UNIT 8 STRESS DISTRIBUTION IN BEAMS

Structure
8.1 Introduction
Objectives
8.2 Section Modulus
8.21 RectangularSection
8.2.2 Circular Section
8.2.3 I and T Sections
8.24 Triangular Section
8.3 Analysis of Partial Beam Section
8.3.1 Normal Force
8.3.2 Moment of Normal Force

I
8.4 Flitched Beams
8.4.1 Moment of Resistance
8.4.2 Equivalent Section
8.5 Beams of Uniform Strength
8.6 Shear Stress Distribution in Beams
8.6.1 Shear Stms Distribution in Rectangular Section
8.6.2 Shear Stress Distribution in Circular Section
8.6.3 Shear Stress Distribution in I and T Sections
8.6.4 Shear Stress Distributionin Triangular Section
8.7 Summary
8.8 Answers to SAQs
I

8.1 INTRODUCTION 1

In Unit 7, we studied about the bending stress and the practical applicauons of the bending
stress, design for bending and the determinationof load beating capacity of a bean1 of given
cross-section.
In this unit, we are going to study about section modulus, flitched beams and shear
stress distribution in beams of various cross-section. We shall also study about the
normal force on a partial beam section and the moment of the normal force about the
neutral axis of tbe beam.
Objectives
After studying'this unit, you should be able to
determine the section modulus for beams of various cross-section,
Bnalyse the partial beam section,
calculate the normal force on a partial beam section and the moment of the
normal force about the neutral axis of the beam,
exp1,ainflit+ed beams and its equivalent section, and
evaluate the shear stress distribution in beams of various cross-sections.

8.2 SECTION MODULUS

Let M be the moment of resistance of a beam sectiaq @ I be the moment of inertia of 'the
beam section about the neutral axis.
The bending stress, a at any layer in the beam section, distance y from the neutral axis is
M
given by the expression a = -x y. The maximum bending stress occurs at the outermost
I
layer.
Let ym, be the distance of the outermost layer from the neutral axis and the maximum
bending stress at that layer be am=
Foreen and Stress= M
in ~eemis Thus, amax = I X Ymax

.-. M = -Ymax
I
x %ax

where Z is h o r n as the section modulus. So the section modulus is the ratio of the moment
of inertia of the beam section about the neutral axis to the distance of the outermost layer of
the beam from the neutial axis.
If om, is equal to the permissible bending stress, then M represents the greatest moment of
resistance of the beam section.
8.2.1 Rectangular Section
Solid Rectangular Section (Figure 8.1)
Let b be the breadth and d be the depth of a rectangular beam section.
The neutral axis coincides with the cenmidal axis of the beam.

BEAM SECTION BENDIN6 STRESS

DISTRIBUTION

1
Moment of inertia, I = -
12
bd3
d -
Distance of outennost layer from the neutral axis, ym, = -
2
I
.=Section modulus, Z = -
Ymax

Let o be the maximum bending stress at the outermost layer.

1
:. Moment of resistance, M = 0 x Z = - 0 bd2
6
We can see the bending stress distribution diagram in Figure 8.1.
Hollow Rectangular Section (Figure 8.2)
A hollow redangular section with overall breadth B and depth D is shown in Figure 8.2.
Let the breadth and depth of the central reckgular hole be b and d, respectively.

Moment of inertia, I =
~d- -
- bd3
12 12
D
Distance of outermost layer from the neutral axis, y,, = 1
 StressDisMbuIion
in Beams

BEAM SECTION BENDING STRESS

DISTRIBUTION
R p n 82
I
;. Section modulus, Z = -
Ymax

L J

Let o be the maximum bending stress at the outermost layer.

:. Moment of resistance. M = oxZ =

60
[ BZ? -b d ]
The bending stress distribution is shown in Figure 8.2.
Example 8.1
A rectangular beam of size 40 mm x 60 mm is subjected to bending. The maximum
bending stress is limited to 75 N/mm2. Find the moment of resistance of the beam
secti~n.
Solution

Section modulus, Z=-bd2

i
6

Moment of resistance, M = a x Z
=7 5 x ~ x 1 d
= 1 8 0 0 x l d ~ m m= 1.8kNm
Thus, moment of resistance of the beam section = 1.8 kN m

SAQ 1
A rectangular beam of size 60 mm x 100 mm has a central rectangular hole of size
15 mm x 20 mm.The beam is subjected to bending and the maximum bending stress
is limited to 100 ~ / m r nFind
~ . the moment of resistance of the hollow beam section.

8.2.2 Circular Section

Solid Circular Section (Figure 8.3)
Let the diameter of the solid circular section be d.
Forces and Stresses
in ~ e g m s Moment of inertia about the neutral axis, I = d
-
64
d
Distance of o u t e h t layer from the neutral axis, yma = -
2

BEAM S E C I I O N BENDIN6 SIRESS

I
Section modulus, 2 = -
Ymax

Let a be the maximum bending stress at the outennost layer.

:. Moment of resistance,M = a x Z

The bending stress distribution is shown in Figure 8.3.

Hollow Circular Section (Figure 8.4)
Let the external and internal diameter of the hollow circular section be D and d respectively

I
BEAM SECIION BENDING STRESS
OISTRIBUTION
'I

Flpre 8.4

Moment of inertia about the neutral axis, I = 1C

64
g4- dl [ ]
D
Distance of outermost layer from the neutral axis, y, = -
2
I
A Section modulus, Z = -
Ymax

72
 Stress DMbuYoa
in Bea&

Let a be the maximum bending stress at the outemst layer.

:. Moment of resistance, M = qzx Z

Example 8.2
A circular beam of diameter 100 mm is subjected to bending. The maximum bending
stress is limited to 50 ~ / m mFind
~ . the moment of resistance of the beam section.
Solution

Section modulus, z = -C
I8
32

Moment of resistance, M = a x Z
= 50 x98.17x ld
= 4908.5 x ld N mm = 4.91 k.bJ<m
Thus, Moment of resistance of the beam section = 4.91 IcN mr

8.2.3 I and T Sections

In these sections, first we have to find the centroid of the section. Then the moment of
inertia of the section about the centroidal axis is determined. As the neutral axis coincides
with the centroidal axis, the moment of inertia about the neutral axis is the same as that
about the centmidal axis.
In unsymmetrical sections, the distance of the extreme layer,,,,y is not the same for the
topmost and bottommost layers. Therefore,the topmost layer distance, yt,and the
bottornrn~st~layer distance, yb ,are found. The section modulus is found using the higher
value of ytor yb viz. the maximum value of y. Then, the moment of resistance of the section
is equal to the product of the maximum bending stress and the section modulus.
Example 8 3
An I wction shown in Figure 8.5is used as a beam. The beam is subjected to a
bending moment of 2.5 kN m at its neutral axis. Find the maximum stress developed
in the beam.
Solution
.Let y be the distance of centroid from the bottom face.
Xay
Then, 7 = -
Xu
~orcesand ~treeres Umox
in Bemm

Umin

BEAM SECllON BENDING STRESS

DlSlRlBUllON

Moment of inertia of the section about the horizontal axis passing through the
centroid,

= 1285.04 x lo4 mm4

Topmast layer distance,^, = 140 - 60.8 = 79.2 mm
Bottommost layer distance, yb = 60.8 mm
;. y,, = yt = 79.2 ~n

From the relation, - = -

M a
1 Y
M
We get, amax= X Ymax

Bending moment, M = 2.5 kN m

;. The maximum bending stress in the beam = 15.41 ~ / m m ~ .

SAQ 3
A T-section has a flange of size 150 mm x 50 rnm and web of size 50 mnl x 150 mm.
It is used as a beam. The beam is subjected to bending mornent of 3 kN rn at its
neutral axis. Find the stresses at the topmost and bottommost layers of the beam.

8.2.4 Triangular Section

Figure 8.6 shows a triangular section with base b and height h.
The position of neutral axis is at a distance hl3 from the base.
bh3
Moment of inertia about the neutral axis, I = -
36
 -
2h
The topmost layer is at a distance of -3
from the neutral axis and the bottommost layer in Beams
i
h
a distance of - from the neutral axis.
3
and

---i
B E A M SECTION BENDING STRESS
015TRIBUTION

.'. Section modulus, Z = -

Ymax
1

Let am, be the maximum bending stress at the topmost layer.

.-.Moment of resistance, M = om, Z = om,

hh2
-.
SAQ 4

8.3 ANALYSIS OF PARTIAL BEAM SECTION

Till now, we have seen forces and moments acting over the entire cross section of the beam.
Now, let us consider a part of the beam section and try to establish a relation for the nonnal
force acting on the partial beam section and the moment of the normal force about the
neuIld axis.
8.3.1 N ~ m aForce
l
Consider a beam section as shown in Figure 8.7.
Let a,,,be maximum bending stress at the topmost layer and y,, be the distance of the
topmost layer from the heutral axis.
Let us find the normal force on a partial area A, shown shaded in Figure 8.7. In that shaded
area, let da be an elemental area and y be its distance from the neutral axis.
The stress, o on the elemental area is proportional to the distance y.

o = ,,a X -Y
Ymax
Forces and Strease~
in Beams

BEAM SECTION B.ENOlNO STRESS

ksr~cevrlor

Normal force on the elemental area = o x da

= Omax -
Ymax
da

Total n o d force on the shaded area = om -

Ymax
da

-O-m a x Zy&
Ymax
Let 7 be the distance of the centroid of the shaded area from the neutral axis.
C yda = AT

-
:. Normal force on a partial beam section = -
Omax A y
Ymax

8.3.2 Moment of Normal Force

Now, let us find the moment of this normal force about the neutral axis. Again have a look
at Figure 8.7.

Normal force elemental area = omax- da

Ymtu

omax
- -y da
Ymax
Qmax
Moment of this normal force about the neutral axis = - da
'

Ymax
9
:. Moment of normal force on the shaded area about the neutral axis
~max
=x-y2da
Ymax

-- L y2 da
Ymax

3
But 2 da = Moment of inertia of the shaded area about the neutral axis, I,.
:.Moment of n o d force on a partial beam section about the neutral neutral axis,
--
- amax x Is
Ymax
Example 8.4
A rectangular beam has a width of 100 rnm and a depth of 200 mm. This is used as a
simply supported beam and the maximum bending stress is limited to 10 ~ / m r n ~ .
Then determine the following :
(a) tMPI normal force on the left bottom mmer area of kze 40 mm x 60 mm, and
(b) moment of this nonnal force about the neutral axis.
 S h s a Distribution
in Beams

4 ~ 0 m m
b-100mn 4
lipgnre 8.8

Solutaon
Maximum bending stress, am, = 10 ~ / m m ~

Normal force on the shaded area, left bottom corner = -

=ma
Ym,
A7

Here, A = shaded area = 40 x 60 mm2

-
Y = centroid of shaded area from the neutral axis

.: Normal froce on the partial beam section

The partial area is subjected to a tensile force

:. Nonnal force on the partial beam section = 16.8 kN (tension)
Moment of the force about the neutral axis

I, = moment of inertia of the shaded area about the neutral axis

:. Moment of normal force about the neutral axis

= 1248~10~~mm=1248~m
:.it 5-
ajar bean ~t size 160 n~nlx 249 mm is iascd as a simply s u p t i 3 he;. ,
*-=
e ntlm he~dmngstress is 3 Nlmnrn*."md the raorrnal force on tb. , ' ad-!? -
. ab.~i~t. ;;(-c&;l'
>i-!rswr. Figsre 8.9. Also f i ~ dthe moment of this norma? f<>;?rce :i:,,
Forces and Stresses
in Beoms

$.4 FLITCHED BEAMS

A wooden beam may be strengthened by the addition of mild steel plates. This composite
beam is known as flltched beam. The mild steel plates may be added to the sides of the
wooden beam, as shown in Figwe 8.10.

The wooden beam and the mild steel plates are connected together so that there is no
slipping between them. They act together as a single beam.
Let b be the width and d be 1 epth of wooden beam and let t be the thichess and d be the
depth of each steel plate.
Let owbe the bending stress in wood and a, be the bending stress in steel plate, at a distance
y from the neutral axis.
The strain in wood and steel at a distance y from the neutral axis will be equal, as they act as
a single beam.
Let Ew be the modulus of elasticity of wood and Es be the modulus of elasticity of steel
plate.
Then, Strain in wood = strain in steel

Es
where rn is the modular ratio between steel and wood and equals -.
E,
 8.4.1 Moment of Resistance Stress Ditribution
in Beams
Let Mjbe the moment of resistance of the flitched beam.
Let Mwand M,be the moments of resistance of wood\ and steel, respectively.
Mf = Mw + Ms
I

= (ibd2xuw) + 2x(!itd2xas]
!
I

1 But a, = m a, where m is the modular ratio.

1 8.42 Equivalent Section

In Section 8.4.1, we have seen that Mf = -'I6 ow [ b + n (Zt)] d2.The moment of resistance of
the flitchedbeam section is equal to that of a wooden beam of width [b + m (a)] and a
depth d. This rectangular cross section of width [b t m (2t)]and depth d is known as the
equivalent wooden beam section. Figure 8.1.1 shows; the flitched beam and the equivalent
beam.

MILD STEEL PLATE

WQUOEN BEAM

Td
I d
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I

11..
I I
I I
I
I

FLITCHED 'BEAM SECTIO N EQUIVALENI WOODEN BEAM SECTION

The moment of resistance of the flitched beam may also.be found from the equivalent
wooden section.
The following example illustrates the determinat,ion.ofI noment of resistance of a flitched
beam.
Example 8.5

mild steel plates of thicbess 10 -

A. flitchedbeam consists of a wooden beam 0 \f width 120 mm and depth 250
and '
1 120 mm one on y c h side
wooden beam. The maximum bending stress in wood is 7 Nlmm and the modular
beam section.
d mo, ~ ~of resistance
]ratiobetween steel and wood is 20. ~ i n the n t
of the

of the flitched
and

Moment of resistance of the wooden beam =

' 6 ow bd2
 .q%uansm0~y.m30 m aq
v palle:, s! m a q e q:,nS m a q a q 30 uog3as h a ~ pue
a pea la ssans alq!ssyuiad arl) saqxax
s i a k l amalqxa aq tq ssws a q wrl) samsua sm woddns a q sprrr~oipanpa aq osp
LEUIweaq a q 30 uo!l+$ ssom aw 'woddns arl) spnwo~sasearmp luauom % q u a qarl) sy
' I
??sansalq!ssguad a q
a
w w ssaI a n mq a q 30 uarCe1 awaaxa a q q sassam aq 'suog3asJaqo ly muqm
s! ~uaurom8ulpnaq aw aiaqM uogws npgred a q PI 6po maq am 30 sraLel auranxa
a q u! smmo ssans a[q!ssvadu r n q x m ' a u a .)uamour
~ Sulpuaq urnmyma a q 103 maq
am u@sap aM ~ q
~ arl)ajo sbg:,as a
I F le awes am )on s! mq a q uo speolo~anp toamow
8qpuaq a q weds am )no@noq)e m puo!)ms ssom sums a q s q maq e 'Lmsn
The cross section of a beam of uniform strength may be reduced by one of the following
ways :
(a) width of beam is varied keeping the depth constant.
(b) depth of beam is varied keeping the width constant.
(c) width and depth are both varied.
The following example deals with ,a beam where the depth is varied keeping the width
constant.
Example 8.6
A simply supported beam of span I carries a concentrated load P at midspan. If the
beam is to be a beam of uniform strength, find the shape of the beam by keeping the
width constant and varying the depth towards the supports.
Solution
Let the beam has uniform width b throughout the span and let d be the maximum
depth at midspan.
Let d, be the depth of beam at any section XX,distance x from the supportA.
Px
Bending moment at section XX = -
2
1
Moment of resistance of the beam at section XX = - x a x b x (dA2
6
Moment of resistance = bending moment at that section

:. d, -- q 3 p
axb
Hence, the depth at any section at a distance x from the left support A may be found.
The variation of the depth is shown in Figure 8.13.

Thus,the depth at midspan,

I
I
ELEVATION
Forces end Stresses
in Beams
tn Exanple 8.6, find the shape of thl-,beam by ihe
ying the width tl)wsds the s11pp1'tS

-
8.6 SHEAR STRESS DISTRIBUTION IN BEAMS
When a beam is loaded, bending moment and shear force are developed at all section of the
beam In Unit 6, you have already leacnt the methods of determining shear force and
bending moment in a beam section under the given load conditions. Previously, we have
seen the bending stress distribution at any cross section of the beam. Noiw, we will study the
shear stress distribution at any section of the beam.
The vertical shear force at any section of a beam produces shear stress at that section. This
vertical shear stress is accompanied by a horizontal shear stress of equal magnitude, known
as complementary shear stress. So at any point in a cross section of the beam, there is a I

vertical shear stress and a horizontali shear stress of equal magnitude. These two shear !
stre:sses cause the diagonal tension and compression inclined at 45" to the horizontal.
Let us consider two cross sectionsAB and CD at a distance dx apart, in a beam under
transverse loading.
Let M and M + dM be the bending moments at the sections AB and CD respectively, as
shown im Figure 8.14.

k d x j

BEAM
LOADED BEAM CROSS SECTION

Let da be an elementary area at a distance y from the neutral axis.

Let a1 and a2 be the bending stresses at the section AB and CD respectively, on the
elementary area.
.-. 'M
a1 = - x y and a2 = Gw??!l x.y
I I
The force on the elementary area at the section AB = a1 x da = 9Ll)x da
I

The force on the elementary area at the section CD = 4 x da = (M dM ) x da

+

I
dM
The unbalanced force on the elementary area = T x y x da

Considering any level EF, total unbalanced force above the level EF between the two
sections AB and CD, is as follows :
~ y x y x d a
 StressDistribution
in Beam

Here, A y is the moment of area above level EF about the neutral axis, To ensure that the
part of beam above the level EF aad between the sectionsA B and CD is in equilibrium, as
equilibriant to the unbalanced force, the beam section at the level EF must offer a shear
resistance.
Let the width of beam at the level EF be b.
The intensity of the horizontal shear stress at the level EF is z.

Then, 2=
unbalanced force
shear area

As we have seen earlier, dM = F. the shear force, and

dn
F
shear stress. 2 = -x AjT
Zb
where A is the area of cross section of the beam above the level EF, and j is the distance of
the centroid of the area above the level EF, from the neutral axis.

For a particular cross section of a beam, remains constant for any point along the depth of
I
the beam. Therefore, we can conclude that the shear stress at any point on a cross section is
proportional to Lf .

For sections of uniform width, the shear stress will have maximum value at the neutral axis,
since AjT is maximumat the neutral axis. The shear stress will have zero value at top and
bottom layers of the beam cross section, sinceAy is zero at these layers.
.\

Now let us see the shear stress disuibution in some cross sections.
8.6.1 Shear Stress Distribution in Rectangular Section
Let us consider a rectangular section of widtb b and depth d subjected to shear force F.
Let 2 be the shear stress at any level EF, as indicated in Figure 8.15.

BEAM SHEAR SIRESS

CROSS SECIlON USlMBUIIOW
Forces and Stresses
in Besms

Moment of area ABFE about the neutral axis,

F
.: Shear stress, T = -
Zb A?

.;Shear stress has a parabolic variation.

The maximum shear stress occurs when y = 0 ,at tk/e neutral axis.

= -3x F
2 cross sectional area
d
The shear stress is zero at the top and bottom layers, i.e. at y = f -
2'

shear force
Average shear stress - area of cross section of beam

= 1 . 5 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Example 8.7
A simply supported beam has a width of 100mm and a depth of 150 rnrn.It is loaded
with uniformly distributed load over the entire span of 3 m. If the permissible shear
stress is 3 N/mrn2, find the value of the uniformly distributed load on the beam.
Solution
Let w be the uniformly distributed load on h e beam.
Then, maximum shear force, F a t the support = -2-w 1 = ,+,x-3 - - 3
2 - 2
Maximum shear stress at the neutral axis = x $
This value equals 3 N/mm2.
 in Beams

;.
w = 20000 Nlm
.
:. Value of uniformly distributed load on the beam = 20 W m .

A nmply supported beam of aeeta11gc9larcross section i 20 i;nm x 280 x m has a span

vf 4 m.Find the uniformly distributed load ~tcan c m y ~f the maxlinurn bending
5tte55 and the m i m u m shear sue%at:not to exceed 10 N/om
2 =id 6.6N/rrmr"
:t.spe~titziy.

8.6.2 Shear Stress Distribution in Circular Section

Now we shall consider a circular section of radius R.
Let dy the thickness of an elementary strip at a distance y from the neutral axis.

BEAM SHEAR STRESP

CROSS SECTION DISTRIBUTIOI:

Figure 8.16

Moment of this strip about the neutral axis = ( b dy) y

y=R
Moment of area above the plane EF about the neutral axis. A? = I ( b x y ) dy
Y=Y

But b = 2 x G or b Z = 4 ( ~ 2 - y 2 )
On differentiating, we get,
2b db = 4 (-5)
dy

Now changing the integration variable from y to b,

Forces and Stresses
in Beams

.: The shear stress, F

z= - x A Tj
Ib.

Thus, shear stress has a parabolic variation. The shear stress is maximum when
y = 0,at the neutral axis.

=.- 4
x F
3 cross sectional area
The shear stress is zero at top and bottom layers, i.e. at y = R,

shear force - -F
Average shear stress =
area of cross section of beam ~2
4 F
.'. Zmax = -
3
X-
lcl?

Example 8.8
A circular beam of 100 mm diameter is subjected to a shear force of 5 kN.Find the
value of the maximum shear stress and also draw the shear stress distribution
diagram.

BEAM SHEAR STRESS

CROSS SECT1 ON DISTRIBUTION
Solution
Diameter of beam = 100 mm
Area of cross section of beam = a x (100)~= 7854 rum2
R

Shear force, F = 5 kN = 5000 N

We have, ,2, =
F
-43 X crosssectionarea

Average shear stress = 0.6366 ~hnm~

Maximum shear stress = 0.849 ~ / r n m ~

.A si~rkplysupported beam of circular cross scchtrn 120 rlml IE dlaiilctcr i?% a <:;dl
.
f '1
4 ni ,tntl carries a cenual concentraled load 31 16 kN. Find tile iTI2;iilliUIlk~Fc'%':Lf -'
and lt: location

8.6.3 Shear Stress Distribution in I and T Sections

I- Sectlon
Let us take an I-section with flange width B and overall depth D. Let b and d be the
thickness of web and depth, respectively.

BEAM SHEAR STRESS

CROSS s E c n o n DIS1RIBUllON
Flpn 818

Shear Stress Distribution in the Flange

Width of section at a distance y from the neutral axis = B
Area above the plane EF = B
IC-yI
Centroidal distance of this area fiom the neutral axis = -
.
Moment of the area above the plane EF about the neutral axis,
Forces and Stresses F
in Beams . :. Shear stress, z = -x A y
IB

Thus,the shear stress has a parabolic distribution in the flange.

D
At the top of I-section, i.e. at y = -, the shear stress, 7 = 0.
2
d
At the junction of the flange and web, i.e. at y = -,
2

Shear stress, 7 = -

Shear Stress Distribution in the Web

Width of section at a distance y from the neutral axis = b

BEAM CROSS S E C T I O N

Area above the plane EF = area of flange + area of web upto EF

1 j 1 j
Centroidal distance of the flange area from the neutral axis,

\ /
Centroidal distance of the web area from the neutral axis

Moment of both the areas about the neutral axis,

F
.: Shear stress, 7 = -
Ib
xA y

:. The shear stress has also a parabolic distribution in the web.

 d Stress Distribution
At the junction of the flange and web, i.e. at y = - in Beams
2'

:. F B
Shear stress, r = - x - (D2- d2)
Ib 8
Now, it can be noticed that at the junction of the flange and web, the shear stress sud&nly
F
changes ftom -(D2- d2) to 81.x (d
F B - 8).
81
At the neutral axis, i.e. at y = 0, the shear stress is maximum and it is as follows :

The shear stress distribution can be seen in Figure 8.18.

From the shear stress distribution diagram, we conclude that most of the shear stress is taken
up by the web. This is very important in the design of beams using I and T sections.
T- Section
The method of finding the shear stress distribution in T-sections is similar to that of
I-section. As the T-section is not symmetrical about the neutral axis, the shear stress
distribution also will not be symmetrical.
Example 8.9
A T-section has a flange of size 150 mm x 50 mm and web of size 50 mm x 150 mm.
This section is subjected to a vertical shear force of 100 kN.Find the maximum shear
stress and draw the shear stress distribution diagram with values at important points.
Centroid of section is 125 mm from the bottom face and moment of inertia about the
centroidal axis is 5312.5 x lo4 mm4.

BEAM SHEAR STRESS

CROSS SECTION DlSTRleUtlON

Solution
Maximum shear stress occurs at the neutral axis.
F
I n u s ,,.r = 5xAB

= 14.71 ~ / m d
Shear stress in the flange at the junction of flange and web,
Forces and S m Shear stress in the web at the junction of flange and web,
in Beams

The shear stress distribution is shown in Figure 8.20.

., i-~ec:is!n has 31overall depth of 240 mnl with horizonVal flmges each measunnp
.;I

L ..:* :am r 3 4 turn and s vertical weh 200 n'lmx 20 ELTI.Tt IS subjected to a vertical
%

the n?aximum shear shess and ~ t posibon.

, 26.0 kK,F~nd
-.!l;:~r 1 0 1 ~ 1(;I s Draw the
shead stress crstribution diagram.

8.6.4 Shear Stress Distribution in Triangular Section

h
Let us consider a triangle of base b and height h. Its centroid is at a distance -from ihe base.
I 3

BEAM SHEAR STRESS

CROSS SECIION DlSIRlBU IlOM

Let the shear stress at the plane EF, at a distance y from the neutral axis be q.
Let b' and h' be the width and height of the triangle above the plane EF.
From similar triangles,

bh'
=-
h

Centroid of the triangle above the plane EF, from the neutral axis = y + -
i
\
:) 1

On substituting the value of h'

Moment of this triangular area about the neutral axis,
 StressDistribution
in Beams

F
:. Shear stress, z = -xAy
Ib'

dz
For shear stress z to be maximum, -= 0,
dy

The beight from the base of the triangle is

3
+6 =
2
h
:. Maximum shear stress is at a distance - from the base of the triangle, which is also at a
2
h
distance of -
6
from the centroidal axis.

h
Substitutingy = - in the equation for shear stress, we get,
6

The shear stress at the neutral axis, i.e. y = 0,is as follows :

The shear stress distribution diagram can be seen in Figure 8.21.

Example 8.2 0
A beam of triangular cross section of base width 120 mm and height 80 mm is
. subjected to a shear force of 3 kN.Find the maximum shear stress and the shear
stress at the neutral axis.
Solution
h
Maximum shear stress is at a distance - from the base of the triangle.
2
3F
Maximum shear stress,
,,T = -
bh
Forces and Stresses
in Beems

Shear stress at the neutral axis,

8.7 SUMMARY
We conclude this unit by summarising what we have covered in it. We have
(1) studied the section modulus of beams of various cross section.
(2) found the normal force for partial beam section and its moment about the
neutral axis.
(3) obtained the moment of resistance of a flitched beam and its equivalent section.
(4) described about the beams of uniform strength.
(5) determined the shearstress distribution in beams of various cross section.

8.8 ANSWERS TO SAQs

SAQ 1
M = 9.98 kN m
SAQ 2
M = 1030.92 kN m
SAQ 3
,a = 4.23 ~lmm'and ow,,, = 7.06 ~ / m m ~
SAQ 4
,a = 10 N/& and a b = 5~N / m
~d
SAQ 5
Normal force = 32.4 kN
Moment of normal force = 3024 N m
SAQ 6
a, (maximum) = 105 ~/mrn*(Refer the Figure for Answer to SAQ 6 given below)
Moment of resistance of flitched beam = 19404 N m

STRESS
I N WOOD

Rpgwe for Answer to SAQ 6

SAQ 7 Stress Distribution
in Beums

DEPTH

WIDTH

'X
PLAN

Figure for Answer to SAQ 6

SAQ 8
From bending consideration, w = 4 kN/m
From shear consideration,^ = 4.8 kNm
Maximum uniformally distributed load, w = 4 kN/m.
SAQ 9
Maximum shear stress = 0.943 ~ / m m ~
Position : along the neutral axis passing through the centre.
SAQ 10
Maximum shear stress = 50.86 ~ / m m ~
Position : along the neutral axis,passing through the centroid.
(Refer the Figure for Answer to SAQ 10 given below)

SHEAR STRESS DISTRIBUTION

FTguro lor Amwer to SAQ 10