Shear Stresses in Beams

CE 211
MECHANICS OF SOLIDS I
Shear Stresses in
Beams
CE 211
Mechanics of Solids I
Preliminary Remarks
In deriving the torsion and the flexure formulas, the same sequence of
reasoning was employed. First, (i) a strain distribution was assumed
across the section; (ii) next, properties of the material were brought in
to relate these strains to stresses: and, (iii) finally, the equations of
equilibrium were used to establish the desired relations. However, the
development of the expression linking the shear force and the cross-
sectional area of a beam to the stress follows a different path. The
previous procedure cannot be employed, as no simple assumption for
the strain distribution due to the shear force can be made. Instead, an
indirect approach is used. The stress distribution caused by flexure is
assumed, which, together with the equilibrium requirements, resolves
the problem of the shear stresses.
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

CE 211
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 𝑉𝑉 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... (1)
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
Equation 1 means that if shear 𝑉𝑉 is acting at a section, there will be a
change in the bending moment 𝑀𝑀 on an adjoining section. The
difference between the bending moments on the adjoining sections is
equal to 𝑉𝑉 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑. If no shear is acting, no change in the bending moment
occurs. Alternatively, the rate of change in moment along a beam is
equal to the shear. Thus, if a shear is (and a bending moment) present at
one section through a beam, a different bending moment will exist at
an adjoining section, although the shear may remain constant. This will
lead to the establishment of the shear stresses on the imaginary
longitudinal planes through the members that are parallel to its axis.
Since at a point, equal shear stresses exist on the mutually
perpendicular planes, the shear stresses whose direction is coincident
with the shear force at a section will be determined.
CE 211
Figure 1 : Shear and Bending Moment

Diagrams for the Loading Shown.
Here at any two sections, such as A and B, taken through the beam anywhere
between applied forces 𝑃𝑃, the bending moment is the same. No shear acts at
these sections. On the other hand, between any two sections, such as C and
D, near the support, a change in the bending moment does take place. Shear
forces act at these sections. These shears are shown acting on an element of
the beam in Fig. 1(d). Note that in this zone of the beam, the change in the
bending moment in a distance 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 is 𝑃𝑃 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑, as shear 𝑉𝑉 is equal to 𝑃𝑃.
CE 211
Before a detailed analysis is given, a study of a sequence of photographs of
a model (Fig. 2) may prove helpful. The model represents a segment of an 𝐼𝐼
beam. In Fig. 2(a), in addition to the beam itself, blocks simulating stress
distribution caused by bending moments may be seen. The moment on the
right is assumed to be larger than the one on the left. This system of forces
is in equilibrium providing vertical shears 𝑉𝑉 (not seen in this view) also act
on the beam segment. By separating the model along the neutral surface,
one obtains two separate parts of the beam segment, as shown in Fig. 2(b).
Again, either one of these parts alone must be in equilibrium. If the upper
and the lower segments of Fig. 2(b) are connected by a dowel or a bolt in
an actual beam, the axial forces on either the upper or the lower part
caused by the bending-moment stresses must be maintained in equilibrium
by a force in the dowel. The force that must be resisted can be evaluated
by summing the forces in the axial direction caused by bending stresses. In
performing such a calculation, either the upper or the lower part of the
beam segment can be used.
CE 211
The horizontal force transmitted by the dowel is the force needed to

balance the net force caused by the bending stresses acting on the two
adjoining sections. Alternatively, by subtracting the same bending stress
on both ends of the segment, the same results can be obtained. This is
shown schematically in Fig. 2(c), where, assuming a zero bending
moment on the left, only the normal stresses due to the increment in
moment within the segment need be shown acting on the right. If,
initially, the 𝐼𝐼 beam considered is one piece requiring no bolts or
dowels, an imaginary longitudinal plane can be used to separate the
beam segment into two parts; see Fig. 2(d). As before, the net force that
must be developed across the cut area to maintain equilibrium can be
determined. Dividing this force by the area of the imaginary horizontal
cut gives average shear stresses acting in this plane.

CE 211
Figure 2 : (a) Beam segment with bending stresses simulated by blocks. (b) Shear force transmitted through a dowel.
Figure 2 : (c) For determining the force on a dowel, only a change in moment is needed. (d) The longitudinal shear force
divided by the area of the imaginary cut yields shear stress.
CE 211
Figure 2 : (e) Horizontal cut below the flange for determining the shear stress. (f) Vertical cut
through the flange for determining the shear stress.
After the shear stresses on one of the planes are found [i.e., the
horizontal one in Fig. 2(d)], shear stresses on mutually perpendicular
planes of an infinitesimal element also become known since they must
be numerically equal. This approach establishes the shear stresses in the
plane of the beam section taken normal to its axis.
CE 211
Figure 3 : Sliding Between Planks Not

Fastened Together.
Consider a wooden plank placed on top of another, as shown in

Fig. 3. If these planks act as a beam and are not interconnected,
sliding at the surfaces of their contact will take place. The
interconnection of these planks with nails or glue is necessary to
make them act as an integral beam.
CE 211
Shear Flow
Figure 4 : Elements for Deriving

Shear Flow in a Beam.
CE 211
Consider an elastic beam made from several continuous longitudinal

planks whose cross section is shown in Fig. 4(a). For simplicity, the
beam has a rectangular cross section, but such a limitation is not
necessary. To make this beam act as an integral member, it is assumed
that the planks are fastened at intervals by vertical bolts. An element
of this beam isolated by two parallel sections, both of which are
perpendicular to the axis of the beam, is shown in Fig. 4(b).
If the element shown in Fig. 4(b) is subjected to a bending moment

+ 𝑀𝑀𝐴𝐴 at end 𝐴𝐴 and to +𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵 at end 𝐵𝐵, bending stresses that act normal
to the sections are developed. These bending stresses vary linearly
from their respective neutral axes, and at any point at a distance 𝑦𝑦
from the neutral axis are − 𝑴𝑴𝑩𝑩 𝒚𝒚⁄𝑰𝑰 on the 𝐵𝐵 end and − 𝑴𝑴𝑨𝑨 𝒚𝒚⁄𝑰𝑰 on the
𝐴𝐴 end.

CE 211
From the beam element, Fig. 4(b), isolate the top plank, as shown in Fig.
4(c). The fibers of this plank nearest the neutral axis are located by the
distance 𝑦𝑦1 . Then, since stress times area is equal to force, the forces
acting perpendicular to ends 𝐴𝐴 and 𝐵𝐵 of this plank may be determined.
At end 𝐵𝐵, the force acting on an infinitesimal area 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 at a distance 𝑦𝑦
from the neutral axis is (− 𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵 𝑦𝑦⁄𝐼𝐼) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑. The total force acting on the
area 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓, 𝐴𝐴𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 , is the sum, or the integral, of these elementary forces
over this area. Denoting the total force acting normal to the area 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓
by 𝐹𝐹𝐵𝐵 and remembering that, at section 𝐵𝐵, 𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵 and 𝐼𝐼 are constants, one
obtains the following relation:
𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵 𝑦𝑦 𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵 𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵 𝑄𝑄

𝐹𝐹𝐵𝐵 = �𝑎𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 − 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = − �𝑎𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑦𝑦𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = − ... (2)
𝐼𝐼 𝐼𝐼 𝐼𝐼
𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓

CE 211
where
𝑄𝑄 = �𝑎𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 = 𝐴𝐴𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑦𝑦 ... ... ... ... ... ... (3)
𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓
The integral defining 𝑄𝑄 is the first, or the statical, moment of area 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓
around the neutral axis. By definition, 𝑦𝑦 is the distance from the neutral
axis to the centroid of 𝐴𝐴𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 . Equation 2 provides a convenient means of
calculating the longitudinal force acting normal to any selected part of
the cross-sectional area.
Next consider end 𝐴𝐴 of the element in Fig. 4(c). One can then express
the total force acting normal to the area 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 as
𝑀𝑀𝐴𝐴 𝑀𝑀𝐴𝐴 𝑄𝑄 ... ... ... ... ... ...
𝐹𝐹𝐴𝐴 = − � 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 = − (4)
𝐼𝐼 𝑎𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝐼𝐼
𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
where the meaning of 𝑄𝑄 is the same as that in Eq. 2 since for prismatic
beams, an area such as 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 is equal to the area 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎.
CE 211
Hence, if the moments at A and B were equal, it would follow that
𝐹𝐹𝐴𝐴 = 𝐹𝐹𝐵𝐵 , and the bolt shown in the figure would perform a nominal
function of keeping the planks together and would not be needed to
resist any known longitudinal forces.
On the other hand, if 𝑀𝑀𝐴𝐴 is not equal to 𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵 , which is always the case
when shears are present at the adjoining sections, 𝐹𝐹𝐴𝐴 is not equal to 𝐹𝐹𝐵𝐵 .
More push (or pull) develops on one end of a “plank” than on the other,
as different normal stresses act on the section from the two sides. Thus,
if 𝑀𝑀𝐴𝐴 ≠ 𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵 , equilibrium of the horizontal forces in Fig. 4(c) may be
attained only by developing a horizontal resisting force 𝑅𝑅 in the bolt. If
𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵 > 𝑀𝑀𝐴𝐴 , then 𝐹𝐹𝐵𝐵 > 𝐹𝐹𝐴𝐴 and 𝐹𝐹𝐴𝐴 + 𝑅𝑅 = 𝐹𝐹𝐵𝐵 , as in Fig. 4(d). The
force 𝐹𝐹𝐵𝐵 − 𝐹𝐹𝐴𝐴 = 𝑅𝑅 tends to shear the bolt in the plane of the plank
𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒. If the shear force acting across the bolt at level 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘, Fig. 4(a),
were to be investigated, the two upper planks should be considered as
one unit.
CE 211
If 𝑀𝑀𝐴𝐴 ≠ 𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵 and the element of the beam is only 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 long, the bending
moments on the adjoining sections change by an infinitesimal amount.
Thus, if the bending moment at 𝐴𝐴 is 𝑀𝑀𝐴𝐴 , the bending moment at 𝐵𝐵 is
𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵 = 𝑀𝑀𝐴𝐴 + 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑. Likewise, in the same distance 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑, the longitudinal
forces 𝐹𝐹𝐴𝐴 and 𝐹𝐹𝐵𝐵 change by an infinitesimal force 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 (i.e., 𝐹𝐹𝐵𝐵 − 𝐹𝐹𝐴𝐴 =
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑). By substituting these relations into the expression for 𝐹𝐹𝐵𝐵 and 𝐹𝐹𝐴𝐴
found previously, with areas 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 and 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 taken equal, one obtains an
expression for the differential longitudinal push (or pull) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑:
𝑀𝑀𝐴𝐴 + 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑀𝑀𝐴𝐴 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 𝐹𝐹𝐵𝐵 − 𝐹𝐹𝐴𝐴 = 𝑄𝑄 − 𝑄𝑄 = 𝑄𝑄
𝐼𝐼 𝐼𝐼 𝐼𝐼
In the final expression for 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑, the actual bending moments at the
adjoining sections are eliminated. Only the difference in the bending
moments 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 at the adjoining sections remains in the equation.
CE 211
Instead of working with a force 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑, which is developed in a

distance 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑, it is more significant to obtain a similar force per unit
of beam length. This quantity is obtained by dividing 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 by 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑.
Physically, this quantity represents the difference between 𝐹𝐹𝐵𝐵 and
𝐹𝐹𝐴𝐴 for an element of the beam of unit length. The quantity 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑/𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
will be designated by 𝑞𝑞 and will be referred to as the shear flow.
Since force is measured in newton or pounds, shear flow 𝑞𝑞 has
units of newton per meter or pounds per inch. Then, recalling that
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑/𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 𝑉𝑉, one obtains the following expression for the shear
flow in beams:
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 1 𝑉𝑉𝐴𝐴𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑦𝑦 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
𝑞𝑞 = = �𝑎𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 = = ... ... ... (5)
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝐼𝐼 𝐼𝐼 𝐼𝐼

CE 211
Example 1:
Two long wooden planks form a 𝑇𝑇 section of a beam, as shown in mm in
Fig. 5(a). If this beam transmits a constant vertical shear of 3000 N, find
the necessary spacing of the nails between the two planks to make the
beam act as a unit. Assume that the allowable shear force per nail is 700
N.
Figure 5
CE 211
Solution:
50 × 200 × 25 + 50 × 200 × 150

𝑦𝑦𝑐𝑐 = = 87.5 mm
50 × 200 + 50 × 200
200 × 503 50 × 2003

𝐼𝐼 = + 50 × 200 × 62.52 + + 50 × 200 × 62.52
12 12
= 113.54 × 106 mm4
𝑄𝑄 = 𝐴𝐴𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑦𝑦 = 50 × 200 × 87.5 − 25 = 625 × 103 mm3
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 3000 × 625 × 103

𝑞𝑞 = = 6
= 16.5 N/mm
𝐼𝐼 113.54 × 10

CE 211
Thus, a force of 16.5 N/mm must be transferred from one plank to the
other along the length of the beam. However, from the data given, each
nail is capable of resisting a force of 700 N; hence, one nail is adequate
for transmitting shear along 700/16.5 = 42 mm of the beam length. As
shear remains constant at the consecutive sections of the beam, the
nails should be spaced throughout at 42-mm intervals.

CE 211
Example 2:
A simple beam on a 6-m span carriers a load of 3 kN/m, including its own weight.
The beam's cross section is to be made from several wooden pieces, as is shown in
mm in Fig. 6(a). Specify the spacing of the 10-mm lag screws shown that is
necessary to fasten this beam together. Assume that one 10-mm lag screw, as
determined by laboratory tests, is good for 2 kN when transmitting lateral load
parallel to the grain of the wood. For the entire section, 𝐼𝐼 is equal to 2.36 ×
109 mm4 .
Figure 6
CE 211
Solution:
∫𝑎𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 = 𝑄𝑄
𝑄𝑄 = 𝐴𝐴𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑦𝑦 = 2𝐴𝐴1 𝑦𝑦1 + 𝐴𝐴2 𝑦𝑦2
= 2 × 50 × 100 × 200 + 50 × 200 × 225 = 4.25 × 106 mm3
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 9×1000×4.25×106
𝑞𝑞 = = = 16.2 N/mm
𝐼𝐼 2.36×109
At the supports, the spacing of the lag screws must be
2 × 103 /16.2 = 123 mm apart. This spacing of the lag screws applies only at
a section where shear 𝑉𝑉 is equal to 9 kN. Similar calculations for a section
where 𝑉𝑉 = 4.5 kN give 𝑞𝑞 = 8.1 N/mm , and the spacing of the lag screws
becomes 2 × 103 /8.1 = 246 mm. Thus, it is proper to specify the use of 10-
mm lag screws on 120-mm centers for a distance of 1.5 m nearest both of the
supports and 240-mm spacing of the same lag screws for the middle half of the
beam. A greater refinement in making the transition from one spacing of
fastenings to another may be desirable in some problems. The same spacing of
lag screws should be used at section b-b as at section a-a.
CE 211
Example 3:
Solution:
• Determine the horizontal
force per unit length or
shear flow 𝑞𝑞 on the lower
surface of the upper plank.
• Calculate the corresponding
Figure 7
shear force in each nail.
A beam is made of three planks,
nailed together. Knowing that the
spacing between nails is 25 mm
and that the vertical shear in the
beam is V = 500 N, determine the
shear force in each nail.
CE 211
Solution:
• Determine the horizontal force
per unit length or shear flow 𝑞𝑞
on the lower surface of the
upper plank.
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
𝑞𝑞 =
𝐼𝐼
𝑄𝑄 = 𝐴𝐴𝑦𝑦 (500N)(120×10−6 m3 )
=
16.20×10−6 m4
= (0.020m × 0.100𝑚𝑚)(0.060m)
−6 3
= 3704 N⁄m
= 120 × 10 m
1
• Calculate the corresponding
𝐼𝐼 = 0.020m 0.100m 3 shear force in each nail for a nail
12
1 spacing of 25 mm.
+2 [ 0.100m 0.020m 3
12 𝐹𝐹 = 0.025𝑚𝑚 𝑞𝑞
2
+(0.020m × 0.100𝑚𝑚)(0.060𝑚𝑚) ] = 0.025𝑚𝑚 3704 N⁄m
= 16.20 × 10−6 m4 𝐹𝐹 = 92.6 N
CE 211
Example 4: Solution:
• Develop shear and bending
moment diagrams. Identify
the maximums.
• Determine the beam depth
based on allowable normal
Figure 8
stress.
A timber beam is to support the
three concentrated loads shown. • Determine the beam depth
Knowing that for the grade of timber based on allowable shear
used, stress.
𝜎𝜎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 1800 psi 𝜏𝜏𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 120 psi • Required beam depth is
Determine the minimum required equal to the larger of the
depth d of the beam. two depths found.
CE 211
Solution:
• Develop shear and bending
moment diagrams. Identify the
maximums.
𝑉𝑉𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 3 kips
𝑀𝑀𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 7.5 kip. ft = 90 kip. in

CE 211
• Determine the beam depth based on
allowable normal stress.
𝑀𝑀
𝜎𝜎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
𝑆𝑆
90×103 lb.in.
1800 psi =
(0.5833 in.)𝑑𝑑 2
𝑑𝑑 = 9.26 in.
• Determine the beam depth based on
allowable shear stress.
3 𝑉𝑉
𝐼𝐼 =
1
𝑏𝑏𝑑𝑑 3 𝜏𝜏𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
2 𝐴𝐴
12 3 3000 lb
𝐼𝐼 1 120 psi =
𝑆𝑆 = = 𝑏𝑏𝑑𝑑 2 2 3.5in. 𝑑𝑑
𝐶𝐶 6 𝑑𝑑 = 10.71 in.
1
= 3.5 in. 𝑑𝑑 2 • Required beam depth is equal to the
6
larger of the two depths found.
= (0.5833 in. )𝑑𝑑 2
𝑑𝑑 = 10.71 in.
CE 211
Example 5:
Solution:
• Determine the shear force
per unit length along each
Figure 9 edge of the upper plank.
A square box beam is constructed • Based on the spacing
from four planks as shown. between nails, determine
Knowing that the spacing between the shear force in each nail.
nails is 1.75 in. and the beam is
subjected to a vertical shear of
magnitude V = 600 lb, determine
the shearing force in each nail.
CE 211
Solution:
• Determine the shear force per
unit length along each edge of
the upper plank.
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 (600lb)(4.22 in3 )
𝑞𝑞 = =
𝐼𝐼 27.42 in4
= 92.3 lb⁄in
For the upper plank, 𝑓𝑓 =
𝑞𝑞
= 46.15 lb⁄in
2
𝑄𝑄 = 𝐴𝐴′ 𝑦𝑦
= edge force per unit length
= (0.75in. )(3in. )(1.875in. )
= 4.22 in3 • Based on the spacing between
nails, determine the shear force
For the overall beam cross- in each nail.
section, 𝐹𝐹 = 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓
1 4 1
𝐼𝐼 = 4.5in − 3in 4 = 46.15 lb⁄in 1.75in
12 12
= 27.42 in4 𝐹𝐹 = 80.8 lb
CE 211
The Shear Stress Formula for Beams

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝑞𝑞
𝜏𝜏 = = = ... ... ... ... ... (6)
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑡𝑡 𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 𝑦𝑦
Figure 10 : Sectioning for partial areas of cross sections for computing shear stresses.
CE 211
Procedure Summary
The same three basic concepts of engineering mechanics of solids are used in
developing the formula for shear stresses in beams. However, their use is less
direct.
1. Equilibrium conditions are used,
a) for determining the shear at a section
b) by using the relationship between the shear and the rate of change in
bending moment along a span, and
c) by determining the force at a longitudinal section of a beam element
for obtaining the average shear stress.
2. Geometry of deformation, as in pure bending, is assumed such that plane
sections remain plane after deformation, leading to the conclusion that
normal strains in a section vary linearly from the neutral axis. Since, due to
shear, the cross sections do not remain plane, but warp, this assumption is
less accurate than for pure bending. However, for small and moderate
magnitudes of shear, and slender members, this assumption is satisfactory.
CE 211
3. Material properties are considered to obey

Hooke's law, although extension to other
constitutive relations is possible for
elementary solutions.

CE 211
Example 6:
Derive an expression for the shear stress distribution in a beam of solid
rectangular cross section transmitting a vertical shear V.
Figure 11

CE 211
Solution:
Eq. 6, the horizontal shear stress is found at level 𝑦𝑦1 of the beam. At the
same cut, numerically equal vertical shear stresses act in the plane of the
cross section. So,
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝑉𝑉 𝑉𝑉 ℎ/2
𝜏𝜏 = = �𝑎𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 = � 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 𝐼𝐼𝑏𝑏 𝑦𝑦1
... ... ... ... ... (7)
ℎ/2 2
𝑉𝑉 𝑦𝑦 2 𝑉𝑉 ℎ
= = − 𝑦𝑦12
𝐼𝐼 2 𝑦𝑦1 2𝐼𝐼 2
As noted before, the maximum shear stress in a rectangular beam occurs at

the neutral axis, and for this case, the general expression for 𝜏𝜏𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 may be
simplified by setting 𝑦𝑦1 = 0 :
𝑉𝑉ℎ2 𝑉𝑉ℎ2 3 𝑉𝑉 3 𝑉𝑉 ... ... ... ... ...
𝜏𝜏𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = = = = (8a)
8𝐼𝐼 8 𝑏𝑏ℎ3 ⁄12 2 𝑏𝑏𝑏 2 𝐴𝐴
CE 211
From the property of the statical moments of areas around a centroidal

axis, the maximum value of 𝑄𝑄 is obtained by considering one-half the
cross sectional area around the neutral axis of the beam. Hence,
alternately,
𝑏𝑏𝑏 ℎ
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝑉𝑉 2 4 3 𝑉𝑉
𝜏𝜏𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = = = ... ... ... ... ... (8b)
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 𝑏𝑏ℎ 3 2 𝐴𝐴
𝑏𝑏
12

CE 211
Alternate Solution for Rectangular Beam
The distribution of shearing stresses in a rectangular section can be
obtained by applying Eq. (5-4) to Fig. 22. For a layer at a distance 𝑦𝑦 from
the neutral axis, we have
𝑉𝑉 ′ 𝑉𝑉 ℎ 1 ℎ
𝜏𝜏 = 𝐴𝐴 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑏𝑏 − 𝑦𝑦 𝑦𝑦 + − 𝑦𝑦
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 2 2 2
Which reduces to
𝑉𝑉 ℎ2
𝜏𝜏 = − 𝑦𝑦 2
2𝐼𝐼 4
Figure 22 : Shearing Stress is

Distributed Parabolically Across
a Rectangular Section
CE 211
Example 7:
An 𝐼𝐼 beam is loaded as shown in Fig. 12(a). If it has the cross section
shown in Fig. 12(c), determine the shear stresses at the levels indicated.
Neglect the weight of the beam. [𝐼𝐼 is equal to 254 in4 ]
Figure 12
CE 211
Level 𝑨𝑨𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒂𝒂 𝒚𝒚𝒃𝒃 𝑸𝑸 = 𝑨𝑨𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇 𝒚𝒚 𝒒𝒒 = 𝑽𝑽𝑽𝑽⁄𝑰𝑰 t 𝝉𝝉 (psi)
1-1 0 6 0 0 6.0 0
2-2 0.5 × 6 = 3.00 5.75 17.25 3400 6.0 570
0.5 6800
0.5 × 6 = 3.00 5.75 17.25

3-3 18.56 3650 0.5 7300
0.5 × 0.5 = 0.25 5.25 1.31
0.5 × 6 = 3.00 5.75 17.25

4-4 24.81 4890 0.5 9780
0.5 × 5.5 = 2.75 2.75 7.56
a 𝐴𝐴𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 is the partial area of the cross section above a given level in in2.
b 𝑦𝑦 is distance in mm from the neutral axis to the centroid of the partial area.
𝑉𝑉
𝜏𝜏𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... (9)
𝐴𝐴𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤
In the example considered, this gives
50,000
𝜏𝜏𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = = 8330 psi
0.5×12
CE 211
Some Limitations of the Shear Stress Formula

The shear stress formula for beams is based on the flexure formula.
Hence, all of the limitations imposed on the flexure formula apply. (i)
The material is assumed to be elastic with the same elastic modulus in
tension as in compression. (ii) The theory developed applies only to
straight beams. (iii) Moreover, there are additional limitations that are
not present in the flexure formula. Some of these are:
Consider a section through the 𝐼𝐼 beam analyzed in Example 7. Some of

the results of this analysis are reproduced in Fig. 13. The shear stresses
computed earlier for level 1-1 apply to the infinitesimal element 𝑎𝑎. The
vertical shear stress is zero for this element. Likewise, no shear stresses
exist on the top plane of the beam. This is as it should be, since the top
surface of the beam is a free surface. In mathematical phraseology. this
means that the conditions at the boundary are satisfied.
CE 211
A different condition is found when the shear stresses determined for the 𝐼𝐼
beam at levels 2-2 are scrutinized. The shear stresses were found to be 570
psi for the elements such as b or c shown in the figure. This requires
matching horizontal shear stresses on the inner surfaces of the flanges.
However, the latter surfaces must be free of the shear stresses, as they are
free boundaries of the beam. This leads to a contradiction that cannot be
resolved by the methods of engineering mechanics of solids. The more
advanced techniques of the mathematical theory of elasticity or three-
dimensional finite element analysis must be used to obtain an accurate
solution.
Figure 13 : Boundary conditions are

not satisfied at the levels 2-2.

CE 211
In mechanical applications, circular shafts frequently
act as beams. Hence, beams having a solid circular
cross section form an important class. These beams
are not "thin walled." An examination of the
boundary conditions for circular members, Fig. 14(a),
leads to the conclusion that when shear stresses are
present, they must act parallel to the boundary. As
no matching shear stress can exist on the free surface
of a beam, no shear stress component can act
normal to the boundary. However, according to Eq. 6,
vertical shear stresses of equal intensity act at every
level, such as ac in Fig. 14(b). This is incompatible
with the boundary conditions for elements a and c,
and the solution indicated by Eq. 6 is inconsistent.
Fortunately, the maximum shear stresses occurring at Figure 14 : Modification
the neutral axis satisfy the boundary conditions and of shear stresses to satisfy
the boundary conditions.
are within about 5% of their true value.
CE 211
Shear Stress in Beam Flanges
Figure 15 : Shear forces in the flanges of an I beam act perpendicularly to the axis of symmetry.
CE 211
In an 𝐼𝐼 beam, the existence of shear stresses acting in a vertical

longitudinal cut, such as c-c in Fig. 15(a), was indicated in Fig. 2(f) and
Section “The Shear Stress Formula for Beams”. These shear stresses act
perpendicular to the plane of the paper. Their magnitude may be found
by applying Eq. 6, and their sense follows by considering the bending
moments at the adjoining sections through the beam. For example, if,
for the beam shown in Fig. 15(b), positive bending moments increase
toward the reader, larger normal forces act on the near section. For the
elements shown, τ𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 or 𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞 must aid the smaller force acting on the
partial area of the cross section. This fixes the sense of the shear
stresses in the longitudinal cuts. However, numerically equal shear
stresses act on the mutually perpendicular planes of an infinitesimal
element, and the shear stresses on such planes either meet or part with
their directional arrowheads at a corner. Hence, the sense of the shear
stresses in the plane of the section also becomes known.
CE 211
The magnitude of the shear stresses varies for the different vertical cuts.
For example, if cut c-c in Fig. 15(a) is at the edge of the beam, the
hatched area of the beam's cross section is zero. However, if the
thickness of the flange is constant, and cut c-c is made progressively
closer to the web, this area increases from zero at a linear rate.
Moreover, as 𝑦𝑦 remains constant for any such area, 𝑄𝑄 also increases
linearly from zero toward the web. Therefore, since 𝑉𝑉 and 𝐼𝐼 are constant
at any section through the beam, shear flow 𝑞𝑞𝑐𝑐 = 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉/𝐼𝐼 follows the
same variation. If the thickness of the flange remains the same, the
shear stress 𝜏𝜏𝑐𝑐 = 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉/𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 varies similarly. The same variation of 𝑞𝑞𝑐𝑐 and 𝜏𝜏𝑐𝑐
applies on both sides of the axis of symmetry of the cross section.
However, as may be seen from Fig. 15(b), these quantities in the plane
of the cross section act in opposite directions on the two sides. The
variation of these shear stresses or shear flows is represented in Fig.
15(c), where, for simplicity, it is assumed that the web has zero
thickness.
CE 211
𝜏𝜏𝑐𝑐−𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝑞𝑞𝑐𝑐−𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑏𝑏 ... ... ... ... ... (10)
𝐹𝐹1 = or 𝐹𝐹1 =
2 2 2 2
If an 𝐼𝐼 beam transmits a vertical shear, these horizontal forces act in the

upper and lower flanges. However, because of the symmetry of the
cross section, these equal forces occur in pairs and oppose each other
and cause no apparent external effect.
The shear forces that act at a section of an 𝐼𝐼 beam are shown in Fig.
15(d), and, for equilibrium, the applied vertical forces must act through
the centroid of the cross-sectional area to be coincident with 𝑉𝑉. If the
forces are so applied, no torsion of the member will occur. This is true
for all sections having cross-sectional areas with an axis of symmetry. To
avoid torsion of such members, the applied forces must act in the plane
of symmetry of the cross section and the axis of the beam.

CE 211
Solution:
ℎ
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑. 𝑦𝑦� = 𝑡𝑡. 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
2
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
𝜏𝜏 =
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼
𝑏𝑏�
𝑉𝑉 2ℎ
𝜏𝜏𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = ×� 𝑡𝑡𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝐼𝐼𝑡𝑡 0 2
𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝑏𝑏 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
𝜏𝜏𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = × =
2𝐼𝐼 2 4𝐼𝐼
1 1 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝑏𝑏
𝐹𝐹1 = . 𝜏𝜏𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 . 𝐴𝐴 = × × [ × 𝑡𝑡]
2 2 4𝐼𝐼 2
1
𝐹𝐹1 = 𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏 2 ℎ𝑡𝑡
16𝐼𝐼
Figure 5

CE 211
Example 8:
Solution:
• For the shaded area,
𝑄𝑄 = (4.31in) (0.770in) 4.815in
= 15.98 in3
• The shear stress at a,

Figure 16
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 (50kips)(15.98in3 )
Knowing that the vertical shear is 𝜏𝜏 = =
50 kips in a W10x68 rolled-steel 𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 (394in4 )(0.770in)
beam, determine the horizontal 𝜏𝜏 = 2.63 ksi
shearing stress in the top flange at
the point a.
CE 211
Unsymmetric Loading of Thin-Walled Members

• Beam loaded in a vertical
plane of symmetry deforms
in the symmetry plane
without twisting.
𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀
𝜎𝜎𝑥𝑥 = −
𝐼𝐼
• Beam without a vertical

plane of symmetry bends
and twists under loading.
𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀
𝜎𝜎𝑥𝑥 = −
Figure 17 𝐼𝐼

CE 211
• If the shear load is applied such that

the beam does not twist, then the
shear stress distribution satisfies
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝐷𝐷
𝜏𝜏𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 𝑉𝑉 = ∫𝐵𝐵 𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼
𝐵𝐵 𝐸𝐸
𝐹𝐹 = ∫𝐴𝐴 𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞 = − ∫𝐷𝐷 𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞 = −𝐹𝐹 ′
• 𝐹𝐹 and 𝐹𝐹 ′ indicate a couple 𝐹𝐹𝐹 and
the need for the application of a
torque as well as the shear load.
𝐹𝐹𝐹 = 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
• When the force P is applied at a
distance 𝑒𝑒 to the left of the web
centerline, the member bends in a
Figure 18
vertical plane without twisting.
CE 211
Shear Center
Consider a beam having the cross section of a channel; see Fig. 19(a). (i) The
walls of this channel are assumed to be sufficiently thin that the computations
may be based on centerline dimensions. (ii) Bending of this channel takes place
around the horizontal axis, and although this cross section does not have a
vertical axis of symmetry, it will be assumed that the bending stresses are
given by the usual flexure formula. (iii) Assuming further that this channel
resists a vertical shear, the bending moments will vary from one section
through the beam to another.
Figure 19 : Deriving Location of Shear Center for a Channel

CE 211
By taking an arbitrary vertical cut such as c-c in Fig. 19(a), 𝑞𝑞 and 𝜏𝜏, may be
found in the usual manner. Along the horizontal legs of the channel, these
quantities vary linearly from the free edge, just as they do for one side of
the flange in an 𝐼𝐼 beam. The variation of q and 𝜏𝜏 is parabolic along the web.
The variation of these quantities is shown in Fig. 19(b), where they are
plotted along the centerline of the channel's section.
The average shear stress 𝜏𝜏𝑎𝑎 ⁄2 multiplied by the areas of the flange gives a
force 𝐹𝐹1 = 𝜏𝜏𝑎𝑎 ⁄2 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏, and the sum of the vertical shear stresses over the
+ℎ/2
area of the web is the shear 𝑉𝑉 = ∫−ℎ/2 𝜏𝜏𝜏𝜏 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑. These shear forces acting in
the plane of the cross section are shown in Fig. 19(c) and indicate that a
force 𝑉𝑉 and a couple 𝐹𝐹1 ℎ are developed at the section through the channel.
Physically, there is a tendency for the channel to twist around some
longitudinal axis. To prevent twisting and thus maintain the applicability of
the initially assumed bending-stress distribution, the externally applied
forces must be applied in such a manner as to balance the internal couple
𝐹𝐹1 ℎ .
CE 211
For example, consider the segment of a cantilever beam of negligible
weight, shown in Fig. 19(d), to which a vertical force 𝑃𝑃 is applied parallel to
the web at a distance 𝑒𝑒 from the web's centerline. To maintain this applied
force in equilibrium, an equal and opposite shear force 𝑉𝑉 must be
developed in the web. Likewise, to cause no twisting of the channel,
couple 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 must equal couple 𝐹𝐹1 ℎ. At the same section through the
channel, bending moment 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 is resisted by the usual flexural stresses
(these are not shown in the figure).
An expression for distance 𝑒𝑒, locating the plane in which force 𝑃𝑃 must be
applied so as to cause no twist in the channel, may now be obtained. Thus,
remembering that 𝐹𝐹1 ℎ = 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 and 𝑃𝑃 = 𝑉𝑉,
𝐹𝐹1 ℎ (1⁄2)𝜏𝜏𝑎𝑎 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏(ℎ⁄2) 𝑏𝑏2 ℎ2 𝑡𝑡
𝑒𝑒 = = = = = ... (11)
𝑃𝑃 𝑃𝑃 2𝑃𝑃 𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 2𝑃𝑃 𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 4𝐼𝐼
Note that distance 𝑒𝑒 is independent of the magnitude of applied force 𝑃𝑃, as
well as of its location along the beam. Distance 𝑒𝑒 is a property of a section
and is measured outward from the center of the web to the applied force.
CE 211
Solution:
𝑏𝑏
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝑉𝑉 ℎ
𝜏𝜏 = = × � 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 0 2
𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
𝜏𝜏𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = × 𝑥𝑥 =
2𝐼𝐼 2𝐼𝐼
1 1
𝐹𝐹 = . 𝜏𝜏𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 . 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 = 𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏 2 ℎ𝑡𝑡
2 4𝐼𝐼
𝑉𝑉. 𝑒𝑒 = 𝐹𝐹. ℎ
1
⇒ 𝑉𝑉. 𝑒𝑒 = 𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏 2 ℎ2 𝑡𝑡
4𝐼𝐼
1 2 2
∴ 𝑒𝑒 = 𝑏𝑏 ℎ 𝑡𝑡
Figure 6 4𝐼𝐼
CE 211
A similar investigation may be made to locate the plane in which the

horizontal forces must be applied so as to cause no twist in the channel.
However, for the channel considered, by virtue of symmetry, it may be
seen that this plane coincides with the neutral plane of the former case.
The intersection of these two mutually perpendicular planes with the
plane of the cross section locates a point that is called the shear center.
The shear center is designated by the letter S in Fig. 19(c). The shear
center for any cross section lies on a longitudinal line parallel to the axis
of the beam. Any transverse force applied through the shear center
causes no torsion of the beam. A detailed investigation of this problem
shows that when a member of any cross-sectional area is twisted, the
twist takes place around the shear center, which remains fixed. For this
reason, the shear center is sometimes called the center of twist.

CE 211
For cross-sectional areas having one axis of symmetry, the shear center
is always located on the axis of symmetry. For those that have two axes
of symmetry, the shear center coincides with the centroid of the cross
sectional area. This is the case for the 𝐼𝐼 beam that was considered in the
previous section.
The exact location of the shear center for unsymmetrical cross sections
of thick materials is difficult to obtain and is known only in a few cases.
If the material is thin, as has been assumed in the preceding discussion,
relatively simple procedures may always be devised to locate the shear
center of the cross section. The usual procedure consists of determining
the shear forces, as 𝐹𝐹1 and 𝑉𝑉 before, at a section, and then finding the
location of the external force necessary to keep these forces in
equilibrium.

CE 211
Example 7:
Find the approximate location of the shear center for
a beam with the cross section of the channel shown
in Fig. 20.
Solution:
Instead of using Eq. 11 directly, we may make some
further simplifications. The moment of inertia of a
thin-walled channel around its neutral axis may be Figure 20
found with sufficient accuracy by neglecting the moment of inertia of the
flanges around their own axes (only!).This expression for 𝐼𝐼 may then be
substituted into Eq. 11, and, after simplifications, a formula for 𝑒𝑒 of
channels is obtained:
𝐼𝐼 ≈ 𝐼𝐼𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 + 𝐴𝐴𝑑𝑑 2 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 = 𝑡𝑡ℎ3 ⁄12 + 2𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 ℎ⁄2 2 = 𝑡𝑡ℎ3 ⁄12 + 𝑏𝑏𝑡𝑡ℎ2 ⁄12
𝑏𝑏 2 ℎ2 𝑡𝑡 𝑏𝑏 2 ℎ2 𝑡𝑡 𝑏𝑏 ... ... ... (12)
𝑒𝑒 = = =
4𝐼𝐼 4(𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏ℎ2 ⁄12 + 𝑡𝑡ℎ3 ⁄12) 2 + ℎ⁄3𝑏𝑏
CE 211
Equation 12 shows that when the width of flanges 𝑏𝑏 is very large, 𝑒𝑒

approaches its maximum value of 𝑏𝑏/2. When ℎ is very large, 𝑒𝑒
approaches its minimum value of zero. Otherwise, 𝑒𝑒 assumes an
intermediate value between these two limits. For the numerical data
given in Fig. 2,
125
𝑒𝑒 = = 46.9 mm
2 + 250⁄ 3 × 125
Hence, the shear center 𝑆𝑆 is 46.9 − 5.0 = 41.9 mm from the outside
vertical face of the channel.

CE 211
Example 8:
Find the approximate location of the shear center
for the cross section of the 𝐼𝐼 beam shown in Fig.
21(a). Note that the flanges are unequal.
Solution:
This cross section has a horizontal axis of symmetry,
and the shear center is located on it; where it is
located remains to be answered. Applied force 𝑃𝑃
causes significant bending and shear stresses only in
the flanges, and the contribution of the web to the
resistance of applied force 𝑃𝑃 is negligible. Figure 21
Let the shear force resisted by the left flange of
the beam be 𝑉𝑉1 , and by the right flange 𝑉𝑉2 . For equilibrium, 𝑉𝑉1 + 𝑉𝑉2 =
𝑃𝑃. Likewise, to have no twist of the section, from ∑ 𝑀𝑀𝐴𝐴 = 0, 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 = 𝑉𝑉2 ℎ
(or 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 = 𝑉𝑉1 ℎ).
CE 211
Thus, only 𝑉𝑉2 remains to be determined to solve the
problem. This may be done by noting that the right
flange is actually an ordinary rectangular beam. The
shear stress (or shear flow) in such a beam is
distributed parabolically, as seen in Fig. 21(b),and since
the area of a parabola is two-thirds of the base times
2
the maximum altitude, 𝑉𝑉2 = 𝑏𝑏2 𝑞𝑞2 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 · However,
3
since the total shear 𝑉𝑉 = 𝑃𝑃, by Eq. 5, 𝑞𝑞2 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 =
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉⁄𝐼𝐼 = 𝑃𝑃𝑄𝑄⁄𝐼𝐼 , where 𝑄𝑄 is the statical moment of the
upper half of the right-hand flange and 𝐼𝐼 is the
moment of inertia of the whole section. Hence,
2 Figure 21
2 ℎ𝑏𝑏2 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃
𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 = 𝑉𝑉2 ℎ = 𝑏𝑏2 𝑞𝑞2 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 ℎ = 3
3 𝐼𝐼
2ℎ𝑏𝑏2 2ℎ𝑏𝑏2 𝑏𝑏2 𝑡𝑡2 𝑏𝑏2 ℎ 𝑡𝑡2 𝑏𝑏23 ℎ𝐼𝐼2
𝑒𝑒 = 𝑄𝑄 = = = ... ... ... ... ... (13)
3𝐼𝐼 3𝐼𝐼 2 4 𝐼𝐼 12 𝐼𝐼
CE 211
Example: 8
Figure 7
Solution:
𝑏𝑏2 𝑏𝑏2 𝑏𝑏2 2 𝑡𝑡2
𝑄𝑄 = 𝐴𝐴1 𝑦𝑦� = × 𝑡𝑡2 × =
2 4 8
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝑉𝑉 𝑏𝑏2 2 𝑡𝑡2 𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏2 2 3
𝜏𝜏𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = = × = = 𝜏𝜏𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
𝐼𝐼𝑡𝑡2 𝐼𝐼𝑡𝑡2 8 8𝐼𝐼 2
1
⇒ 𝜏𝜏𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏2 2
12𝐼𝐼
CE 211
Figure 7
∴ 𝑉𝑉2 = 𝜏𝜏𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 . 𝐴𝐴 𝑉𝑉. 𝑒𝑒 = 𝑉𝑉2 . ℎ

1 1
𝑉𝑉2 = 𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏2 2 . 𝑏𝑏2 𝑡𝑡2 = 𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏2 3 𝑡𝑡2
12𝐼𝐼 12𝐼𝐼
1 1
= 𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏2 3 𝑡𝑡2 ∴ 𝑒𝑒 = 𝑏𝑏2 3 𝑡𝑡2
12𝐼𝐼 12𝐼𝐼

CE 211
Example 9: • Determine the location for the shear center of the
channel section with b = 4 in., h = 6 in., and t = 0.15
in.
𝐹𝐹𝐹
𝑒𝑒 =
𝐼𝐼
• Where
𝑏𝑏 𝑏𝑏 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝑉𝑉 𝑏𝑏 ℎ
𝐹𝐹 = ∫0 𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞 = ∫0 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = ∫0 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝐼𝐼 𝐼𝐼 2
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏2
=
4𝐼𝐼
1
𝑏𝑏𝑡𝑡 3
1 12
𝐼𝐼 = 𝐼𝐼𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 + 2𝐼𝐼𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 = 𝑡𝑡ℎ3 +2 ℎ 2
12
+𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏
2
1
≅ 𝑡𝑡ℎ2 (6𝑏𝑏 + ℎ)
12
• Combining
Figure 23 𝑏𝑏 4in.
𝑒𝑒 = ℎ = 6in. 𝑒𝑒 = 1.6 in.
2+3𝑏𝑏 2+3(4in.)

CE 211
• Determine the shear stress
distribution for 𝑉𝑉 = 2.5 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘.
𝑞𝑞 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
𝜏𝜏 = =
𝑡𝑡 𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼
• Shearing stresses in the flanges,
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝑉𝑉 ℎ 𝑉𝑉𝑉
𝜏𝜏 = = 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 = 𝑠𝑠
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 2 2𝐼𝐼
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
𝜏𝜏𝐵𝐵 =
1 2
2 𝑡𝑡ℎ (6𝑏𝑏 + ℎ)
12
6𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
=
𝑡𝑡𝑡(6𝑏𝑏 + ℎ)
6 2.5kips (4in)
=
(0.15in)(6in)(6 × 4in + 6in)
= 2.22 ksi
CE 211
• Shearing stress in the web,

𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
𝜏𝜏𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 =
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼
1
𝑉𝑉 ℎ𝑡𝑡 (4𝑏𝑏 + ℎ)
8
=
1 2
𝑡𝑡ℎ 6𝑏𝑏 + ℎ 𝑡𝑡
12
3𝑉𝑉(4𝑏𝑏 + ℎ)
=
2𝑡𝑡𝑡(6𝑏𝑏 + ℎ)
3(2.5kips)(4 × 4in + 6in)
=
2(0.15in)(6in)(6 × 4in + 6in)
= 3.06 ksi

CE 211
Problem 1: Solution:
𝑑𝑑𝑄𝑄1 = 𝐴𝐴1 𝑦𝑦1
3
= 𝑡𝑡 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 × 𝑎𝑎
2
3
= 𝑎𝑎 𝑡𝑡 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
2
𝑉𝑉𝑄𝑄1 𝑉𝑉
𝜏𝜏1 = = � 𝑑𝑑𝑄𝑄1
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼
3 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
= × 𝑥𝑥
2 𝐼𝐼
3 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
𝜏𝜏1 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = × 𝑎𝑎
2 𝐼𝐼
3 𝑉𝑉𝑎𝑎2
Figure 1 = ×
2 𝐼𝐼
CE 211
1 3 𝑉𝑉𝑎𝑎2
𝐹𝐹1 = 𝑎𝑎 × 𝑡𝑡 × ×
2 2 𝐼𝐼
3 𝑉𝑉𝑎𝑎3 𝑡𝑡
=
4 𝐼𝐼
𝑑𝑑𝑄𝑄2 = 𝐴𝐴2 𝑦𝑦2
𝑎𝑎
= 𝑡𝑡 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 ×
2
𝑎𝑎
= 𝑡𝑡 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
2
𝑉𝑉𝑄𝑄2 𝑉𝑉
𝜏𝜏2 = = � 𝑑𝑑𝑄𝑄2
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
= 𝑥𝑥
2𝐼𝐼
Figure 1
CE 211
𝑉𝑉𝑎𝑎2
𝜏𝜏2 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 =
2𝐼𝐼
1 𝑉𝑉𝑎𝑎2
𝐹𝐹2 = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ×
2 2𝐼𝐼
3
1 𝑉𝑉𝑎𝑎 𝑡𝑡
=
4 𝐼𝐼
𝐼𝐼 = 𝐼𝐼1 + 2𝐼𝐼2 + 2𝐼𝐼3
𝑡𝑡 3𝑎𝑎 3
=
12
𝑎𝑎𝑡𝑡 3 2
+2 + 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 × 1.5𝑎𝑎
12
𝑎𝑎𝑡𝑡 3 2
+2 + 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 × 0.5𝑎𝑎
Figure 1
12
CE 211
27𝑎𝑎3 𝑡𝑡
=
12
9 3
+2 0 + 𝑎𝑎 𝑡𝑡
4
1 3
+2 0 + 𝑎𝑎 𝑡𝑡
4
29 3
= 𝑎𝑎 𝑡𝑡
4
𝑉𝑉. 𝑒𝑒 = 3 𝑎𝑎 𝐹𝐹1 + 𝑎𝑎 𝐹𝐹2
3 𝑉𝑉𝑎𝑎3 𝑡𝑡 1 𝑉𝑉𝑎𝑎3 𝑡𝑡
⇒ 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 = × 3𝑎𝑎 × + 𝑎𝑎 × ×
4 29 3 4 29 3
𝑎𝑎 𝑡𝑡 𝑎𝑎 𝑡𝑡
4 4
9𝑎𝑎 𝑎𝑎 10𝑎𝑎
Figure 1 ⇒ 𝑒𝑒 = + =
29 29 29
CE 211
1.5 × 0.053
𝐼𝐼 = 2 + 1.5 × 0.05 × 22
12
0.5 × 0.053
+2 + 0.5 × 0.05 × 1.52
12
0.05 × 43
+ = 0.9792 in4
12
𝑉𝑉 2𝑉𝑉𝑥𝑥1
𝜏𝜏1 = 𝑥𝑥1 𝑡𝑡 × 2 =
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 𝐼𝐼
1.5
2𝑉𝑉𝑥𝑥1
𝑉𝑉1 = � . 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑥𝑥1
0 𝐼𝐼
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
= 2.25
Figure 3 𝐼𝐼
CE 211
𝑉𝑉 1.5𝑉𝑉𝑥𝑥2
𝜏𝜏2 = 𝑥𝑥2 𝑡𝑡 × 1.5 =
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 𝐼𝐼
0.5
1.5𝑉𝑉𝑥𝑥2
𝑉𝑉2 = � . 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑥𝑥2
0 𝐼𝐼
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
= 0.1875
𝐼𝐼
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 = 𝑉𝑉1 × 2 × 2 − 𝑉𝑉2 × 1.5 × 2

∴ 𝑒𝑒 = 0.43 ′′
Figure 3
CE 211
𝑉𝑉1 = 𝑉𝑉7
∑𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 0 ⇒ +𝑉𝑉 − 𝑉𝑉4 + 2𝑉𝑉1 = 0
∴ 𝑉𝑉 = 𝑉𝑉4 − 2𝑉𝑉1
𝑉𝑉
𝜏𝜏1 = . 𝑄𝑄1
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼
𝑉𝑉 𝑦𝑦
𝜏𝜏1 = × 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 × 15 +
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 2
𝑉𝑉1 = � 𝜏𝜏1 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 𝑡𝑡 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

10
𝑉𝑉 𝑦𝑦 2
= 𝑡𝑡 � 15𝑦𝑦 + 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
Figure 3 𝐼𝐼 0 2
CE 211
3 10
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 2
𝑦𝑦
𝑉𝑉1 = 7.5𝑦𝑦 +
𝐼𝐼 6 0
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
𝑉𝑉1 = 𝑉𝑉7 = 917
𝐼𝐼
𝑉𝑉
𝜏𝜏2 = 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 × 25 + 10 × 𝑡𝑡 × 20
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼
𝑉𝑉
= 200 + 25𝑥𝑥
𝐼𝐼
25
𝑉𝑉2 = � 𝜏𝜏2 𝑑𝑑𝐴𝐴2
0
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 25
= � 200 + 25𝑥𝑥 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝐼𝐼 0
Figure 3 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
= 200𝑥𝑥 + 12.5𝑥𝑥 2 25
0
𝐼𝐼
CE 211
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
𝑉𝑉2 = 12812.5 = 𝑉𝑉6
𝐼𝐼
𝑉𝑉
𝜏𝜏3 = 25𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼
𝑉𝑉 10
𝑉𝑉3 = � 25𝑥𝑥 𝑡𝑡 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝐼𝐼 0
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
= 12.5𝑥𝑥 2 10
0
𝐼𝐼
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
= 1250 = 𝑉𝑉5
Figure 3 𝐼𝐼

CE 211
Mechanics of Solids I 0
35 × 𝑡𝑡 3
𝐼𝐼 = 2 + 35 × 𝑡𝑡 × 252
12
𝑡𝑡 × 103
+2 + 10 × 𝑡𝑡 × 202
12
𝑡𝑡 × 503
+
12
= 62333.33 𝑡𝑡
∑𝑀𝑀𝑂𝑂 = 0 ↷ +
−2𝑉𝑉1 × 25 − 2𝑉𝑉2 × 20 + 2𝑉𝑉3 × 25

+𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 = 0
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 = 50𝑉𝑉1 + 40𝑉𝑉2 − 50𝑉𝑉3
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
Figure 3
= 917 × 50 + 40 × 12812.5
𝐼𝐼 𝐼𝐼
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
−50 × 1250
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed 𝐼𝐼
Department of Civil Engineering
CE 211
𝑡𝑡
∴ 𝑒𝑒 = 495850
𝐼𝐼
495850𝑡𝑡
=
62333.33 𝑡𝑡
= 7.95 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
Figure 3

CE 211
𝑉𝑉1 = 𝑉𝑉5 ; 𝑉𝑉2 = 𝑉𝑉4
∑𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 0 ⇒ +𝑉𝑉 − 𝑉𝑉3 − 2𝑉𝑉1 = 0
∴ 𝑉𝑉 = 𝑉𝑉3 + 2𝑉𝑉1
𝑉𝑉
𝜏𝜏1 = � 𝑦𝑦 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼
𝑉𝑉 𝑦𝑦
= × 50 − × 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 2
𝑉𝑉 𝑦𝑦 2
= 50𝑦𝑦 −
Figure 4
𝐼𝐼 2

CE 211
𝑉𝑉1 = � 𝜏𝜏1 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 25 𝑦𝑦 2
= � 50𝑦𝑦 − 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝐼𝐼 0 2
4
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
= 1.3 × 10
𝐼𝐼
𝑉𝑉
𝜏𝜏2 = � 𝑦𝑦 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼
𝑉𝑉
= × 25 × 𝑥𝑥. 𝑡𝑡 + 25𝑡𝑡 × 37.5
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼
Figure 4
CE 211
25
𝑉𝑉2 = � 𝜏𝜏2 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡
0
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
= 3.125 × 104
𝐼𝐼
−2𝑉𝑉1 × 25 + 2𝑉𝑉2 × 25 = 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
∴ 𝑒𝑒 = 7.96 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
Figure 4
CE 211
+𝛼𝛼
𝐼𝐼 = � 𝑦𝑦 2 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = � 𝑎𝑎2 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠2 𝛽𝛽𝛽𝛽. 𝑎𝑎 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
−𝛼𝛼
+𝛼𝛼
= 𝑎𝑎3 𝑡𝑡 � 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠2 𝛽𝛽 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
−𝛼𝛼
3
= 𝑎𝑎 𝑡𝑡 𝛼𝛼 − sin 𝛼𝛼 cos 𝛼𝛼
𝑉𝑉
𝜏𝜏 = � 𝑦𝑦 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼
𝑉𝑉 𝜃𝜃
= � 𝑎𝑎 sin 𝛼𝛼 − 𝜃𝜃 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 0
𝑉𝑉𝑎𝑎2
= cos 𝛼𝛼 − 𝜃𝜃 𝜃𝜃0
𝐼𝐼
Figure 8 𝑉𝑉𝑎𝑎2
= cos 𝛼𝛼 − 𝜃𝜃 − cos 𝛼𝛼
𝐼𝐼
CE 211
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 𝜏𝜏𝜏𝜏𝜏𝜏
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 𝜏𝜏 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
𝑉𝑉𝑎𝑎3
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 𝑡𝑡 cos 𝛼𝛼 − 𝜃𝜃 − cos 𝛼𝛼
𝐼𝐼
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 𝑎𝑎 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑉𝑉𝑎𝑎4 𝑡𝑡
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = cos 𝛼𝛼 − 𝜃𝜃 − cos 𝛼𝛼
𝐼𝐼
𝑉𝑉𝑎𝑎4 𝑡𝑡 2𝛼𝛼
∴ 𝑀𝑀 = � cos 𝛼𝛼 − 𝜃𝜃 − cos 𝛼𝛼 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝐼𝐼 0
2𝑉𝑉𝑎𝑎4 𝑡𝑡
𝑀𝑀 = sin 𝛼𝛼 − 𝛼𝛼 cos 𝛼𝛼
𝐼𝐼
Figure 8

CE 211
But, 𝑀𝑀 = 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
2𝑎𝑎4 𝑡𝑡
∴ 𝑒𝑒 = sin 𝛼𝛼 − 𝛼𝛼 cos 𝛼𝛼
𝐼𝐼
2𝑎𝑎4 𝑡𝑡 sin 𝛼𝛼 − 𝛼𝛼 cos 𝛼𝛼

= 3
𝑎𝑎 𝑡𝑡 𝛼𝛼 − sin 𝛼𝛼 cos 𝛼𝛼
2𝑎𝑎 sin 𝛼𝛼 − 𝛼𝛼 cos 𝛼𝛼

=
𝛼𝛼 − sin 𝛼𝛼 cos 𝛼𝛼
Figure 8

CE 211
𝑉𝑉 𝑦𝑦
𝜏𝜏1 = 𝑦𝑦. 𝑡𝑡. 100 −
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 2
𝑉𝑉 𝑦𝑦 2
= 100𝑦𝑦 −
𝐼𝐼 2
50
𝑉𝑉1 = � 𝜏𝜏1 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 𝑡𝑡 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
0
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 50 𝑦𝑦 2
= � 100𝑦𝑦 − 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝐼𝐼 0 2
3 50
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 2
𝑦𝑦
= 50𝑦𝑦 −
𝐼𝐼 6 0
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
Figure 9 = 104167
𝐼𝐼
CE 211
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
𝑉𝑉. 𝑒𝑒 = 2 × 104167 × 50
𝐼𝐼
7
𝑡𝑡
∴ 𝑒𝑒 = 1.042 × 10
𝐼𝐼
𝐼𝐼2 = � 𝑦𝑦 2 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑢𝑢 sin 45

𝑢𝑢
=
𝑡𝑡 50 2 2 2
= � 𝑢𝑢 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
2 0 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 𝑡𝑡 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑡𝑡 3 50 2
= 𝑢𝑢 0
6
𝑡𝑡 3
= 50 2
6
Figure 9

CE 211
𝑡𝑡 × 503 2
𝑡𝑡 3
∴ 𝐼𝐼 = 2 + 50𝑡𝑡 × 75 + 50 2
12 6
= 701184.46 𝑡𝑡
∴ 𝑒𝑒 = 14.86 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
Figure 9

CE 211

CE 211
TO DO LIST FROM POPOV
In addition to other books mentioned, solve

following problems from Popov:
Problems from Chapter 10 (2nd ed):
2-4, 6, 8-10, 13, 15, 18, 20-23, 28, 29, 38-44

Shear Stresses in Beams

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CE 211

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

Figure 1 : Shear and Bending Moment

The horizontal force transmitted by the dowel is the force needed to

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

Figure 3 : Sliding Between Planks Not

Consider a wooden plank placed on top of another, as shown in

Figure 4 : Elements for Deriving

Consider an elastic beam made from several continuous longitudinal

If the element shown in Fig. 4(b) is subjected to a bending moment

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵 𝑦𝑦 𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵 𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵 𝑄𝑄

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

𝑀𝑀𝐴𝐴 + 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑀𝑀𝐴𝐴 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

Instead of working with a force 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑, which is developed in a

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

50 × 200 × 25 + 50 × 200 × 150

200 × 503 50 × 2003

𝑄𝑄 = 𝐴𝐴𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑦𝑦 = 50 × 200 × 87.5 − 25 = 625 × 103 mm3

𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 3000 × 625 × 103

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

The Shear Stress Formula for Beams

3. Material properties are considered to obey

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

As noted before, the maximum shear stress in a rectangular beam occurs at

From the property of the statical moments of areas around a centroidal

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

Figure 22 : Shearing Stress is

0.5 × 6 = 3.00 5.75 17.25

0.5 × 6 = 3.00 5.75 17.25

Some Limitations of the Shear Stress Formula

Consider a section through the 𝐼𝐼 beam analyzed in Example 7. Some of

Figure 13 : Boundary conditions are

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

In an 𝐼𝐼 beam, the existence of shear stresses acting in a vertical

If an 𝐼𝐼 beam transmits a vertical shear, these horizontal forces act in the

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

𝑄𝑄 = (4.31in) (0.770in) 4.815in

• The shear stress at a,

Unsymmetric Loading of Thin-Walled Members

• Beam without a vertical

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

• If the shear load is applied such that

Figure 19 : Deriving Location of Shear Center for a Channel

A similar investigation may be made to locate the plane in which the

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

Equation 12 shows that when the width of flanges 𝑏𝑏 is very large, 𝑒𝑒

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

∴ 𝑉𝑉2 = 𝜏𝜏𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 . 𝐴𝐴 𝑉𝑉. 𝑒𝑒 = 𝑉𝑉2 . ℎ

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

• Shearing stress in the web,

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

𝑉𝑉. 𝑒𝑒 = 3 𝑎𝑎 𝐹𝐹1 + 𝑎𝑎 𝐹𝐹2