Example 5.

Using limit state design, select the lightest Universal Beam section to carry a uniformly
distributed superimposed load of 14.6 kN/m on a 6.1 m simply supported span. The
compression flange is fully supported against lateral movement. Use grade S275 steel.

Solution

(i) Compute forces* and try a

section
BMD
Initially ignore self-weight of the
beam and assume design strength,
py = 275 N/mm2 Max moment
SFD
Service imposed load,
qk = 14.6 kN/m

Use load factors of 1.4 for dead Max shear

load and 1.6 for imposed (live)
load
Max shear
Factored imposed load, Figure E5.1a
qk,D = 1.6 x 14.6 = 23.36 kN/m

Factored maximum moment at beam centre (see bending moment diagram – BMD – in Figure
E5.1a),
2
23.36 × ( 6.1)
qk , D L2
M= = = 108.7 kNm
8 8
Required plastic modulus,
3
M 108.7 ×10
S≥ = = 395.3 cm 3 y T
py 275
Try 305x102x28 kg/m UB.
From section properties tables,
the following geometrical values t
for the trial section (see Figure
E5.1b) are read: d D
Sxx = 407.2 cm3 x x
3
Zxx = 351.0 cm
Ixx = 5421 cm4 r
B = 101.9 mm
D = 308.9 mm
d = 275.8 mm
t = 6.1 mm B
T = 8.9 mm
r = 7.6 mm y

Now that the trial section is Figure E5.1b

known, the correct self-weight
and design strength can be used in the computations.
*
The term “forces” is used here to refer to reactions, moments and shears.
1
The mass of the trial UB section is 28 kg/m; assuming an acceleration due to gravity of 10 m/s2,
the weight is 28x10 N/m = 0.28 kN/m. Therefore the revised figures are:

Design load = 1.4x0.28 + 1.6x14.6 = 24.752 kN/m

The shape of the shear force diagram (SFD) is shown in Figure E5.1a.
2
23.752 × ( 6.1)
Factored moment at beam centre, M = = 110.5 kNm
8
WL 23.752 × 6.1
Factored shear at member ends, F = = = 72.4 kNm
2 2

It should be noticed that the contribution of beam self-weight is negligible (for example, the
revised bending moment has changed by a mere +1.7%, meaning that no significant degree of
accuracy would be lost by ignoring the weight of the beam.

(ii) Check for section classification

Since T = 8.9 mm < 16 mm, therefore the design strength py = 275 N/mm2
275
ε= = 1.0
py
b 12 B 0.5 × 101.9
= = = 5.7 < 8.5ε = 8.5 ⇒ Flange is plastic (class 1)
T T 8.9
d 275.8
= = 45.2 < 79ε = 79 ⇒ Web is plastic (class 1)
t 6.1
∴ The entire section is plastic (class 1)

(iii) Check shear capacity

Shear area, Av = tD = 6.1x308.9 = 1884.3 mm2

Shear capacity, Pv = 0.6pyAv = 0.6x275x1884.3x10-3 = 310.9 kN > Fv = 72.4 kN
∴ Shear capacity is OK.

(iv) Check moment capacity

First establish if shear is low or high at the point where the moment capacity is to be checked,
namely the centre of the beam. At the centre of the beam the shear is 0 kN.
0.6Pv = 0.6x310.9 = 186.5 kN > Fv = 0
∴ The shear force is low.

(Note that a shear of 0 kN is always low, but we have here gone through the motions so as to
present the general computational procedure.)

For a class 1 section with low shear, the moment capacity is given by
Mc = pySxx ≤ 1.2pyZxx

Now, pySxx = 275x407.2x10-3 = 112.0 kNm

and 1.2pyZxx = 1.2x275x351x10-3 = 115.8 kNm > pySxx = 112.0 kNm
∴ Mc = 112.0 kNm > M = 110.5 kNm
∴ The trial section is satisfactory for the moment.
2
(iv) Check deflection

Maximum deflection occurs at the beam mid-span and is given by

4
5 wk L4 5 14.6 × ( 6.1×103 )
δ= = = 23.7 mm
384 EI 384 2.05 ×105 × 5421× 104
If we assume a deflection limit of span/360, then
δ 23.7 1 1
= 3
= >
span 6.1×10 257 360
∴ The beam is not satisfactory for deflection.

We therefore have to try another (stronger, that is stiffer) section until all the checks described
are satisfied. The lightest section that satisfies the criteria of shear capacity, moment capacity
and deflection limit is found to be 356x127x33 kg/m UB. (The reader is urged to verify this.) It
is worth noting that since the deflection is a function of moment of inertia I, it is usually
possible to try first time a section that will satisfy the criterion of deflection by writing the
required minimum moment of inertia in terms of deflection. For example, to satisfy a deflection
limit of span/360 in a simply supported beam carrying a uniformly distributed load, we have

5 wL4
δ=
384 EI
5 wL4 5 wL3 5 wL3  L  5 wL3  span  5 wL3  360 
or I = = =   =   =  
384 Eδ 384  δ  384 E  δ  384 E  deflection  384 E  1 
E 
L
For the current example, the moment of inertia is computed from the above expression as I =
7577 cm4. The section is therefore selected which has at least this value of I; in addition the
section should have a minimum required plastic modulus determined as before of S = 395.3 cm3
with self-weight initially ignored. The lightest such section is found to be 356x127x33 kg/m UB
with Sxx = 539.8 cm3 and Ixx = 8200 cm4. With such a “calculated” guess, the detailed analysis
and design process can then proceed, taking into account the self-weight of the beam.
Occasionally, the “calculated” guess will still not satisfy all the requirements but at least it gives
a good starting point.

(v) Check web buckling and bearing

For purposes of these checks, the connection shown in Figure E5.1c will be assumed.

3
 Clearance = 10 mm

r=

L100x100x10

Figure E5.1c

Clearance = 10 mm

b1 n1

450

Beam centre-line
r=

L100x100x10

Figure E5.d

4
 Clearance = 10 mm

b1 n2
2.5
1

r= End of fillet (flange-web

interface

L100x100x10

Figure E5.e

Example 5.2

Repeat Example 5.2 if the beam compression flange is not restrained against lateral movement.

Example 5.3

For the 356x171x57 kg/m Universal Beam shown in Figure E5.3a, check if the centrally
positioned bearing plate on top of the beam is adequate. What would you need to do if the
support turned out to be inadequate?
500 kN
Solution

From section property tables:

Depth D = 358.6 mm
Width B = 172.1 mm
Web thickness t = 8.0 mm
Flange thickness T = 13.0 mm 300
Depth between fillets d = 312.2 mm

Check web buckling at the centre of the beam (refer to

Figure E5.3b) 2000

Web buckling strength Pw = (n1 + b1)tpc All lengths in mm

Stiff bearing length b1 = 300 mm
n1 = 2xD/2 = 358.6/2 = 358.6 mm
Figure E5.3a

5
Design strength of web for t = 8.0 mm and grade S275 steel, py = 275 N/mm2
Slenderness of unstiffened web λ = 2.5d/t = 2.5x312.2/8 = 97.6
From Table 27(c), for λ = 97.6 and py = 275 N/mm2, pc = 129.6 N/mm2
∴ Pw = (300 + 358.6)x8x129.6x10-3 = 682.8 kN > 500 kN
∴ Web buckling capacity is adequate.

Check the web bearing at the web/flange (end of root fillet) connection (refer to Figure E5.3c)

Web bearing strength Pw = (n1 + b2)tpyw

Stiff bearing length b1 = 300 mm
n2 = 2x2.5(D-d)/2 = 2x2.5(358.6 - 312.2)/2 = 116 mm
Design strength of web for t = 8.0 mm and grade S275 steel, pyw = 275 N/mm2
∴ Pw = (300 + 116)x8x275x10-3 = 915.2 kN > 500 kN
∴ Web bearing capacity is adequate.

∴ Overall the bearing plate on the beam is adequate.

500 kN

b1 = 300 mm D/2

450 Beam centre

line

b1 + n1

Figure E5.3b

6
 500 kN

b1 = 300 mm (D-d)/2
1
2.5 Web/flange
connection

b1 + n2

Figure E5.3c

The strength of the support can be increased by any of the following, all other factors being
constant:
• Increasing the stiff bearing length
• Using web stiffeners

Of course using stronger materials and stiffer sections will also increase the capacities of the
bearings.

Example 5.4

A steel beam of 8.0 m span carries the loading as shown in Figure E5.4a. lateral restraint is
provided at the supports and the point of concentrated load (by cross-beams). Using grade S275
steel, select a suitable Universal Beam section to satisfy bending, shear and the Eurocode 3
serviceability requirements.

DL = 90 kN
IL = 70 kN DL = 10 kN/m

80 kNm A B 45 kNm
4m 4m

Figure E5.4a

Solution

7
Assume the beam self-weight is included within the dead load of 10 kN/m. Assume also that the
loads indicated are service loads but moments are factored.

(i) Derive bending moment and shear force diagrams

Use load factors of 1.4 and 1.6 for dead and imposed loads, respectively.
Reactions RA and RB from factored loads:
Taking moments about A,
RB × 8 + ( 80 − 45 ) − ( 90 ×1.4 ) × 4 − 70 ×1.6 × 4 − 10 × 8 × 4 × 1.4 = 0
From which RB=170.625 kN
Considering vertical equilibrium,
RA + RB − ( 90 + 10 × 8 ) ×1.4 − 70 ×1.6 = 0
From which RA=179.375 kN
Considering the equilibrium of beam section 0≤x≤4 m (see Figure E54b):
Shear force V = 179.375 − 10 x (1.4 )
Bending moment 10x1.4 kN/m
x2
M = 179.375 x − 10 (1.4 ) − 80
2
At x = 0 m: V = 179.375 kN, M = -80 kNm 80 kNm M
At x = 4 m: V = 123.375 kN, M = +525.5 x
kNm
RA = 179.375 kN V
Considering the equilibrium of beam section
4≤x≤8 m (see Figure E5.4c): Figure E5.4b

10x1.4 kN/m 90x1.4 kN

70x1.6 kN

80 kNm M
4m x-4

RA = 179.375 kN V

Figure E5.4c

Shear force V = 179.375 − ( 90 × 1.4 + 70 ×1.6 ) − (10 ×1.4 x )

x2
Bending moment M = 179.375 x − ( 90 × 1.4 + 70 ×1.6 )( x − 4 ) − (10 ×1.4 ) − 80
2
At x = 4 m: V = -114.625 kN, M = +525.5 kNm
At x = 8 m: V = -170.625 kN, M = -45 kNm

Following the above computations, the bending moment diagram (BMD) and shear force
diagram (SFD) may be sketched as in Figure E5.4d.

8
 179.375

SFD
[kN] + 123.375

114.625 -

170.625
80
BMD -
[kNm] 45

525.5

Figure E5.4d

(ii) Select a trial section

If we tried 533x210x82 kg/m UB, it would pass the criteria of shear and moment capacities but
fail the lateral-torsional buckling check. We then try 610x229x113 kg/m UB. From the section
properties tables the following are obtained:
D = 607.3 mm
B = 228.2 mm
t = 11.2 mm
T = 17.3 mm
r = 12.7 mm
d = 547.2 mm
A = 144.5 cm2
Ixx = 87431 cm4
Iyy = 3439 cm4
rxx = 24.60 cm
ryy = 4.88 cm
Zxx = 2879 cm3
Zyy = 301.4 cm3
Sxx = 3288 cm3
Syy = 470.2 cm3

For T = 17.3 mm > 16 mm but less than 40 mm, the design strength py = 265 N/mm2

(iii) Section classification

9
 275 275
ε= = = 1.02
py 265
b 12 B 0.5 × 228.2
= = = 6.6 < 8.5ε = 8.7 ⇒ Flange is plastic (class 1)
T T 17.3
d 547.2
= = 48.9 < 79ε = 80.6 ⇒ Web is plastic (class 1)
t 11.2

∴ The entire section is classified as class 1.

(iv) Shear capacity determination

Shear area Av = tD = 11.2x607.3 = 6801.8 mm2

Shear capacity Pv = 0.6pyAv = 0.6x265x6801.8x10-3 = 1081.5 kN > Fv = 179.4 kN
∴ Shear capacity is adequate

(iv) Moment capacity determination

First establish if shear is low or high at the point where the moment capacity is to be checked,
namely the centre of the beam where the moment is highest. At the centre of the beam the
higher of the two shear values is considered, i.e. 123.375 kN.
0.6Pv = 0.6x1081.5 = 648.9 kN > Fv = 123.375 kN
∴ The shear is low.

Note that the value of 648.9 kN is actually higher the shear values anywhere along the beam,
meaning that shears are low everywhere.

For a class 1 section with low shear, the moment capacity is given by
Mc = pySxx ≤ 1.2pyZxx

Now, pySxx = 265x3288x10-3 = 871.3 kNm

1.2pyZxx = 1.2x265x2879x10-3 = 915.5 kNm > pySxx = 871.3 kNm
∴ Mc = 871.3 kNm > M = 525.5 kNm
∴ The trial section is satisfactory for the moment.

(v) Lateral-torsional buckling capacity determination

Lateral-torsional buckling is checked for the laterally unrestrained 4-m span.

From Table 9, the effective length LE = 1.2 ( L + 2 D ) = 1.2 ( 4 + 2 × 607.3 ×10−3 ) = 6.2575 m
The load is applied within the unrestrained length
∴ m = 1 (Table 13)
L 6.2575 ×102
λ= E = = 128.2
ryy 4.38
N = 0.5
D 607.3
x = = 35.1
T 17.3
λ 128.2
= = 3.65
x 35.1
From Table 14, v = 0.88

10
 I yy 3439
γ = 1− = 1− = 0.961
I xx 87431
hs = D − T = 607.3 − 17.3 = 590 mm
1

 4 S xx γ   4 × ( 3288 ×10 ) × 0.961 

3 2
1 4
2 4

∴u =  2 2  = = 0.870
 A hs   (144.5 × 102 ) × 5902 
2

From Table 13, use Table 16 since loading is not substantially concentrated within the middle
fifth of the unrestrained length.
2m 2m
Looking at the sketch in Figure E5.4e,
+80
β= = −0.15 BMD for the 80
−525.5
left 4-m span
Mid-span moment on a simply [kNm]
supported span equal to the 235.29
unrestrained length, M0
250.75 525.5
M0 = 250.75-235.29 = 15.46 kNm
M 525.5
γ= = = 34
M 0 15.46

From Table 16, n = 0.75

Figure E5.4e
∴ λLT = nuvλ
= 0.75x0.870x0.88x128.2
=73.6

From Table 11, pb = 175.4 N/mm2

∴ Mb = Sxxpb = 3288x1754x10-3 = 576.6 kNm > mMA = 1x525.5 = 525.5 kNm

Hence the section is adequate for lateral-torsional buckling.

(vi) Deflection check

3 3

δ=
PL3
=
( 70 ×10 ) × (8 ×10 )
3

= 0.0 mm
192 EI xx 192 × ( 205 × 103 ) × ( 87431×10 4 )
Hence the deflection is within acceptable limits.

∴ Use 610x229x113 kg/m UB

Practice exercises

Exercise 5.1

Select the lightest Universal Beam section to carry 100 kN/m imposed load on a single simply
supported span of 3 m. The compression flange is adequately supported laterally. The deflection
should be limited to 1/360th of the span. Use grade S275 steel.

Answer: Required section is 406x140x39 kg/m UB

11
Exercise 5.2

Investigate the adequacy of a 6.0 metre-long simply supported grade S275 356x127x33 kg/m
UB steel section loaded with a 10 kN/m uniformly distributed imposed load, if the deflection is
to be limited to span/250.

Answer: Shear capacity = 339.3 kN > Maximum shear of 49.4 kN, hence OK; Moment capacity
= 148.4 kNm > Maximum moment of 74.1 kNm, hence OK. Maximum deflection = 10 mm <
limit of 24 mm, hence OK. The section is thus adequate.

Exercise 5.3

A 610x229x125 kg/m UB is used as a roof beam. The arrangement is shown in Figure P5.3 and
the beam is of grade S275 steel and fully restrained by the roof decking. Check the adequacy of
the section in bending and shear and the web in buckling and crushing.

Pu = 300 kN Wu = 150 kN

254x254x73UC
A Cap plate B

3m 3m 3m

Cap plates 270x270x20 mm thk

All grade S275 steel
Figure P5.3

Answer: The maximum moment of 491.45 kNm occurs at point of concentrated vertical load (3
m from support A). The corresponding co-existent shear is 163.81 kN and is low. The
maximum shear of 219.06 kN is at support B. Beam shear capacity is 1157.8 kN and is
adequate. Moment capacity is 974.4 kNm and is also adequate. At support A, the reaction is
191.44 kN, the web buckling capacity is 699.95 kN (adequate) and the web bearing capacity is
1148.24 k (adequate). At support B, the reaction is 274.31 kN, the web buckling capacity is
1070.45 kN (adequate) and the web bearing capacity is 1412.9 kN (adequate).

12
Exercise 5.4

Consider a 610x305x149 kg/m Universal Beam 1.8 m long centre-to-centre of supports

underpinning a column that brings 1900 kN (ultimate) to its top flange 750 mm from the left
support, as shown in Figure P5.4. The length of the base plate under the column is 300 mm
while that of each of the plates at the end supports is 200 mm. The beam is fully laterally
supported along its entire span, and the plates are sufficiently stiff. Investigate the adequacy of
this grade S275 steel beam for web buckling at the left end support.

1900 kN (ultimate)
750

300

1800

200

Figure P5.4

Answer: Reaction at the left support is 1108.33 kN (with beam self weight ignored) while the
web buckling capacity is 637.6 kN; hence the support is not adequate.

Exercise 5.5

Select the lightest Universal Beam section for the conditions shown in Figure P5.5 assuming:
(a) there is no deflection limitation;
(b) the deflection is limited to span/360.

Use grade S275 steel in accordance with Eurocode 3 specifications for limit state design. Full
lateral restraint is provided.

Answer: (a) Required section is 838x292x176 kg/m UB with no check for deflection; (b)
Required section is 838x292x176 kg/m UB when deflection limit of span/360 is imposed.
Deflection is normally calculated for the unfactored imposed load. (Note that although the
obtaining of the same section size in both cases appears to be coincidence, in practice deflection
limits are rarely reached.)

13
 130 kN 130 kN
(Imposed) (Imposed) 20 kN/m
(Dead load including
beam self-weight)

5m 4m 5m

Figure P5.5

Exercise 5.6

A 406x178x60 kg/m UB section of grade S275 steel is to be used as a simply supported beam
on a span of 3 m with the compression flange laterally supported. Wall bearing length is 250
mm (see Figure P5.6). What slowly moving working (unfactored) concentrated load P may be
safely carried by this beam if the limit on deflection due to live load is span/360?

Load P may move within here

Wall bearings
250 250
3000

Figure P5.4

Answer: The solution is found by maximizing expressions for reaction, shear, moment and
deflection. The section is given in the section properties tables as plastic. The beam self-weight
should be ignored. Assuming a load factor of 1.6, it is found that on the basis of:
Deflection limit: P ≤ 653.21 kN
Shear capacity: P ≤ 326.90 kN
Moment capacity: P ≤ 273.63 kN

14
Web buckling at support: P ≤ 226.85 kN
Web bearing at support: P ≤ 412.07 kN
∴ Web buckling controls the beam capacity, giving a maximum working load P = 226.85 kN.

Exercise 5.7

A main beam 610 mm x 305 mm x 149 kg/m UB grade S275 spans 13600 mm and carries 3
secondary roof beams, one at the centre, and the other two at the quarter span positions, as
shown in Figure P5.7. Characteristic loads and connections at the bearings are also shown.
Check whether the main beam satisfies the Eurocode provisions for web buckling and bearing.
There is no need to check the top cleats.

Top cleat All loads in kN

Each side
65 (Live) 65 (Live) 65 (Live)
35 (Dead) 35 (Dead) 35 (Dead)

610 x 305 x 149 kg/m UB

Bottom cleat 100x100x10L (stiff bearing length 75 mm)

3400 3400 3400 3400

Figure P5.7

Answer: Using load factors of 1.4 and 1.6 for dead and lives loads, respectively, each support
reaction = 229.5 kN. Web buckling resistance = 480.1 kN > 229.5 kN, thus OK. Web bearing
resistance = 541.6 kN > 229.5 kN, thus OK.

Exercise 5.8

Check the adequacy of the grade S355 steel beam shown in Figure P5.8. The loading shown in
the figure is characteristic (unfactored) loading, which must be factored for the load case 1.6Qk
+ 1.4Gk. Bending and shear checks are required for the beam as a whole, but a deflection check
is required only for the tip of the cantilever, with a point load P, given by the following formula:

Deflection = Pb2(a + b)/(3EIxx),

where a is the length AB, b is the length BC, and E = 205 x 103 N/mm2.

15
 6 kN/m Live
4 kN/m Dead (includes beam self-weight) 5 kN Live

A B C

7000 3500

Notes: 1) Full lateral restraint is provided throughout the beam.

2) The beam is a 305 x 127 x 48 kg/m U.B. and it is plastic
3) Deflection limit on a cantilever due to unfactored imposed load is given
by: Length of cantilever/180

Figure P5.8

Answer: Shear capacity = 588.4 kN > Max shear = 70.5 kN at support B, thus OK. Moment
capacity = 250.7 kNm > Max moment = 121.1 kNm at support B, thus OK. Max deflection =
11.0 mm < Deflection limit = 19.4 mm, thus OK. Hence, given section is adequate.

16