑎 = 𝑤𝑎 𝐿2 = (0.400 + 1.000)(45)2 = 354.4 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
8 8

𝑀𝑎 354.4(12)
𝑓𝑏 = = = 29.7 𝑘𝑠𝑖 > 22.3 𝑘𝑠𝑖. (𝑁. 𝐺. )
𝑆𝑥 143

ANSWER: Since 𝑓𝑏 > 𝐹𝑏 , the beam does not have adequate moment strength.
Table 1. Width-to-Thickness Ratios: Compression Elements-Members Subject to Flexure (AISC Specification)
Conclusion

Noncompact steel beams will typically reach a maximum strength smaller than their theoretical
𝑀𝑝 because of local buckling.
The effective stresses at which local buckling of the flanges and web initiates can be obtained
by algebraic manipulations of the design equations limiting width-to-thickness ratios.
The ratio of the effective stress to the yield stress can be calculated.
This ratio multiplied by the theoretical plastic moment of the cross-section defines an effective
plastic moment used for design. (Bruneau, Ming, Sabelli-2011)

Doubly symmetric, I-sections are the most commonly used shapes for beams as they are
easier to produce, and more importantly, are much easier to connect to other members. However, in
situations where the beam is to be used in a laterally unsupported state over long spans such as crane
booms, the use f box sections having high torsional stiffness (and hence, high flexural-torsional
buckling strength) should be seriously considered.

Channels are often used as purlins, girts, eave struts, lintels, trimmers and headers for
stairwell, lift shafts, an other openings.
Learning Activities and Learner Interactions
Activity 1.1 (ST. 3, 5, 6 & 8) Please read Notes 3-4 for more information about the activities
Objective:
Upon completion this activity you will be able to determinate the shear strength of connection
member’s shown.
Students Instructions:
1) This activity is a multiple selection.
2) You can realize this assessment once.
3) This exercise is worth 5 points; however, it is important to make it to reinforce your learning.
4) The deadline is indicated on “Calendar”, which is located in “Tools” in the Blackboard platform
Question: CS
Determinate the design strength Ф𝑀𝑛 for a W14 x 68, A242 steel profile with this conditions:
Answer:
a.- Continuous lateral bracing.
b.- Unbraced length=20 ft. 𝐶𝑏 = 1.00 a) Ф𝑏 𝑀𝑛 = 431 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
b.- Unbraced length=20 ft. 𝐶𝑏 = 1.75 b ) Ф𝑏 𝑀𝑛 = 353 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
c ) Ф𝑏 𝑀𝑛 = 431 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠

a) Ф𝑏 𝑀𝑛 = 411 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
b ) Ф𝑏 𝑀𝑛 = 333 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
c ) Ф𝑏 𝑀𝑛 = 401 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠

a) Ф𝑏 𝑀𝑛 = 471 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
b ) Ф𝑏 𝑀𝑛 = 363 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
c ) Ф𝑏 𝑀𝑛 = 466 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑘𝑖𝑝𝑠
Learning Activities and Learner Interactions
Activity 1.2 (ST. 3, 5, 6 & 8) Please read Notes 3-4 for more information about the activities
Objective:
Upon completion this activity you will be able to determinate the shear strength of connection
member’s shown.
Students Instructions:
1) This activity is a multiple selection.
2) You can realize this assessment once.
3) This exercise is worth 5 points; however, it is important to make it to reinforce your learning.
4) The deadline is indicated on “Calendar”, which is located in “Tools” in the Blackboard platform
Question:
A W16 x 45 of A992 steel is used as a simple beam of 33-ft span, as shown in Figure 3. Determine the factors,
uniformly distributed load 𝑞𝑢 that the beam can support if lateral supports are provided:
a) 5’6” intervals.
Answer:

a) 4.0 kips
b) 3.5 kips
c) 2.5 kips
d) 2.27 kips.

Figure 3 (Vinnakota-2006)
Learning Activities and Learner Interactions
Activity 1.3 (ST. 3, 5, 6 & 8) Please read Notes 3-4 for more information about the activities
Objective:
Upon completion this activity you will be able to determinate the shear strength of connection
member’s shown.
Students Instructions:
1) This activity is a multiple selection.
2) You can realize this assessment once.
3) This exercise is worth 5 points; however, it is important to make it to reinforce your learning.
4) The deadline is indicated on “Calendar”, which is located in “Tools” in the Blackboard platform
Question:
Determine the esign bending strength of a W18 x 35 beam segment of A992 steel, if:
a) 𝐿𝑏 = 4 𝑓𝑡.
b) 𝐿𝑏 = 8 𝑓𝑡. 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶𝑏 = 1.0
c) 𝐿𝑏 = 8 𝑓𝑡. 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶𝑏 = 1.1
d) 𝐿𝑏 = 8 𝑓𝑡. 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶𝑏 = 1.5
e) 𝐿𝑏 = 12 𝑓𝑡. 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶𝑏 = 1.0
f) 𝐿𝑏 = 12 𝑓𝑡. 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶𝑏 = 1.3
g) 𝐿𝑏 = 12 𝑓𝑡. 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶𝑏 = 2.3
Learning Activities and Learner Interactions
Activity 1.4 (ST. 3, 5, 6 & 8) Please read Notes 3-4 for more information about the activities
Objective:
Upon completion this activity you will be able to determinate the shear strength of connection
member’s shown.
Students Instructions:
1) This activity is a multiple selection.
2) You can realize this assessment once.
3) This exercise is worth 5 points; however, it is important to make it to reinforce your learning.
4) The deadline is indicated on “Calendar”, which is located in “Tools” in the Blackboard platform
Question:
Using both LRFD and ASD, select the most economical sections, with 𝐹𝑦 = 50 𝑘𝑠𝑖, unless otherwise
specified and assuming full lateral bracing for the compression flanges. Working or service loads are
given for each case, and beam weights are not included.

Answer:

W 24 x 76
W 24 x 68
W 21 x 83
W 21 x 93

Figure 4.
References (ST. 4 & 8)

Required Resources:

Steel Design, 5TH. Ed.; William T. Segui – The University of Memphis, USA 2013.

Additional Resources:
Steel Structures Design, 5th. Ed. Mc Cormac, Prentice Hall, 2012.
Steel Structures, Behavior and LRFD. 1st. Ed., S. Vinnakota, McGraw-Hill. USA 2006.
Ductile Design of Steel Structures BRUNEAU, UAN, SABELLI, McGraw-Hill. USA 2011