Last Updated on August 31, 2024 by Maged kamel
Practice problem 5-5-8-Compute Mn for W18x71 with lb=9 feet.
Practice problem 5-5-8 A W18 x 71 is used as a beam with an unbraced length of 9 feet. Use Fy=65 ksi and Cb = 1 and compute the nominal flexural strength. Compute everything with the equations in Chapter F of the AISC Specification. Practice problem 5-5-8 is from the Steel Design Handbook.
How do we estimate Lp for W18x71 with Fy=65 ksi?
In the absence of design aids, Table 3-3, where W sections are sorted by their plastic section Zx, and with different Fy, which equals Fy=65 ksi, we need to estimate Lp and lr values by using the equations given by the specifications.
The following slide shows The detailed estimate of the Lp value; Lp is the value of the un-braced length that the plastic hinge should be developed, which is given by equation F2-5 as equal to 1.76*rysqrt(E/Fy).
From Table 1-1, we will get the radius of gyration ry for W18x71. The ry value is 1.70 inches from the data that Fy=65 ksi. The E value is 29000 ksi. The value of Lp will be 63.20 inches and can be rounded to 5.30 feet.

How do we estimate Lr for W18x71 with Fy=65 ksi?
We use table 1-1 for W section W18x71 to get the necessary data for estimating the Lr. Lr represents the unbraced length at which lateral-torsional buckling transitions from the inelastic range to the elastic range. These items are ry, rts, Zx,SX, Cw,C, J, H0. The Sx value equals 127 inch3 while Zx=146 inch3.
We can get the value of bf/2tf and h/tw. Please refer to the next slide image for details.

What is the value of lr?
We use the equation F2-6 provided by the AISC specification. The value of lr for W18x71 equals 196 inches and is rounded to 16.33 feet. Please refer to the next slide image for more details.
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Check buckling parameters for W18x71 where Fy=65 ksi.
We will find the local buckling parameters for the flange and web-based Fy=65 ksi. Based on item 10 in Table B4.1b, the flange λFp=0.38*sqrt(E/Fy), since we have E29000 ksi and the given Fy=65 ksi, then λFp=0.38*sqrt(29000/65)=8.03. λFr=1.0*sqrt(E/Fy)=1*sqrt(29000/65)=21.12.
For the web compactness ratio, the flange λwp=3.76*sqrt(E/Fy), λWp=3.76*sqrt(29000/65)=79.42. λwr=5.70*sqrt(E/Fy)=5.70*sqrt(29000/65)=120.4. Please refer to the next slide image for the detailed estimate of compactness ratios.
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Check whether W18x71 is compact or non-compact.
In the next slide image, we have the bf/2tf and h/tw values of W18x71 against the required local buckling parameters based on Fy=65 ksi. We will find out that the flange and web are compact, so the whole section of W18x71 is compact.

Find the equation of Mn-based on Fy=65 ksi.
The Plastic moment value equals Zx*Fy, which is equal to 65×146=9490 inch. Kips. The term (0.7*Fy*Sx) value equals 0.7*65*127=5778.50 Inch. Kips. The first term corresponds to bracing length Lp=5.30 ft; the second corresponds to lr=16.33 feet. We have a given bracing lengthlb=9 ft.
We get the values of Mp and 0.70*Fy Sx in Ft.kips by using the conversion factor of 1Ft=12 inches. Mp value equals 791 Ft. kips, while 0.70*Fy Sx=482, we could round these values to the nearest ones.
There is a linear relation for the required Mn with Mp and(0.7*Fy*Sx) together with Lp and Lr. The BF factor is the slope value, which equals (Mp-0.7*Fy*Sx)/(Lr-Lp)=28.01.

What is the value of Mn for W18x71 at lb=9 feet?
The relation of 791-28.01*(Lb-Lp) represents the nominal moment value. The Lb value equals 9 feet, and the Lp value equals 5.30 feet. The Final value for Mn equals 687 Ft. kips.
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We could use an Excel sheet to graph the relation between Lb and the Flexural design strength-Mn in ft. kips for W18x71 with Fy=65 ksi. We can see the linear portion and the Value of Mn at 9 feet equals 687 ft. kips. Thanks a lot.
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Here is the link for Chapter 8 – Bending Members.
This links to the next post, 10-lateral-torsional buckling for steel beams.
A new post is added 41-Practice problem 5-6-1-find the total service load for W12x65. The section is non-compact.