BEAMS SUBJECTED TO BENDING AND TORSION-I

BEAMS SUBJECTED TO TORSION AND BENDING -I

17
1.0

INTRODUCTION

When a beam is transversely loaded in such a manner that the resultant force passes
through the longitudinal shear centre axis, the beam only bends and no torsion will occur.
When the resultant acts away from the shear centre axis, then the beam will not only bend
but also twist.
When a beam is subjected to a pure bending moment, originally plane transverse sections
before the load was applied, remain plane after the member is loaded. Even in the
presence of shear, the modification of stress distribution in most practical cases is very
small so that the Engineers Theory of Bending is sufficiently accurate.
If a beam is subjected to a twisting moment, the assumption of planarity is simply
incorrect except for solid circular sections and for hollow circular sections with constant
thickness. Any other section will warp when twisted. Computation of stress distribution
based on the assumption of planarity will give misleading results. Torsional stiffness is
also seriously affected by this warping. If originally plane sections remained plane after
twist, the torsional rigidity could be calculated simply as the product of the polar moment
of inertia (Ip = Ixx + Iyy) multiplied by (G), the shear modulus, viz. G. (Ixx + Iyy). Here Ixx
and Iyy are the moments of inertia about the principal axes. This result is accurate for the
circular sections referred above. For all other cases, this is an overestimate; in many
structural sections of quite normal proportions, the true value of torsional stiffness as
determined by experiments is only 1% - 2% of the value calculated from polar moment of
inertia.
It should be emphasised that the end sections of a member subjected to warping may be
modified by constraints. If the central section remains plane, for example, due to
symmetry of design and loading, the stresses at this section will differ from those based
on free warping. Extreme caution is warranted in analysing sections subjected to torsion.
2.0

UNIFORM AND NON-UNIFORM TORSION

2.1

Shear Centre and Warping

Shear Centre is defined as the point in the cross-section through which the lateral (or
transverse) loads must pass to produce bending without twisting. It is also the centre of
rotation, when only pure torque is applied. The shear centre and the centroid of the
cross section will coincide, when section has two axes of symmetry. The shear centre
will be on the axis of symmetry, when the cross section has one axis of symmetry.
Copyright reserved

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Table 1: Properties of Sections

tf

J =

tw
o

Cw =

h/2

tf

tw

J =

tf

b
b

J =

tf

tw
o
h/2

tf h

3b 2t f

Version II

If t f = t w = t : e =

6bt f + ht w

2bt 3f + ht w3

3b 2t f
6b + h

t3
J = (2b + h)
3
Cw =

tb 3h 2 3b + 2h
12 6b + h

If t f = t w = t :
J =

[2t f (b + bh + h ) + 3t wbh]
2

sin cos
sin cos

2at 3
3
2ta 5
Cw =
3
J =

o
e

t3
(b1 + b2 + h)
3

b13 b23
12 b13 + b23

e = 2a

J =

3
b 3h 2
Cw =
12 (2b + h) 2

If t f = t w = t :

2bt w3 + ht w3
J =
3
t b3h 2 3bt f + 2ht w
Cw = f
12 6bt f + ht w

tw

24

e=

t3
J = (2b + h)
3

(b1 + b2 )t 3f + htw3

Cw =

b2

If t f = t w = t :

3
t f h 2b 3

b13
b13 + b23

e=h

b1

2bt 3f + ht w3

t3
(2b + h)
3

tb 3h 2 b + 2h
Cw =
12 2b + h

If 2 = :
e=

4a

J =

at 3

3
2ta 5 3 12

Cw =
3 8

= 0.0374ta 5

3 6 (sin cos ) 2

sin cos

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BEAMS SUBJECTED TO BENDING AND TORSION-I

where O = shear centre; J = torsion constant; Cw = warping constant

If the loads are applied away from the shear centre axis, torsion besides flexure will be
the evident result. The beam will be subjected to stresses due to torsion, as well as due to
bending.
The effect of torsional loading can be further split into two parts, the first part causing
twist and the second, warping. These are discussed in detail in the next section.
Warping of the section does not allow a plane section to remain as plane after twisting.
This phenomenon is predominant in Thin Walled Sections, although consideration will
have to be given to warping occasionally in hot rolled sections. An added characteristic
associated with torsion of non-circular sections is the in-plane distortion of the crosssection, which can usually be prevented by the provision of a stiff diaphragm. Distortion
as a phenomenon is not covered herein, as it is beyond the scope of this chapter.
Methods of calculating the position of the shear centre of a cross section are found in
standard textbooks on Strength of Materials.
2.2

Classification of Torsion as Uniform and Non-uniform

As explained above when torsion is applied to a structural member, its cross section may
warp in addition to twisting. If the member is allowed to warp freely, then the applied
torque is resisted entirely by torsional shear stresses (called St. Venant's torsional shear
stress). If the member is not allowed to warp freely, the applied torque is resisted by St.
Venant's torsional shear stress and warping torsion. This behaviour is called nonuniform torsion.
Hence (as stated above), the effect of torsion can be further split into two parts:

2.3

Uniform or Pure Torsion (called St. Venant's torsion) - Tsv

Non-Uniform Torsion, consisting of St.Venant's torsion (Tsv) and warping torsion
(Tw).
Uniform Torsion in a Circular Cross Section

Let us consider a bar of constant circular cross section subjected to torsion as shown in
Fig. 1. In this case, plane cross sections normal to the axis of the member remain plane
after twisting, i.e. there is no warping. The torque is solely resisted by circumferential
shear stresses caused by St. Venant's torsion. Its magnitude varies as its distance from the
centroid.
For a circular section, the St. Venant's torsion is given by

Tsv = I pG

d
dz

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where,

G Tsv Ip z -

angle of twist
modulus of rigidity
St. Venant's torsion.
the polar moment of inertia
direction along axis of the member.
T

Z
Fig. 1Twisting of circular section.
2.4

Uniform Torsion in Non-Circular Sections

When a torque is applied to a non-circular cross section (e.g. a rectangular cross section),
the transverse sections which are plane prior to twisting, warp in the axial direction, as
described previously, so that a plane cross section no longer remains plane after twisting.
However, so long as the warping is allowed to take place freely, the applied load is still
resisted by shearing stresses similar to those in the circular bar. The St.Venants torsion
(Tsv) can be computed by an equation similar to equation (1) but by replacing Ip by J, the
torsional constant. The torsional constant (J) for the rectangular section can be
approximated as given below:
J = C. bt3

(1.a)

where b and t are the breadth and thickness of the rectangle. C is a constant depending
upon (b/t) ratio and tends to 1/3 as b/t increases.
Then ,

Tsv = JG

d
dz

(1.b)

2.4.1 Torsional Constant (J) for thin walled open sections made up of rectangular
elements

Torsional Constant (J) for members made up of rectangular plates (see Fig. 2) may be
computed approximately from

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J =

1
3
bi (ti )
3 i

(1.c)

in which bi and ti are length and thickness respectively of any element of the section.
bi
ti

Fig. 2. Thin walled open section made of rectangular elements

In many cases, only uniform (or St. Venant's) torsion is applied to the section and the rate
of change of angle of twist is constant along the member and the ends are free to warp
(See Fig. 3)
T
T

Fig.3 Uniform Torsion (Constant Torque : Ends are free to warp)

In this case the applied torque is resisted entirely by shear stresses and no warping
stresses result.
The total angle of twist is given by

T z

GJ
where T = Applied Torsion = Tsv

(2)

(Note: in this case only St.Venant's Torsion is applied)

The maximum shear stress in the element of thickness t is given by

t =

Gt

(3)

Fig. 4 gives the corresponding stress pattern for an I section.

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t in flange

t in web

Fig.4 Stress pattern due to pure torsion

(Shear stresses are enlarged for clarity)
3.0

NON-UNIFORM TORSION

When warping deformation is constrained, the member undergoes non-uniform torsion.

Non-uniform torsion is illustrated in Fig. 5 where an I-section fixed at one end is
subjected to torsion at the other end. Here the member is restrained from warping freely
as one end is fixed. The warping restraint causes bending deformation of the flanges in
their plane in addition to twisting. The bending deformation is accompanied by a shear
force in each flange.
The total non-uniform torsion (Tn) is given by
Tn = Tsv + T w

(4)

where Tw is the warping torsion.

Shear force Vf in each flange is given by
Vf =

dM f
dz

(5)

where Mf is the bending moment in each flange. Since, the flanges bend in opposite
directions, the shear forces in the two flanges are oppositely directed and form a couple.
This couple, which acts to resist the applied torque, is called warping torsion.
For the I-section shown in Fig. 5, warping torsion is given by
Tw = Vf .h

(6)

The bending moment in the upper flange is given by

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u
Ta

Vf

h
Vf

Ta

Fig. 5 Non uniform Torsion:Twisting of Non-Circular Section restrained

against free warping (Constant Torque : End warping is prevented )
Mf

d 2u
= EI f
dz 2

(7)

in which If is the moment of inertia of flange about its strong axis (i.e. the vertical axis)
and u, the lateral displacement of the flange centreline which is given by
u =h
(8)
2
On substituting eq. 8 in eq. 7 we get
Mf =

EIf h
EI f h d 2
=

2 dz 2
2

(9)

On simplification by substituting eqn.(9) into eqn. (6), we obtain the value of warping
torsion as,
EI f h 2 d 3
EI f h 2

Tw =
=
2
2
dz 3
The term If h2 /2 is called the warping constant () for the cross-section.

then,
in which

d 3
dz 3
I f h2

Tw = E

= E

(for an I-section)

(10 )

(11)

(12)

E is termed as the warping rigidity of the section, analogous to GJ, the St. Venant's
torsional stiffness. The torque will be resisted by a combination of St.Venant's shearing
stresses and warping torsion. Non-uniform torsional resistance (Tn ) at any cross-section
is therefore given by the sum of St.Venant's torsion (Tsv) and warping torsion (T w).

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Thus, the differential equation for non-uniform torsional resistance Tn(z) can be written as
the algebraic sum of the two effects, due to St.Venants Torsion and Warping Torsion.
Tn ( z ) = GJ
or , Tn ( z )

d 3
d
E 3 = GJ E
dz
dz
h2
= GJ EI f . .
(for an I-section)
2

(13a)
(13b)

In the above, the first term on the right hand side (depending on GJ) represents the
resistance of the section to twist and the second term represents the resistance to warping
and is dependent on E.
In the example considered (Fig. 5), the applied torque Ta is constant along the length, ,
of the beam . For equilibrium, the applied torque, Ta, should be equal to torsional
resistance Tn.
The boundary conditions are: (i) the slope of the beam is zero when z = 0 and (ii) the BM
is zero when z = i.e. at the free end.
d
=0
dz

z=0

when

d 2
=0
when
z =
dz 2
The solution of equation (13.a) is
z

Cos h

d
Tn
a
=
1

GJ
dz
Cos h

in which

a2

(14)

E
GJ

(15)

Since the flexural rigidity EIf and torsional rigidity GJ are both measured in the same
units (N.mm 2), equation (15) shows that a has the dimensions of length and depends on
the proportions of the beam. Because of the presence of the second term in equation (14)
the angle of twist per unit length varies along the length of the beam even though the
applied torsion, Ta ,remains constant. When

d
dz

is known, the St. Venants torsion

(Tsv) and the warping torsion (Tw) may be calculated or any cross section. At the
d
built-in section (z = 0) and
= 0, hence we obtain from eq.(1) that Tsv = 0. At this
dz
point, the entire torque is balanced by the moment of the shearing forces in each of the
flanges.

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V f =

Tn

(16)

At the end z = , using equation (14) , we obtain

T
d
= n
dz GJ

1
1

Cos h
a

( )

(17)

If the length of the beam is large in comparison with the cross sectional dimensions,

1
tends to approach 1, as the second term is negligible. Hence dz
1

Cosh

approaches Tn

GJ

The bending moment in the flange is found from

Vf =

dM f
dz

= EI f .

d 3 h
.
dz 3 2

where Mf is the bending moment in each flange.

h d 2
M f = EI f . . 2
2 dz
Substituting for d from eq. (14) we obtain
dz
z
Sin h

a
a

M f = .Tn .
h
Cos h
a
The maximum bending moment at the fixed end is given by
M

f max

a

T n tanh
h
a

When is several times larger than a, tan h ( /a) approaches 1, so that

a.Tn
M f max
h

(18)

(19)

(20)

( 21 )

(22)

In other words, the maximum bending moment in each of the flanges will be the same as

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BEAMS SUBJECTED TO BENDING AND TORSION-I

Tn
that of cantilever of length a, and loaded at the free end by a force of
h


short beam is small in comparison with a, so tanh
a
a
Hence

Mf max =

. For a

Tn .
h

The range of values for Mf max therefore varies from

the beam varies from a "short" to a "long" one.

(23)
Tn
T
() to n (a ) as the length of
h
h

To calculate the angle of twist, , we integrate the right hand side of equation (14)

z
a sin h

T
a a tan h
= n z +

GJ

a
Cos
h

(24)

From equation (24), we obtain the value of at the end (i.e.) when z =

( )z = =

Tn

a tan h
GJ
a

For long beams tan h 1, so equation (25) becomes
a
Tn
( )z = = ( a )
GJ

(25)

(26)

The effect of the warping restraint on the angle of twist is equivalent to diminishing the
length of the beam to ( - a).
Certain simple cases of the effect of Torsion in simply supported beams and cantilever
are illustrated in Figures 6 and 7.

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Bending Moment

Shear Force

Pure Torsion
(TP)

Warping Torsion
(Tw)

Total Torsion (Tn)

Fig.6 Torsion in simply supported beam with free end warping

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Bending moment
(M)

Shear force
(V)

Pure Torsion
(Tp)

Warping Torsion
(Tw)

Total Torsion
(Tn)

Fig.7 Torsion in Cantilevers

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4.0

AN APPROXIMATE METHOD OF TORSION ANALYSIS

A simple approach is often adopted by structural designers for rapid design of steel
structures subjected to torsion. This method (called the bi-moment method) is
sufficiently accurate for practical purposes. The applied torque is replaced by a couple of
horizontal forces acting in the plane of the top and bottom flanges as shown in Fig. 8 and
Fig. 9.
Y

eX PY

Warping stresses due

PY

to bi moment
H
+

PY.eX

H= PY.eX /h

+
Fig 8: Load PY acting eccentrically w.r.t. y axis and
causing torsion.

Y
PX

H
eY

+
X = PX

+
PX.eY

H = PX.eY/h

Rotation of the cross section

Fig. 9 Load PX acting eccentrically and causing torsion.

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BEAMS SUBJECTED TO BENDING AND TORSION-I

When a uniform torque is applied to an open section restrained against warping, the
member itself will be in non-uniform torsion. The angle of twist, therefore, varies along
the member length. The rotation of the section will be accompanied by bending of flanges
in their own plane. The direct and shear stresses caused are shown in Fig.10.
For an I section, the warping resistance can be interpreted in a simple way. The applied
torque Ta is resisted by a couple comprising the two forces H, equal to the shear forces in
each flange. These forces act at a distance equal to the depth between the centroids of
each flange.
Each of these flanges can be visualized as a beam subjected to bending moments
produced by the forces H. This leads to bending stresses w in the flanges. These are
termed Warping Normal Stresses.
Y

Z
X

Warping
normal
stress(w)

H
In-plane
bending
moment in
the flange

Warping
shear
stress
(Tw)

Flange
shears

Rotation of cross
section
Fig. 10 Warping Stresses in Open Cross Section

The magnitude of the warping normal stress at any particular point (w) in the cross
section is given by

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= - EWnwfs

(27)

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where Wnwfs = normalised warping function at a particular point S in the cross section.
An approximate method of calculating the normalised warping function for any section is
given in section 5.3.
described in Reference 3. The value of Wnwfs for an I -section is
The in-plane shear stresses are called Warping shear stresses. They are constant across
the thickness of the element. Their magnitude varies along the length of the element.
The magnitude of the warping shear stress at any given point is given by

w =

ES wms

(28)

where Swms = Warping statical moment of area at a particular point S. Values of warping
normal stress and in-plane shear stress are tabulated in standard steel tables produced by
steel makers. Section 5.3 gives these values for I and H sections.
5.0

THE EFFECT OF TORSIONAL RIGIDITY (GJ) AND WARPING

RIGIDITY (E )

The warping deflections due to the displacement of the flanges vary along the length of
the member. Both direct and shear stresses are generated in addition to those due to
bending and pure torsion. As discussed previously, the stiffness of the member
associated with the former stresses is directly proportional to the warping rigidity, E.
When the torsional rigidity (GJ) is very large compared to the warping rigidity, E, then
the section will effectively be in "uniform torsion". Closed sections (eg. rectangular or
square hollow sections) angles and Tees behave this way, as do most flat plates and all
circular sections. Conversely if GJ is very small compared with E, the member will
effectively be subjected to warping torsion. Most thin walled open sections fall under
this category. Hot rolled I and H sections as well as channel sections exhibit a torsional
behaviour in between these two extremes. In other words, the members will be in a state
of non-uniform torsion and the loading will be resisted by a combination of uniform
(St.Venant's) and warping torsion.
5.1

End Conditions

The end support conditions of the member influence the torsional behaviour significantly;
three ideal situations are described below. (It must be noted that torsional fixity is
essential at least in one location to prevent the structural element twisting bodily).
Warping fixity cannot be provided without also ensuring torsional fixity.
The following end conditions are relevant for torsion calculations

Torsion fixed, Warping fixed: This means that the twisting along the longitudinal (Z)
axis and also the warping of cross section at the end of the member are prevented.
( = = 0 at the end). This is also called "fixed" end condition.

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Torsion fixed, Warping free: This means that the cross section at the end of the
member cannot twist, but is allowed to warp. ( = = 0). This is also called
"pinned" end condition.

Torsion free, Warping free: This means that the end is free to twist and warp. The
unsupported end of cantilever illustrates this condition. (This is also called "free" end
condition).

Effective warping fixity is difficult to provide. It is not enough to provide a connection

which provides fixity for bending about both axes. It is also necessary to restrain the
flanges by additional suitable reinforcements. It may be more practical to assume
"warping free" condition even when the structural element is treated as "fixed" for
bending. On the other hand, torsional fixity can be provided relatively simply by
standard end connections.

5.2

Procedures for checking adequacy in Flexure

These procedures have been described in an earlier chapter dealing with "unrestrained
bending". Particular attention should be paid to lateral torsional buckling by evaluating
the equivalent uniform moment M , such that

M
where M
Mb

< Mb
=
=

equivalent uniform moment

lateral-torsional buckling resistance moment.

If the beam is stocky (eg. due to closely spaced lateral restraints), the design will be
covered by moment capacity Mc.
In addition to bending stresses the shear stresses, b, due to plane bending have to be
evaluated.
Shear stress at any section is given by,

V Ay VQ
=
It
It

where Q = Statical moment of area of the shaded part (Fig. 11).

For the web,

bw =

V Qw
I .t

For the flange, bf =

where V
I

Version II

=
=

VQf
I .T
applied shear force
moment of inertia of the whole section

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T
Qw
Qf
t

=
=
=
=

flange thickness
statical moment of area for the web
statical moment of area for the flange.
web thickness

t
A
y

Fig.11
5.3 Cross Sectional Properties for Symmetrical I and H Sections

For an I or H section subjected to torsion, the following properties will be useful (see
Fig. 12).
1
2 BT 3 + (D 2T )t 3
J =
3
hB
Wnwfs =
4
h B2 T
S wms =
16
I y h2
=

4
Qf
= Af . y f

Qw

where

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Af
yf
A
yw

=
=
=

A
yw
2

area of half the flange

distance of neutral axis to the centroid of the area Af
total cross sectional area
the distance from the neutral axis to the centroid of the area
above neutral axis.

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BEAMS SUBJECTED TO BENDING AND TORSION-I

Af
T

hX

yw

yf

t
X

Half the area= 0.5A

X

Fig.12
6.0 CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of a beam subjected to torsional moment is considered in this chapter. Uniform

torsion (also called St.Venants torsion) applied to the beam would cause a twist. Nonuniform torsion will cause both twisting and warping of the cross section. Simple
methods of evaluating the torsional effects are outlined and discussed.
7.0 REFERENCES

1.
2.
3.

Trahair, N. S, The Behaviour and Design of Steel Structures,

Chapman & Hall, London, 1977
Mc Guire, W. , Steel Structures, Prentice Hall, 1968
Nethercot, D. A. , Salter, P. R. and Malik, A. S., Design of members subjected to
Combined Bending and Torsion, The Steel Construction Institute, 1989.

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