Brief data for post 4 -steel beam

4-A Solved problem 4-3 for elastic and plastic sections.

Last Updated on June 8, 2024 by Maged kamel

Solved problem 4-3 for elastic and plastic sections.

This is solved example 4.3 from Prof. Alan Williams’s reference manual. We need to estimate three items: Sx, Zx, and the shape factor for Sx. First, we need to evaluate the Y bar, Ymax, and Ix value. The next photos show the two methods for estimating the Ix value. These methods will lead to the same result.

The first method for Ix estimation.

The first method is to divide the T-section into a flange and stem; we will estimate the area and the Cg value for each area, and an outer datum is considered at the bottom of the stem.

The first moment of area estimates the distance of the elastic neutral axis from the datum line by setting the different values from the cg of both flanges and stems to the datum line.

Solved problem 4-3, how to determine Zx, and the shape factor for the steel T section?

The y-bar distance is 14.883″, which is the distance from the lower datum. Now, we will estimate Y1 top and Y2 bottom from the elastic neutral axis to the upper and lower fibers. The total moment for inertia will be estimated for the two areas about the Elastic neutral axis. The steps can be reviewed in the next slide.

How to determine the Y bar for the T section and the formula for Ix?

The total moment of inertia is equal to 2275.54 inch4. To get the elastic section modulus of elasticity, we will use the next form, Sx value or the elastic section modulus, which is 153 inch2, as the first requirement for Solving problems 4-3.

Estimation of the elastic section modulus for the T section.

The second method for Ix estimation.

This is the second method for estimating the Ix value for the T section. After finding the Ybar distance from the lower datum, we estimate ix for the T section.

The T section can be represented by a big rectangle of width=15 inches and overall depth =20”, from which we can deduct two rectangles of breadth=7.50” and height=17”. As shown in the next slide, we will estimate the moment of inertia for the T section about the neutral axis. Ix final value=2275.53 inch4, which is the same value as estimated earlier.

Another alternative method to estimate the elastic section modulus for the T section.

How to estimate Zx?

Now for estimating Zx, for the Solved problem 4-3. The following pictures will show the procedure for Zx, the plastic neutral axis or P.N.A, which divides the area into two equal areas.

Assuming that we have y distance from the top fiber to the plastic section axis, we equate the two areas and get the value of y, since =plastic section modulus divides one area into two halves.

The assumption should be that A1=A2=At/2, where At is the total area. The total area is .15*3+17*1.5=70.50 inch2. Half of this area is 0.50*70.50=35.25 inch2. The plastic neutral axis cuts the T flange at a distance of 2.35″ from the top. Please refer to the next slide image.

Estimation of the total area for T section.

Check the remaining area, which will give At/2 value for the Solved problem 4-3

The plastic section modulus for Solved problem 4-3.

1-Once the location of the plastic neutral axis is finalized, we will determine y1 and y2.

How to find distance y2?

2-Estimate  the  plastic section modulus from the relation Zx=At/2*(Y1+Y2), where (At) is the total area, y1 is the distance from the plastic neutral axis to the upper fiber, while y2 is the distance from the plastic neutral axis to the Lower fiber

The value of the plastic section modulus Zx.

Estimation of the Shape factor.

3- Estimate the shape factor by dividing Zx/Sx, Zx value=278 inch4, Sx=153 inch4, and the shape factor=278/153=1.817.

The shape factor value for problems 4-3.

For a useful external link-Chapter 8 – Bending Members.
This is a link for the next post, 5-Solved problem 5-1 for Sx&Zx.