Flexural Members
Flexural members are structural elements that are subjected to transverse loads,
causing them to bend. In architecture, these are most commonly known as beams,
girders, joists, and purlins. They are fundamental components in framing systems,
responsible for carrying floor, roof, and wall loads and transferring them to columns
and foundations.
Beams are structural members that support transverse / lateral loads, which are
applied transverse to their longitudinal axes also called flexure member. Behavior of
beam is principally governed by bending moment and shear force.
Strength Analysis
• Understanding bending stresses and strain distribution
• Flexural Formula: M/S = f
• Section Modulus and Moment of Inertia
• Factors affecting flexural strength
Design of Flexural Members
• Selection of material and cross-section
• Load and span considerations
• Allowable stress vs. ultimate strength design
• Code requirements and safety factors
Joints in Flexural Members
• Types: welded, bolted, timber connections
• Location and detailing to avoid stress concentrations
• Effect of joints on bending capacity
• Example: moment connections vs. simple connections
Beam
• Definition and structural role
• Types: simply supported, continuous, cantilever
• Common materials: steel, timber, composite
• Deflection limits and serviceability
Notched beam
• Reasons for notching (services, connections)
• Effect of notching on strength
• Location rules: avoid near maximum bending moment
• Code limitations and reinforcement strategies
Presentation Outline: Timber Flexural Members – Capacity & Design
Slide 1 – Title
"Timber Flexural Members: Capacity and Design"
Learning Objective: Perform calculations for beam capacity under various
loading and bracing conditions.
Slide 2 – Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
1. Identify governing factors for timber beam design.
2. Calculate bending capacity using design codes.
3. Adjust capacity for lateral bracing conditions.
4. Use code tables for beam selection.
Slide 3 – Key Concepts
Flexural capacity depends on:
o Section modulus (S)
o Allowable bending stress (Fb)
o Lateral support condition
o Load duration factor (CD)
o Moisture and temperature factors
Slide 4 – Lateral Bracing Effect
Fully braced → maximum allowable Fb.
Partially braced → reduction factor CLC_L.
Unbraced → risk of lateral-torsional buckling.
Show table from NSCP/NDS for CL values.
Slide 5 – Step-by-Step Capacity Calculation
Given:
Timber species: Douglas Fir-Larch No.1
Fb = 12 MPa
Section: 50 × 200 mm (actual)
Fully braced, span = 3 m
Steps:
1. Compute section modulus SS:
S=b×h26S = \frac{b \times h^2}{6}
2. Apply adjustments (CD, CM, CL, CF).
3. Find allowable moment MallowM_{allow}.
4. Compare with required moment Mreq=wL28M_{req} = \frac{wL^2}{8} for
UDL.
Slide 6 – Example: Fully Braced Beam
Given:
Span: 4 m
Load: 3 kN/m (including self-weight)
Section: 50 × 200 mm
Fb = 12 MPa, CD = 1.15, CL = 1.0, CF = 1.0
Solution:
1. S=(0.05×0.202)/6=0.000333 m3S = (0.05 \times 0.20^2) / 6 = 0.000333 \,
m^3
2. Fb′=Fb×CD×CL×CF=12×1.15×1.0×1.0=13.8 MPaF'_b = Fb \times CD \times
CL \times CF = 12 \times 1.15 \times 1.0 \times 1.0 = 13.8 \, MPa
3. Mallow=13.8×0.000333=4.595 kN⋅mM_{allow} = 13.8 \times 0.000333 =
4.595 \, kN\cdot m
4. Mreq=wL2/8=(3×42)/8=6 kN⋅mM_{req} = wL^2 / 8 = (3 \times 4^2) / 8 =
6 \, kN\cdot m
Conclusion: Section fails, increase size.
Slide 7 – Example: Partially Braced Beam
Same as previous but CL = 0.85
Show reduced capacity and need for bigger section.
Slide 8 – Design from Tables
Demonstrate selecting section from timber design table for given span &
load.
Show comparison between calculated and table-based results.
Slide 9 – Practice Problem
Span = 3.6 m, UDL = 4 kN/m, Southern Pine No.2, Fb = 10 MPa, fully braced.
Determine if 50 × 250 mm is adequate.
Slide 10 – Summary
Importance of bracing in beam capacity.
Always check adjusted stresses.
Design tables save time but require verification.
1. Flexural Members
Definition: Flexural members, also known as beams, are structural components
designed to resist loads primarily by bending. They are typically horizontal members
that carry loads perpendicular to their longitudinal axis. Examples include floor
joists, rafters, and girders.
1.1 Strength Analysis
The strength of a timber flexural member is determined by its ability to resist three
primary stresses: bending, shear, and bearing.
Bending Stress: This is the internal stress caused by the bending moment.
The maximum bending stress occurs at the outermost fibers of the beam. The
design formula is fb=M/S, where M is the maximum bending moment and S is
the section modulus. This calculated stress must be less than the adjusted
allowable bending stress, Fb′.
o The section modulus is a geometric property of a cross-section used
to calculate the bending stress in a beam. It is a measure of a beam's
efficiency in resisting bending.
o The section modulus (S) is defined as the ratio of the moment of inertia
(I) to the distance from the neutral axis to the outermost fiber (c).
The moment of inertia, also known as the second moment of
area, is a geometric property of a cross-section that quantifies
its resistance to bending and deflection. It is a crucial
factor in the design of flexural members like beams.
Shear Stress: This is the internal stress caused by the shear force. The
maximum shear stress in a rectangular beam occurs at the neutral axis. The
design formula is fv=2A3V, where V is the maximum shear force and A is the
cross-sectional area. This calculated stress must be less than the adjusted
allowable shear stress, Fv′.
o The statical moment of area, often denoted as Q, is a geometric
property of a cross-section that is used to determine shear stress in a
beam. It represents the "first moment" of a portion of the beam's
cross-sectional area with respect to the neutral axis.
o The statical moment of area for a section of a beam is calculated as
the product of the area of that section (A′) and the distance from the
neutral axis to the centroid of that area (y′):
Q=A′y′
o For a rectangular beam, to find the shear stress at a particular point,
you would consider the area of the cross-section above or below that
point. For example, to calculate the maximum shear stress at the
neutral axis, you would use the area of the top half of the cross-
section.
o The statical moment of area is a key component in the general shear
stress formula for beams:
fv=VQ / Ib
Where:
fv is the actual shear stress at the point of interest.
V is the shear force at the cross-section.
I is the moment of inertia of the entire cross-section.
b is the width of the cross-section at the point where calculating the
shear stress.
The maximum shear stress in a rectangular beam occurs at the neutral axis,
where the statical moment of area is at its maximum. For a rectangular
section, the formula for maximum shear stress simplifies to fv=3V / 2A,
where A is the total cross-sectional area. This simplification is derived by
substituting the appropriate Q and I values into the general shear stress
formula.
Bearing Stress: This is the stress that occurs where a beam rests on its
support. The formula is fc=AbearingP, where P is the bearing force and
Abearing is the bearing area. This stress must be less than the adjusted
allowable bearing stress, Fc′.
1.2 Design of Flexural Members
Designing a flexural member involves a multi-step process to ensure it meets both
strength and serviceability requirements.
Steps for Design:
1. Determine the loads: Calculate the dead loads (permanent loads like the
weight of the structure) and live loads (transient loads like people or
furniture) acting on the beam.
2. Calculate maximum shear and bending moment: Based on the loads
and the beam's span, determine the maximum shear force (Vmax) and
maximum bending moment (Mmax).
3. Select a trial section: Choose an initial timber size and grade from a
lumber design table.
4. Check for bending: Verify that the bending stress of the trial section is less
than the allowable stress (fb≤Fb′).
5. Check for shear: Verify that the shear stress is less than the allowable
stress (fv≤Fv′).
6. Check for deflection (Serviceability): Calculate the deflection under the
applied loads and ensure it is within the specified limits (e.g., span/360 for
live load, span/240 for total load). The formula for deflection varies based on
loading and support conditions.
7. Check for lateral stability: For deep, narrow beams, lateral buckling can
be a concern. This is checked by verifying the beam's slenderness ratio
against code requirements.
1.3 Joints
Joints are critical connections that transfer forces between different timber
members. The strength and stiffness of the joint are vital for the overall
performance of the structure. Common types of joints in timber construction
include:
Bolted Joints: Use steel bolts to connect members. The design considers the
bolt diameter, number of bolts, and the embedment strength of the timber.
Nailed and Screwed Joints: Used for lighter connections. The design
depends on the number and size of fasteners and the shear strength of the
timber.
Metal Plate Connectors: These are prefabricated steel plates with teeth
that are pressed into the timber. Commonly used in roof trusses.
Splice Joints: Used to connect two pieces of timber end-to-end to create a
longer member. They are designed to transfer both tensile and compressive
forces.
1.4 Beam
A beam is a fundamental flexural member. Its behavior is defined by its bending
moment and shear diagrams, which illustrate how internal forces vary along its
length.
Simple Beam: A beam supported by a pin at one end and a roller at the
other. It is statically determinate.
Cantilever Beam: A beam fixed at one end and free at the other.
Continuous Beam: A beam that spans over more than two supports. It is
statically indeterminate.
Beam Design Principles: The most efficient beam shape for resisting bending is a
deep, narrow section. However, this can lead to lateral buckling issues. The design
must balance these factors. The Moment of Inertia (I) and Section Modulus (S)
are key geometric properties used in beam design.
1.5 Notched Beam
A notched beam is a flexural member with a reduction in its cross-section, typically
at the supports. This notch can significantly reduce the beam's shear capacity,
especially near the supports where shear forces are highest.
Shear at a Notch: The allowable shear stress must be reduced at a notch to
account for the reduced cross-sectional area and stress concentrations. The
design calculation for shear at a notch involves a modified shear force and a
reduced effective area. The formula for a notch on the tension side of a beam
is more critical than a notch on the compression side.
Design Considerations: Notches should be avoided whenever possible,
especially on the tension face of the beam. If a notch is necessary, its depth
should be minimized, and it should be located as far as possible from the
point of maximum shear. The stress concentration at the re-entrant corner of
the notch must also be considered.