BEAM DESIGN FOR LTB

Factored loads
X: lateral support

4 spans
controlling span??

PROBLEM
Given Mu , Lb , Cb

Find lightest shape that will

satisfy MubMn for each
unbraced span.

SOLUTION:
I. Guess/choose controlling span (not always obvious):
Largest Mu
Smallest Cb
Largest Lb

II. Procedure depends on Cb

A. If Cb= 1

use beam charts directly.

Locate point (Lb , Mu)

Any beam above and to the right
Lightest section

Solid Line

OK

B. If Cb > 1

Cannot directly apply charts (good

only for Cb =1). Several
approaches, but all involve trial
and error.

PROCEDURE I
Assume that LTB governs:
Compute an equivalent uniform moment:
[Mu]equiv =
Enter charts with [Mu]equiv and Lb to choose
lightest section
For the chosen section, compute bMp
Check that:
Mu bMn = Cb [bMn]Cb= 1 bMp
Check design strength for other spans

PROCEDURE II
Assume that bMp governs:

Choose lightest section such that Mu bMp

For chosen section, enter charts with Lb to find

[bMn]Cb= 1

Compute LTB strength: bMn Cb [bMn]Cb= 1

Check that Mu bMn bMp

Check design strength for other spans

AISC LRFD BEAM DESIGN SUMMARY

where

Mn =

nominal flexural strength

Mp =

plastic moment

We must also check:

Beam shear strength
Beam deflections