366 CHAPTER 7 TRANSVERSE SHEAR

Important Points

• Shear forces in beams cause nonlinear shear-strain distributions over the cross section, causing it to warp.
• Due to the complementary property of shear stress, the shear stress developed in a beam acts over the
cross section of the beam and along its longitudinal planes.
• The shear formula was derived by considering horizontal force equilibrium of the longitudinal shear-stress
and bending-stress distributions acting on a portion of a differential segment of the beam.
• The shear formula is to be used on straight prismatic members made of homogeneous material that has
linear elastic behavior. Also, the internal resultant shear force must be directed along an axis of symmetry
for the cross-sectional area.
• The shear formula should not be used to determine the shear stress on cross sections that are short or flat,
at points of sudden cross-sectional changes, or at a point on an inclined boundary.

Procedure for Analysis

In order to apply the shear formula, the following procedure is suggested.

Internal Shear.
• Section the member perpendicular to its axis at the point where the shear stress is to be determined, and
7 obtain the internal shear V at the section.

Section Properties.
• Determine the location of the neutral axis, and determine the moment of inertia I of the entire cross-sectional
area about the neutral axis.
• Pass an imaginary horizontal section through the point where the shear stress is to be determined.
Measure the width t of the cross-sectional area at this section.
• The portion of the area lying either above or below this width is A¿. Determine Q by using Q = y¿A¿.
Here y¿ is the distance to the centroid of A¿, measured from the neutral axis. It may be helpful to realize
that A¿ is the portion of the member’s cross-sectional area that is being “held onto the member” by the
longitudinal shear stresses. See Fig. 7–4c.

Shear Stress.
• Using a consistent set of units, substitute the data into the shear formula and calculate the shear stress t.
• It is suggested that the direction of the transverse shear stress t be established on a volume element of
material located at the point where it is calculated. This can be done by realizing that t acts on the cross
section in the same direction as V. From this, the corresponding shear stresses acting on the other three
planes of the element can then be established.
 7.2 THE SHEAR FORMULA 367

EXAMPLE 7.1
The solid shaft and tube shown in Fig. 7–9a are subjected to the shear
force of 4 kN. Determine the shear stress acting over the diameter of
4 kN 4 kN
each cross section.

SOLUTION 20 mm
Section Properties. Using the table on the inside front cover, the
moment of inertia of each section, calculated about its diameter (or
50 mm 50 mm
neutral axis), is
(a)
1 1
Isolid = pc4 = p(0.05 m)4 = 4.909(10 - 6) m4
4 4

= p(co4 - c 4i ) = p3(0.05 m)4 - (0.02 m)44 = 4.783(10 - 6) m4

1 1
Itube
4 4

The semicircular area shown shaded in Fig. 7–9b, above (or below)
each diameter, represents Q, because this area is “held onto the member”
by the longitudinal shear stress along the diameter.

4c pc2 4(0.05 m) p(0.05 m)2

Qsolid = y¿A¿ = a b= a b = 83.33 (10 - 6) m3
3p 2 3p 2

4co pc2o 4ci pc2i

Qtube = g y¿A¿ = a b - a b
3p 2 3p 2
7
4(0.05 m) p(0.05 m)2 4(0.02 m) p(0.02 m)2
= a b - a b
3p 2 3p 2
= 78.0(10 - 6) m3

Shear Stress. Applying the shear formula where t = 0.1 m for the
solid section, and t = 2(0.03 m) = 0.06 m for the tube, we have

VQ 4(103) N(83.33(10 - 6) m3)

tsolid = = = 679 kPa Ans.
It 4.909(10 - 6) m4(0.1 m)
VQ 4(103) N(78.0(10 - 6) m3)
ttube = = = 1.09 MPa Ans.
It 4.783(10 - 6) m4(0.06 m)

NOTE: As discussed in the limitations for the shear formula, the

calculations performed here are valid since the shear stress along
the diameter is vertical and therefore tangent to the boundary of the
(b)
cross section. An element of material on the diameter is subjected to
“pure shear” as shown in Fig. 7–9b. Fig. 7–9
 368 CHAPTER 7 TRANSVERSE SHEAR

EXAMPLE 7.2
Determine the distribution of the shear stress over the cross section of
the beam shown in Fig. 7–10a.

A¿

h
_ 2 A
y¿
h
h
V 2
y
N
b b

(a) (b)

SOLUTION
The distribution can be determined by finding the shear stress at an
arbitrary height y from the neutral axis, Fig. 7–10b, and then plotting
this function. Here, the dark colored area A¿ will be used for Q.∗
Hence

1 h2
Q = y¿A¿ = cy + a - ybd a - ybb = a - y2 bb
1 h h
7
2 2 2 2 4

Applying the shear formula, we have

V A 12 B 3(h2>4) - y24b
b
6V h2
a - y2 b
VQ
A t = = =
A 12 B
1 3
(1)
It bh3
b bh 4
dy
y This result indicates that the shear-stress distribution over the cross
N section is parabolic. As shown in Fig. 7–10c, the intensity varies from
zero at the top and bottom, y = ; h>2, to a maximum value at the
Tmax V neutral axis, y = 0. Specifically, since the area of the cross section is
A = bh, then at y = 0 we have
Shear–stress distribution
(c)
V
t max = 1.5 (2)
Fig. 7–10 A

*The area below y can also be used 3A¿ = b(h>2 + y)4, but doing so involves a bit
more algebraic manipulation.
 7.2 THE SHEAR FORMULA 369

tmax
A

Typical shear failure of this wooden

N beam occurred at the support and
through the approximate center of its
(d) cross section.
Fig. 7–10 (cont.)

This same value for t max can be obtained directly from the shear
formula, t = VQ>It, by realizing that t max occurs where Q is largest,
since V, I, and t are constant. By inspection, Q will be a maximum
when the entire area above (or below) the neutral axis is considered;
that is, A¿ = bh>2 and y¿ = h>4. Thus,
VQ V(h>4)(bh>2) V
t max = = = 1.5
It C 12bh D b
1 3 A

By comparison, t max is 50% greater than the average shear stress

determined from Eq. 1–7; that is, tavg = V>A. 7
It is important to realize that t max also acts in the longitudinal direction
of the beam, Fig. 7–10d. It is this stress that can cause a timber beam to
fail as shown Fig. 7–10e. Here horizontal splitting of the wood starts
to occur through the neutral axis at the beam’s ends, since there the
vertical reactions subject the beam to large shear stress and wood has
a low resistance to shear along its grains, which are oriented in the
longitudinal direction.
It is instructive to show that when the shear-stress distribution, Eq. 1,
is integrated over the cross section it yields the resultant shear V. To
do this, a differential strip of area dA = b dy is chosen, Fig. 7–10c, and
since t acts uniformly over this strip, we have
h>2
P
6V h2
t dA = ¢ - y2 ≤ b dy
LA L-h>2 bh3 4

6V h2 1 3 h>2
= B y - y R
h3 4 3 -h>2 (e)

6V h2 h 1 h3 h3
B a + b - ¢ + ≤R = V
h
= 3
h 4 2 2 3 8 8
 370 CHAPTER 7 TRANSVERSE SHEAR

EXAMPLE 7.3
A steel wide-flange beam has the dimensions shown in Fig. 7–11a.
If it is subjected to a shear of V = 80 kN, plot the shear-stress
distribution acting over the beam’s cross-sectional area.
20 mm
B¿ tB¿  1.13 MPa

100 mm A tB  22.6 MPa

B
15 mm
100 mm tC  25.2 MPa
20 mm C

22.6 MPa
1.13 MPa
V  80 kN
300 mm (b)
N
SOLUTION
Since the flange and web are rectangular elements, then like the
(a) previous example, the shear-stress distribution will be parabolic and in
this case it will vary in the manner shown in Fig. 7–11b. Due to
symmetry, only the shear stresses at points B¿, B, and C have to be
determined. To show how these values are obtained, we must first
determine the moment of inertia of the cross-sectional area about the
neutral axis. Working in meters, we have

I = c 10.015 m210.200 m23 d

1
12
7
+ 2c 10.300 m210.02 m23 + 10.300 m210.02 m210.110 m22 d
1
12
= 155.6110-62 m4
For point B¿, tB ¿ = 0.300 m, and A¿ is the dark shaded area shown
in Fig. 7–11c. Thus,

0.02 m QB¿ = y¿A¿ = [0.110 m]10.300 m210.02 m2 = 0.660110-32 m3

0.300 m
so that
A¿ VQB¿ 80(103) N10.660110-32 m32
tB¿ = = = 1.13 MPa
155.6110-62 m410.300 m2
B B¿ 0.100 m
ItB¿
N A
For point B, tB = 0.015 m and QB = QB¿ , Fig. 7–11c. Hence

VQB 80(103) N10.660110-32 m32

tB = = = 22.6 MPa
ItB 155.6110-62 m410.015 m2
(c)
Note from the discussion of “Limitations on the Use of the Shear
Fig. 7–11 Formula” that the calculated value for both tB¿ and tB will actually be
very misleading. Why?
 7.2 THE SHEAR FORMULA 371

0.02 m
0.300 m

A¿
0.015 m 0.100 m
N A
C

(d)

Fig. 7–11 (cont.)

For point C, tC = 0.015 m and A¿ is the dark shaded area shown in

Fig. 7–11d. Considering this area to be composed of two rectangles,
we have

QC = ©y¿A¿ = [0.110 m]10.300 m210.02 m2

+ [0.05 m]10.015 m210.100 m2

= 0.735110-32 m3

Thus,
7

VQC 80(103) N[0.735110-32 m3]

tC = tmax = = = 25.2 MPa
ItC 155.6110-62 m410.015 m2

NOTE: From Fig. 7–11b, note that most of the shear stress occurs in
the web and is almost uniform throughout its depth, varying from
22.6 MPa to 25.2 MPa. It is for this reason that for design, some codes
permit the use of calculating the average shear stress on the cross
section of the web rather than using the shear formula. This will be
discussed further in Chapter 11.
 372 CHAPTER 7 TRANSVERSE SHEAR

EXAMPLE 7.4

6.5 kN/ m The beam shown in Fig. 7–12a is made from two boards. Determine
the maximum shear stress in the glue necessary to hold the boards
together along the seam where they are joined.

4m 4m SOLUTION
150 mm Internal Shear. The support reactions and the shear diagram for the
30 mm beam are shown in Fig. 7–12b. It is seen that the maximum shear in the
N A beam is 19.5 kN.
_ 150 mm
y Section Properties. The centroid and therefore the neutral axis
30 mm will be determined from the reference axis placed at the bottom of the
cross-sectional area, Fig. 7–12a. Working in units of meters, we have
(a)
'
© yA
26 kN y =
©A
[0.075 m]10.150 m210.030 m2 + [0.165 m]10.030 m210.150 m2
= = 0.120 m
10.150 m210.030 m2 + 10.030 m210.150 m2
6m 2m
6.5 kN 19.5 kN
The moment of inertia, about the neutral axis, Fig. 7–12a, is therefore

I = c 10.030 m210.150 m23 + 10.150 m210.030 m210.120 m - 0.075 m22 d

1
V (kN)
12
6.5
+ c 10.150 m210.030 m23 + 10.030 m210.150 m210.165 m - 0.120 m22 d
1
5 8 x (m)
4 12
7
= 27.0110-62 m4

(b) 19.5
The top board (flange) is being held onto the bottom board (web) by
the glue, which is applied over the thickness t = 0.03 m. Consequently
A¿ is defined as the area of the top board, Fig. 7–12a. We have
Q = y¿A¿ = [0.180 m - 0.015 m - 0.120 m]10.03 m210.150 m2
= 0.2025110-32 m3
V  19.5 kN Shear Stress. Using the above data and applying the shear formula
yields
Plane containing glue
VQ 19.5(103) N10.2025110-32 m32
tmax = = = 4.88 MPa
27.0110-62 m410.030 m2
Ans.
It
4.88 MPa
The shear stress acting at the top of the bottom board is shown in
Fig. 7–12c.
(c)
NOTE: It is the glue’s resistance to this longitudinal shear stress that
Fig. 7–12
holds the boards from slipping at the right-hand support.
 7.2 THE SHEAR FORMULA 373

FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEMS

F7–1. If the beam is subjected to a shear force of F7–4. If the beam is subjected to a shear force of
V = 100 kN, determine the shear stress developed at point V = 20 kN, determine the maximum shear stress developed
A. Represent the state of stress at A on a volume element. in the beam.

300 mm
200 mm 30 mm
200 mm
20 mm
30 mm 50 mm
30 mm
90 mm A
150 mm
20 mm V

20 mm F7–1 150 mm

F7–2. Determine the shear stress at points A and B on the V 50 mm

beam if it is subjected to a shear force of V = 600 kN.
30 mm

100 mm

100 mm F7–4

100 mm 100 mm

F7–5. If the beam is made from four plates and subjected

7
100 mm to a shear force of V = 20 kN, determine the maximum
shear stress developed in the beam.
B
100 mm

A V 50 mm
50 mm

F7–2 25 mm

25 mm 150 mm
F7–3. Determine the absolute maximum shear stress
developed in the beam.

6 kip A
3 kip 150 mm
V

B 6 in. 50 mm
A

1 ft 1 ft 1 ft 3 in.

F7–3 F7–5
 374 CHAPTER 7 TRANSVERSE SHEAR

PROBLEMS
•7–1. If the wide-flange beam is subjected to a shear of 7–6. If the beam is subjected to a shear of V = 15 kN,
V = 20 kN, determine the shear stress on the web at A. determine the web’s shear stress at A and B. Indicate the
Indicate the shear-stress components on a volume element shear-stress components on a volume element located
located at this point. at these points. Show that the neutral axis is located at
y = 0.1747 m from the bottom and INA = 0.2182110-32 m4.
7–2. If the wide-flange beam is subjected to a shear of
V = 20 kN, determine the maximum shear stress in the
beam.

7–3. If the wide-flange beam is subjected to a shear of 200 mm

V = 20 kN, determine the shear force resisted by the web
of the beam.
30 mm A
25 mm
200 mm
V
250 mm B
A 20 mm
20 mm
30 mm
V 125 mm
B
Prob. 7–6
300 mm

200 mm
20 mm

7 Probs. 7–1/2/3
7–7. If the wide-flange beam is subjected to a shear of
V = 30 kN, determine the maximum shear stress in the
beam.
*7–4. If the T-beam is subjected to a vertical shear of
V = 12 kip, determine the maximum shear stress in the
beam. Also, compute the shear-stress jump at the flange- *7–8. If the wide-flange beam is subjected to a shear of
web junction AB. Sketch the variation of the shear-stress V = 30 kN, determine the shear force resisted by the web
intensity over the entire cross section. of the beam.

•7–5. If the T-beam is subjected to a vertical shear of

V = 12 kip, determine the vertical shear force resisted by
the flange. 200 mm

30 mm A
4 in.
4 in. 25 mm
3 in.
4 in.
V
B
B 6 in.
250 mm
A

V  12 kip 30 mm
200 mm
Probs. 7–4/5 Probs. 7–7/8
 7.2 THE SHEAR FORMULA 375

•7–9. Determine the largest shear force V that the member 7–13. Determine the maximum shear stress in the strut if
can sustain if the allowable shear stress is tallow = 8 ksi. it is subjected to a shear force of V = 20 kN.

7–10. If the applied shear force V = 18 kip, determine the 7–14. Determine the maximum shear force V that the
maximum shear stress in the member. strut can support if the allowable shear stress for the
material is tallow = 40 MPa.

3 in.
12 mm
1 in.
V
3 in. 1 in. 60 mm
1 in. Probs. 7–9/10 V

7–11. The wood beam has an allowable shear stress of 12 mm

tallow = 7 MPa. Determine the maximum shear force V that
can be applied to the cross section. 20 mm
80 mm

50 mm 50 mm 20 mm
100 mm Probs. 7–13/14

50 mm
7–15. Plot the shear-stress distribution over the cross
section of a rod that has a radius c. By what factor is the
200 mm maximum shear stress greater than the average shear stress
V acting over the cross section?

50 mm

7
Prob. 7–11

*7–12. The beam has a rectangular cross section and is c

made of wood having an allowable shear stress of tallow =
y
200 psi. Determine the maximum shear force V that can be
developed in the cross section of the beam. Also, plot the V
Prob. 7–15
shear-stress variation over the cross section.

*7–16. A member has a cross section in the form of an

equilateral triangle. If it is subjected to a shear force V,
determine the maximum average shear stress in the member
using the shear formula. Should the shear formula actually be
V used to predict this value? Explain.

12 in.

V h

8 in.
Prob. 7–12 Prob. 7–16
 376 CHAPTER 7 TRANSVERSE SHEAR

•7–17. Determine the maximum shear stress in the strut if 7–22. Determine the shear stress at point B on the web of
it is subjected to a shear force of V = 600 kN. the cantilevered strut at section a–a.

7–18. Determine the maximum shear force V that the strut 7–23. Determine the maximum shear stress acting at
can support if the allowable shear stress for the material is section a–a of the cantilevered strut.
tallow = 45 MPa.

7–19. Plot the intensity of the shear stress distributed over

the cross section of the strut if it is subjected to a shear force
of V = 600 kN. 2 kN 4 kN
250 mm 250 mm 300 mm
a

30 mm
a
20 mm

150 mm 70 mm
B

20 mm
V 30 mm 50 mm

100 mm Probs. 7–22/23

100 mm
100 mm

Probs. 7–17/18/19

*7–24. Determine the maximum shear stress in the T-beam

at the critical section where the internal shear force is
maximum.
7
*7–20. The steel rod is subjected to a shear of 30 kip.
Determine the maximum shear stress in the rod. •7–25. Determine the maximum shear stress in the
T-beam at point C. Show the result on a volume element
•7–21. The steel rod is subjected to a shear of 30 kip. at this point.
Determine the shear stress at point A. Show the result on a
volume element at this point.

10 kN/m

A B
C
3m 1.5 m 1.5 m
1 in. 150 mm
A

2 in.
150 mm 30 mm
30 kip
30 mm

Probs. 7–20/21 Probs. 7–24/25

 7.2 THE SHEAR FORMULA 377

7–26. Determine the maximum shear stress acting in the 7–29. Write a computer program that can be used to
fiberglass beam at the section where the internal shear determine the maximum shear stress in the beam that has
force is maximum. the cross section shown, and is subjected to a specified
constant distributed load w and concentrated force P. Show
an application of the program using the values L = 4 m,
a = 2 m, P = 1.5 kN, d1 = 0, d2 = 2 m, w = 400 N>m,
200 lb/ft
150 lb/ft t1 = 15 mm, t2 = 20 mm, b = 50 mm, and h = 150 mm.

D d2
A P
d1 w
t1
6 ft 6 ft
2 ft t2 h
A B
4 in. t1
0.75 in.
a b
L
6 in.
0.5 in. Prob. 7–29

4 in. 0.75 in.

7–30. The beam has a rectangular cross section and is
Prob. 7–26 subjected to a load P that is just large enough to develop a
fully plastic moment Mp = PL at the fixed support. If the
material is elastic-plastic, then at a distance x 6 L the
moment M = Px creates a region of plastic yielding with
7–27. Determine the shear stress at points C and D an associated elastic core having a height 2y¿. This situation
located on the web of the beam. has been described by Eq. 6–30 and the moment M is
distributed over the cross section as shown in Fig. 6–48e.
*7–28. Determine the maximum shear stress acting in the Prove that the maximum shear stress developed in the beam 7
beam at the critical section where the internal shear force is is given by tmax = 321P>A¿2, where A¿ = 2y¿b, the cross-
maximum. sectional area of the elastic core.

3 kip/ft P
x
Plastic region
C
D B 2y¿
A h

6 ft 6 ft 6 ft b L
Elastic region
6 in. 1 in.
Prob. 7–30
0.75 in. C 4 in.
D 4 in.
7–31. The beam in Fig. 6–48f is subjected to a fully plastic
6 in. 1 in. moment Mp . Prove that the longitudinal and transverse
shear stresses in the beam are zero. Hint: Consider an element
Probs. 7–27/28 of the beam as shown in Fig. 7–4c.
 7.3 SHEAR FLOW IN BUILT-UP MEMBERS 379

dx
M

t
F
dx

dF A¿
dx M  dM
F  dF
(b)

(a)
Fig. 7–14

Application of this equation follows the same “procedure for analysis”

as outlined in Sec. 7.2 for the shear formula. It is very important to
identify Q correctly when determining the shear flow at a particular
junction on the cross section. A few examples should serve to illustrate
how this is done. Consider the beam cross sections shown in Fig. 7–15. The
shaded segments are connected to the beam by fasteners and at the
planes of connection, identified by the thick black lines, the shear
flow q is determined by using a value of Q calculated from A¿ and y¿
indicated in each figure. This value of q will be resisted by a single fastener
in Fig. 7–15a, by two fasteners in Fig. 7–15b, and by three fasteners in
Fig. 7–15c. In other words, the fastener in Fig. 7–15a supports the
calculated value of q, and in Figs. 7–15b and 7–15c each fastener
supports q兾2 and q兾3, respectively.
7

Important Point

• Shear flow is a measure of the force per unit length along the axis
of a beam. This value is found from the shear formula and is used
to determine the shear force developed in fasteners and glue that
holds the various segments of a composite beam together.

A¿
A¿ A¿

_ _
_ y¿ y¿
y¿ N A
N A
N A

(a) (b) (c)

Fig. 7–15
 380 CHAPTER 7 TRANSVERSE SHEAR

EXAMPLE 7.5
The beam is constructed from four boards glued together as shown in
Fig. 7–16a. If it is subjected to a shear of V = 850 kN, determine the
shear flow at B and C that must be resisted by the glue.

SOLUTION
Section Properties. The neutral axis (centroid) will be located from
the bottom of the beam, Fig. 7–16a.Working in units of meters, we have
' 2[0.15 m]10.3 m210.01 m2 + [0.205 m]10.125 m210.01 m2 + [0.305 m]10.250 m210.01 m2
©yA
y = =
©A 210.3 m210.01 m2 + 0.125 m10.01 m2 + 0.250 m10.01 m2
= 0.1968 m
The moment of inertia about the neutral axis is thus

I = 2c 10.01 m210.3 m23 + 10.01 m210.3 m210.1968 m - 0.150 m22 d

1
12
10 mm
+ c 10.125 m210.01 m23 + 10.125 m210.01 m210.205 m - 0.1968 m22 d
250 mm
1
12

+ c 10.250 m210.01 m23 + 10.250 m210.01 m210.305 m - 0.1968 m22 d

B 1
10 mm
12
= 87.52110-62 m4
C
N A
300 mm
Since the glue at B and B¿ in Fig. 7–16b “holds” the top board to the
200 mm
_ beam, we have
y
7 V  850 kN QB = yBœ ABœ = [0.305 m - 0.1968 m]10.250 m210.01 m2
= 0.271110-32 m3
10 mm 125 mm 10 mm Likewise, the glue at C and C¿ “holds” the inner board to the beam,
Fig. 7–16b, and so
(a)
QC = yCœ ACœ = [0.205 m - 0.1968 m]10.125 m210.01 m2
A¿B
= 0.01026110-32 m3
B B¿ _
y¿B Shear Flow. For B and B¿ we have
C C¿ VQB 85011032 N10.271110-32 m32
_ qBœ = = = 2.63 MN>m
N
A¿C y¿C
A
I 87.52110-62 m4
And for C and C¿,
VQC 85011032 N10.01026110-32 m32
qCœ = = = 0.0996 MN>m
I 87.52110-62 m4
Since two seams are used to secure each board, the glue per meter
length of beam at each seam must be strong enough to resist one-half
(b)
of each calculated value of q¿. Thus,
Fig. 7–16 qB = 1.31 MN>m and qC = 0.0498 MN>m Ans.
 7.3 SHEAR FLOW IN BUILT-UP MEMBERS 381

EXAMPLE 7.6
A box beam is constructed from four boards nailed together as shown 80 lb
in Fig. 7–17a. If each nail can support a shear force of 30 lb, determine
the maximum spacing s of the nails at B and at C so that the beam will
support the force of 80 lb.
s
SOLUTION
Internal Shear. If the beam is sectioned at an arbitrary point along 1.5 in. C
its length, the internal shear required for equilibrium is always 6 in. 1.5 in.
V = 80 lb, and so the shear diagram is shown in Fig. 7–17b.
Section Properties. The moment of inertia of the cross-sectional B 6 in.
area about the neutral axis can be determined by considering a
7.5-in. * 7.5-in. square minus a 4.5-in. * 4.5-in. square.
1.5 in.

17.5 in.217.5 in.23 - 14.5 in.214.5 in.23 = 229.5 in4

1 1
I =
12 12 (a)
The shear flow at B is determined using QB found from the darker
shaded area shown in Fig. 7–17c. It is this “symmetric” portion of the
beam that is to be “held” onto the rest of the beam by nails on the left
side and by the fibers of the board on the right side. V (lb)
Thus,
QB = y¿A¿ = [3 in.]17.5 in.211.5 in.2 = 33.75 in3
80
Likewise, the shear flow at C can be determined using the “symmetric”
shaded area shown in Fig. 7–17d. We have
x (ft) 7
QC = y¿A¿ = [3 in.]14.5 in.211.5 in.2 = 20.25 in3 (b)

Shear Flow.
80 lb133.75 in32
7.5 in.
VQB
qB = = = 11.76 lb>in. 1.5 in.
I 229.5 in4 3 in. B B¿
VQC 80 lb120.25 in32 N A
qC = = = 7.059 lb>in.
I 229.5 in4
These values represent the shear force per unit length of the beam (c)
that must be resisted by the nails at B and the fibers at B¿, Fig. 7–17c,
and the nails at C and the fibers at C¿, Fig. 7–17d, respectively. Since in 4.5 in.
each case the shear flow is resisted at two surfaces and each nail can 1.5 in.
resist 30 lb, for B the spacing is 3 in. C¿ C
30 lb N A
sB = = 5.10 in. Use sB = 5 in.
111.76>22 lb>in.
Ans.

And for C, (d)

30 lb
sC = = 8.50 in. Use sC = 8.5 in.
17.059>22 lb>in.
Ans. Fig. 7–17
 382 CHAPTER 7 TRANSVERSE SHEAR

EXAMPLE 7.7
Nails having a total shear strength of 40 lb are used in a beam that can
be constructed either as in Case I or as in Case II, Fig. 7–18. If the nails
are spaced at 9 in., determine the largest vertical shear that can be
supported in each case so that the fasteners will not fail.

s  9 in.

0.5 in. 0.5 in.

1 in.
4 in. N A 5 in. N A
Case I s  9 in. Case II

3 in.
0.5 in. 0.5 in.
1 in. 1 in.1 in.

Fig. 7–18

SOLUTION
Since the cross section is the same in both cases, the moment of inertia
about the neutral axis is

13 in.215 in.23 - 2c 11 in.214 in.23 d = 20.58 in4

1 1
I =
12 12
7 Case I. For this design a single row of nails holds the top or bottom
flange onto the web. For one of these flanges,
Q = y¿A¿ = [2.25 in.]13 in.10.5 in.22 = 3.375 in3
so that
VQ
q =
I
40 lb V13.375 in32
=
9 in. 20.58 in4
V = 27.1 lb Ans.
Case II. Here a single row of nails holds one of the side boards onto
the web. Thus,
Q = y¿A¿ = [2.25 in.]11 in.10.5 in.22 = 1.125 in3
VQ
q =
I
40 lb V11.125 in32
=
9 in. 20.58 in4
V = 81.3 lb Ans.
 7.3 SHEAR FLOW IN BUILT-UP MEMBERS 383

FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEMS

F7–6. The two identical boards are bolted together to F7–9. The boards are bolted together to form the built-
form the beam. Determine the maximum allowable spacing up beam. If the beam is subjected to a shear force of
s of the bolts to the nearest mm if each bolt has a shear V = 20 kN, determine the allowable maximum spacing of
strength of 15 kN. The beam is subjected to a shear force of the bolts to the nearest mm. Each bolt has a shear strength
V = 50 kN. of 8 kN.

F7–7. The two identical boards are bolted together to

50 mm
form the beam. If the spacing of the bolts is s = 100 mm
25 mm
and each bolt has a shear strength of 15 kN, determine the
maximum shear force V the beam can resist. 25 mm

200 mm

s
s
s 100 mm 50 mm
s

150 mm
100 mm

V
150 mm V

300 mm

F7–9

F7–6/7 F7–10. The boards are bolted together to form the built- 7
up beam. If the beam is subjected to a shear force of
F7–8. Two identical 20-mm thick plates are bolted to the V = 15 kip, determine the allowable maximum spacing of
top and bottom flange to form the built-up beam. If the the bolts to the nearest 18 in. Each bolt has a shear strength
beam is subjected to a shear force of V = 300 kN, of 6 kip.
determine the allowable maximum spacing s of the bolts to
the nearest mm. Each bolt has a shear strength of 30 kN.
1 in. 0.5 in.
0.5 in.
200 mm
20 mm
4 in.

s s 3 in.
10 mm s
s 300 mm 1 in.
10 mm 1 in. 3 in.
V

10 mm
V
4 in.
20 mm
200 mm

F7–8 F7–10
 384 CHAPTER 7 TRANSVERSE SHEAR

PROBLEMS
*7–32. The beam is constructed from two boards fastened *7–36. The beam is fabricated from two equivalent
together at the top and bottom with two rows of nails structural tees and two plates. Each plate has a height of
spaced every 6 in. If each nail can support a 500-lb shear 6 in. and a thickness of 0.5 in. If a shear of V = 50 kip is
force, determine the maximum shear force V that can be applied to the cross section, determine the maximum spacing
applied to the beam. of the bolts. Each bolt can resist a shear force of 15 kip.
•7–33. The beam is constructed from two boards •7–37. The beam is fabricated from two equivalent
fastened together at the top and bottom with two rows of structural tees and two plates. Each plate has a height of
nails spaced every 6 in. If an internal shear force of 6 in. and a thickness of 0.5 in. If the bolts are spaced at
V = 600 lb is applied to the boards, determine the shear s = 8 in., determine the maximum shear force V that can
force resisted by each nail. be applied to the cross section. Each bolt can resist a
shear force of 15 kip.

6 in.

6 in.
0.5 in.
2 in.
V s
2 in.
3 in.
1 in.
A
6 in. 6 in. V
Probs. 7–32/33
N 0.5 in.

7–34. The beam is constructed from two boards fastened 3 in.

7 together with three rows of nails spaced s = 2 in. apart. If
each nail can support a 450-lb shear force, determine the
maximum shear force V that can be applied to the beam. The Probs. 7–36/37
allowable shear stress for the wood is tallow = 300 psi.
7–38. The beam is subjected to a shear of V = 2 kN.
7–35. The beam is constructed from two boards fastened Determine the average shear stress developed in each nail
together with three rows of nails. If the allowable shear if the nails are spaced 75 mm apart on each side of the
stress for the wood is tallow = 150 psi, determine the beam. Each nail has a diameter of 4 mm.
maximum shear force V that can be applied to the beam.
Also, find the maximum spacing s of the nails if each nail
can resist 650 lb in shear.

75 mm
s
200 mm 50 mm 75 mm
s
25 mm V
1.5 in.
1.5 in. 200 mm
V

25 mm
6 in.
Probs. 7–34/35 Prob. 7–38
 7.3 SHEAR FLOW IN BUILT-UP MEMBERS 385

7–39. A beam is constructed from three boards bolted 7–42. The T-beam is nailed together as shown. If the nails
together as shown. Determine the shear force developed can each support a shear force of 950 lb, determine the
in each bolt if the bolts are spaced s = 250 mm apart and the maximum shear force V that the beam can support and the
applied shear is V = 35 kN. corresponding maximum nail spacing s to the nearest 18 in.
The allowable shear stress for the wood is tallow = 450 psi.

25 mm
25 mm
2 in. 12 in. s

100 mm 250 mm s

12 in.

V
350 mm
V
s = 250 mm

2 in.

25 mm Prob. 7–42

Prob. 7–39
7–43. Determine the average shear stress developed in the
nails within region AB of the beam. The nails are located on
*7–40. The double-web girder is constructed from two each side of the beam and are spaced 100 mm apart. Each
plywood sheets that are secured to wood members at its top nail has a diameter of 4 mm. Take P = 2 kN.
and bottom. If each fastener can support 600 lb in single
shear, determine the required spacing s of the fasteners *7–44. The nails are on both sides of the beam and each
needed to support the loading P = 3000 lb. Assume A is can resist a shear of 2 kN. In addition to the distributed
pinned and B is a roller. loading, determine the maximum load P that can be applied 7
to the end of the beam. The nails are spaced 100 mm apart
•7–41. The double-web girder is constructed from two and the allowable shear stress for the wood is tallow = 3 MPa.
plywood sheets that are secured to wood members at its top
and bottom. The allowable bending stress for the wood is P
sallow = 8 ksi and the allowable shear stress is tallow = 3 ksi. 2 kN/m
If the fasteners are spaced s = 6 in. and each fastener can
support 600 lb in single shear, determine the maximum load
P that can be applied to the beam.
A B C
1.5 m 1.5 m
2 in.
2 in. P
100 mm
s
10 in.
A B 40 mm
4 ft 4 ft
2 in.
200 mm
2 in.
6 in.
0.5 in. 0.5 in.
200 mm 20 mm
Probs. 7–40/41 Probs. 7–43/44 20 mm
 386 CHAPTER 7 TRANSVERSE SHEAR

•7–45. The beam is constructed from four boards which 7–47. The beam is made from four boards nailed together
are nailed together. If the nails are on both sides of the as shown. If the nails can each support a shear force of
beam and each can resist a shear of 3 kN, determine 100 lb., determine their required spacing s
and s if the beam
the maximum load P that can be applied to the end of the is subjected to a shear of V = 700 lb.
beam. D

1 in.
3 kN P s¿ 1 in.
2 in.
s¿ 10 in.
A
C
s
A B C 1 in.
s 10 in.
2m 2m V

100 mm B
1.5 in.
Prob. 7–47
30 mm *7–48. The box beam is constructed from four boards that
are fastened together using nails spaced along the beam
every 2 in. If each nail can resist a shear of 50 lb, determine
150 mm the greatest shear V that can be applied to the beam without
causing failure of the nails.

30 mm 250 mm 30 mm
30 mm 1 in.

Prob. 7–45 12 in.

5 in.
7 V
7–46. A built-up timber beam is made from the four
boards, each having a rectangular cross section. Write a 2 in. 1 in.
computer program that can be used to determine the 6 in.
maximum shear stress in the beam when it is subjected to
the shear V. Show an application of the program for a 1 in. Prob. 7–48
specific set of dimensions.
7–49. The timber T-beam is subjected to a load consisting
of n concentrated forces, Pn. If the allowable shear Vnail for
each of the nails is known, write a computer program that
bn will specify the nail spacing between each load. Show an
application of the program using the values L = 15 ft,
hn a1 = 4 ft, P1 = 600 lb, a2 = 8 ft, P2 = 1500 lb, b1 = 1.5 in.,
h1 = 10 in., b2 = 8 in., h2 = 1 in., and Vnail = 200 lb.
h2 P1 P2 Pn
s3
b3 s1 s2 sn

A B b2
h1
h2
V a1
b2 h1
a2
b1
an
Prob. 7–46 L
b1
Prob. 7–49