Checking of Steel Members in Flexure

Built-up and Non Built-up C Channel and I-Shaped Member

Step 1: Determine if the section is compact or non-compact.

Refer to NSCP 2015 Table 502.4.2

A. Flexure in Doubly Symmetric I-shaped sections and channels:

Check for flange and web:

bf
λ for flange=
2tf

hw
λ for web =
tw

Flange

E E
λ p=0.38
√ Fy
λ r=1. 0
√ Fy

Web

E E
λ p=3.76
√ Fy
λ r=5.70
√ Fy

B. Flexure in Doubly and Singly Symmetric I-shaped built up sections:

Check for flange and web:

bf
λ for flange=
2tf

hw
λ for web =
tw

E E
λ p=0.38
√ Fy √
λ r=0.95 k c
FL

4
k c=
hw , but shall not be taken less than 0.35 nor greater than 0.76 for calculation purposes.
√ tw
F L =F y , For minor axis bending, major axis bending of slender-web built up I-shaped members, and
S xt
major axis bending of compact and non-compact web built-up I-Shaped members with ≥ 0.7 .
S xc

S xt
F L =F y ≥ 0.5 F y , For major axis bending of compact and non-compact web built-up I-Shaped
S xc
S xt
members with ≤ 0.7 .
S xc

S xt
If ≥ 0.7 ; F L =F y
S xc

Where h w =height of web , m

t w =thickness of web , m

b f =base of flange , m

t f =thickness of flange , m

E=Modulus of Elasticity of Steel , 200000 MPa

F y =minimum yield stress of the steel , MPa

Conditions:

1. If λ for web ∨λfor flange ≤ λ p ; the web or flange is compact.

2. If λ p< λfor web ∨λ for flange ≤ λr ; the web or flange is non-compact.
3. If λ> λr ; the web or flange is non compact is slender.
4. If 1 member is slender the section is slender.
5. If 1 member is non-compact the section is non-compact.
6. If both members are compact the section is compact.

Step 2: For compact section, proceed to step 2 and refer to NSCP 2015 506.2 Doubly Symmetric
Compact I-Shaped Members and Channels Bent about Their Major Axis.

A. Check the section for Yielding:

M n=M p=F y Z x

Z x = Ac ∙ d c + A t ∙ d t

M n=Nominal moment , N −mm

Where
Z x =Plastic modulus about the x−axis , mm3

Ac = Area of Compression side , mm2

d c =distance ¿ the neutral axis of the whole section ¿the neutral axis of the compression side

At = Areaof Tension side , mm2

d c =distance ¿ the neutral axis of the whole section ¿the neutral axis of the tension side

d c for irregular shapes:

Atotal ( d c )=∑ Area∙ x́

x́=distance ¿ the centroid of the whole figure ¿ the centroid of the divided area

Note : x́ can be replaced by ý if the bendingis on minor axis

Mn
M allowable=
1.67

M actual < M allowable

d M actual
ratio= <1.0
c M allowable

B. Check the section for lateral-torsional buckling. If the web is compact:

E
L p=1.76 r y
√ Fy

√√
2
E Jc 0.7 F y S x h o
Lr =1.95r ts
√
0.7 F y S x ho
1+ 1+ 6.76 (EJc )
I yc
Note: If ≤0.23 , J=0
Iy

If J=0

E
Lr =π r ts
0.7 F y

Where:

r ts 2=
√ I y Cw
Sx
 Ix
Sx=
c

c for S x is the distance ¿ the neutral axis ¿ the outer most fiber of compression .

For doubly symmetric I shaped: C=1.0

For a channel:
ho I y
c=
2 Cw√
h o=distance between the flanges

For a channel:

1−3 α α 2 d'w
2 3
C w =( d ' ) ( b ' ) t [ 6
+
2 (1+
6b't )]
1
α=
d'w
2+
3b't

d ' =d−t

w
b ' =b−
2

For Doubly Symmetric I-shaped with rectangular flanges.

I y ho2
C w=
4
 I y ho
r ts =
√ 2 Sx

To find C b :

Lateral-torsional buckling modification factor for non-uniform moment diagrams when both ends of
unsupported segments are braced (Cb):

12.5 M max
C b= R ≤ 3.0
2.5 M max +3 M A +4 M B +3 M C m

Where:

M max =absolute value of maximummoment ∈theunbraced segment , N −mm

M A=¿ absolute value of moment at quarter point of the unbraced segment , N−mm ¿

M B =absolute value of moment at centerline of the unbraced segment , N −mm

M C =absolute value of moment at three−quarter point ∈theunbraced segment , N −mm

Rm =cross−section monosymmtery parameter .

Rm =1.0 for doubly symmetric members .

Rm =1.0 for singly symmetric members subjected ¿ single curvaturebending .

C b for cantilevers∨overhangs=1.0

Cb for doubly symmetric members with no transverse loading between brace points and with equal end
moments of opposite sign is 2.27.

Cb for doubly symmetric members with no transverse loading between brace points and with one end
moment equals zero is 1.67.

E=Modulus of Elasticity of Steel , 200000 MPa

Jc=Torsional constant , mm4

S x =elastic section modulus takenabout the x−axis, mm3

r y =radius of gyration about y−axis , mm

M p=M n on yielding

L p=limiting laterally unbraced length for thelimit state of yielding ,mm

Lb = Length between points that are either braced against lateral displacement of compression flange or
based against twist of the cross section, mm

Lr =Limiting laterally unbraced length for the limit state of inelastic lateral torsional buckling ,mm

M n=Nominal moment

Cb=Lateral torsional buckling modification factor for non-uniform moment diagrams when both ends of
the unsupported segments are braced

F cr =Critical Stress , MPa

Rts=Effective radius of gyration used in the determination of Lr

C w =warping constant , mm6

I x =moment of inertiaabout x −axis , mm4

I y =moment of inertia about y −axis , mm4

Conditions:

1. If Lb ≤ L p the limit state of lateral torsional buckling does not apply

2. If L p < Lb ≤ Lr
Lb−L p
[
M n=C b M p−( M p−0.7 F y S x )
( )]
Lr −L p
≤Mp

3. If Lb > Lr
M n=F cr S x ≤ M p
Cb π2 E 2
Jc Lb

)√
F cr =
Lb 2
1+0.078 ( )
S x ho r ts
( r ts

Mn
M allowable=
1.67

M actual < M allowable

d M actual
ratio= <1.0
c M allowable

C. Check for Web Local Buckling

1. For compact web member, the limit state of web local buckling does not apply.

For sections with non-compact web:

 hw E
(
M n=M p−( M p −F y S x ) 0.305
√
tw F y
−0.738 ≤ M p )
M p=M n on yielding

Mn
M allowable=
1.67

M actual < M allowable

d M actual
ratio= <1.0
c M allowable

Step 3: For doubly Symmetric I-Shaped Members with Compact Webs and Non-compact or Slender
Flanges Bent about their Major Axis proceed to step 3 and refer to NSCP 2015 506.3

A. Check the section for lateral-torsional buckling. If the web is compact:

For lateral torsional-buckling the provisions of Step 2,B shall apply.

B. Check in Compression Flange Local Buckling:

1. For sections with non-compact flanges.

λ−λ pf
[
M n= M p −( M p−0.7 F y S x )
( λrf −λ pf )]
M p=Z x F y

2. For section with slender flanges.

0.9 Ek c S x
M n=
λ2

bf
Where λ=
2t f

a. For Doubly Symmetric I-shaped sections and channels:

E E
λ pf =3.76
√ Fy
λ rf =5.70
√ Fy

b. For Doubly and Singly Symmetric I-shaped built up sections:

E E
λ pf =0.38
√ Fy √
λ rf =0.95 k c
FL
 4
k c=
hw , but shall not be taken less than 0.35 nor greater than 0.76 for calculation purposes.
√ tw

F L =F y , For minor axis bending, major axis bending of slender-web built up I-shaped members, and
S xt
major axis bending of compact and non-compact web built-up I-Shaped members with ≥ 0.7 .
S xc

S xt
F L =F y ≥ 0.5 F y , For major axis bending of compact and non-compact web built-up I-Shaped
S xc
S xt
members with ≤ 0.7 .
S xc

I xt
S xt =
c

I xc
S xc =
c

Where:

k c =Coefficient for slender unstiffened elements

S xt =Elastic section modulus reffered ¿ tension flanges

S xc =Elastic section modulus reffered ¿ compression flanges

I xc =Moment of inertia about x−axisreffered ¿ compression flange , mm4

I xt =Moment of inertia about x−axis reffered ¿ tension flange ,mm 4

c=distance ¿ neutral axis¿ the outermost fiber of compression , mm

Mn
M allowable=
1.67

M actual < M allowable

d M actual
ratio= <1.0
c M allowable

Step 4: Proceed to step 4 for doubly symmetric I-shaped members with non-compact webs and for singly
symmetric I-shaped members with webs attached to the mid-width of the flanges with compact or non-
compact webs, both bent about their major axis. Refer to NSCP 2015 506.4
 A. Check in Compression Flange Yielding:
M n=R pc M yc =R pc F y S xc

hw M
If ≤ λ pw ; R pc = p
tw M yc

hw Mp Mp λ− λ pw M
If
tw
> λ pw ; R pc =
[ (
−
M yc M yc
−1
)(
λ rw −λ pw
≤ p
M yc )]
M yc=F y S xc

M p=Z x F y ≤1.6 S xc F y

a. For Doubly Symmetric I-shaped sections and channels:

E E
λ pw=3.76
√ Fy
λ rw=5.70
√ Fy

b. For Doubly and Singly Symmetric I-shaped built up sections:

E E
λ pw=0.38
√ Fy √
λ rw=0.95 k c
FL

4
k c=
hw , but shall not be taken less than 0.35 nor greater than 0.76 for calculation purposes.
√ tw

F L =F y , For minor axis bending, major axis bending of slender-web built up I-shaped members, and
S xt
major axis bending of compact and non-compact web built-up I-Shaped members with ≥ 0.7 .
S xc

S xt
F L =F y ≥ 0.5 F y , For major axis bending of compact and non-compact web built-up I-Shaped
S xc
S xt
members with ≤ 0.7 .
S xc

Mn
M allowable=
1.67

M actual < M allowable

d M actual
ratio= <1.0
c M allowable

B. Check in Lateral-Torsional Buckling:

1. If Lb < L p the limit state of lateral-torsional buckling does not apply.
2. If L p < Lb ≤ Lr

Lb−L p
[
M n=C b R pc M yc −( R pc M yc −F L S xc )
( Lr −L p)]
≤ R pc M yc

3. If Lb > Lr

M n=F cr S xc ≤ R pc M yc

C b π2 E 2
Lb

)√
J
F cr =
Lb 2
1+0.078
S xc ho ( )
rt
( rt

I yc
If ≤0.23 , J=0
Iy

E
L p=1.1 r t
√ Fy

√√
2
E J F L S xc ho
Lr =1.95r t
√
F L S xc ho
1+ 1+6.76
EJ ( )
For I-shapes with a rectangular compression flange:

bfc
rt =
ho 1 h2
√ 12
( + aw
d 6 hod )
May be approximated accurately:

bfc
rt =
1
√ (
12 1+ aw
6 )
hc t w
a w=
bfc t fc
Where:

R pc =web plastic factor

M yc= yield moment at the compression flange , N−mm

h o=distance between flange centroids , mm

d=full nominal depth of the section

Mn
M allowable=
1.67

M actual < M allowable

d M actual
ratio= <1.0
c M allowable

C. Check in Compression Flange Local Buckling:

1. For section with compact flanges, the limit state of local buckling does not apply.
2. For section with non-compact flanges.

λ− λ pf
[
M n= R pc M yc−( R pc M yc −F L S xc )
( λrf − λ pf )]
3. For sections with slender flanges

0.9 E k c S xc
M n=
λ2

4
k c=
hw , but shall not be taken less than 0.35 nor greater than 0.76 for calculation purposes.
√ tw

F L =F y , For minor axis bending, major axis bending of slender-web built up I-shaped members, and
S xt
major axis bending of compact and non-compact web built-up I-Shaped members with ≥ 0.7 .
S xc

S xt
F L =F y ≥ 0.5 F y , For major axis bending of compact and non-compact web built-up I-Shaped
S xc
S xt
members with ≤ 0.7 .
S xc
 hc Mp
If ≤ λ pw ; R pc =
tw M yc

hc Mp Mp λ− λ pw M
If
tw
> λ pw ; R pc =
[ (−
M yc M yc
−1
)(
λ rw −λ pw
≤ p
M yc )]
b fc
λ=
2t fc

a. For Doubly Symmetric I-shaped sections and channels:

E E
λ pf =3.76
√ Fy
λ rf =5.70
√ Fy

b. For Doubly and Singly Symmetric I-shaped built up sections:

E E
λ pf =0.38
√ Fy √
λ rf =0.95 k c
FL

4
k c=
hw , but shall not be taken less than 0.35 nor greater than 0.76 for calculation purposes.
√ tw

F L =F y , For minor axis bending, major axis bending of slender-web built up I-shaped members, and
S xt
major axis bending of compact and non-compact web built-up I-Shaped members with ≥ 0.7 .
S xc

S xt
F L =F y ≥ 0.5 F y , For major axis bending of compact and non-compact web built-up I-Shaped
S xc
S xt
members with ≤ 0.7 .
S xc

Mn
M allowable=
1.67

M actual < M allowable

d M actual
ratio= <1.0
c M allowable

D. Check in Tension Flange Yielding:

1. When S xt ≥ S xc the limit state of tension flange yielding does not apply.
2. When S xt < S xc
M n=R pt M yt

M yt =F yt S xt

hc Mp
If ≤ λ pw ; R pt =
tw M yt

hc Mp Mp λ−λ pw M
If
tw
> λ pw ; R pt =
[ −
M yt M yt (
−1
)( λrw −λ pw )]
≤ p
M yt

hc
λ=
tw

a. For Doubly Symmetric I-shaped sections and channels:

E E
λ pw=3.76
√ Fy
λ rw=5.70
√ Fy

b. For Doubly and Singly Symmetric I-shaped built up sections:

E E
λ pw=0.38
√ Fy √
λ rw=0.95 k c
FL

4
k c=
hw , but shall not be taken less than 0.35 nor greater than 0.76 for calculation purposes.
√ tw

F L =F y , For minor axis bending, major axis bending of slender-web built up I-shaped members, and
S xt
major axis bending of compact and non-compact web built-up I-Shaped members with ≥ 0.7 .
S xc

S xt
F L =F y ≥ 0.5 F y , For major axis bending of compact and non-compact web built-up I-Shaped
S xc
S xt
members with ≤ 0.7 .
S xc

M yt =F y S xt

Mn
M allowable=
1.67

M actual < M allowable

d M actual
ratio= <1.0
c M allowable

Step 5: Proceed to step 5 for doubly symmetric and singly symmetric I-shaped members with slender
webs bent about their major axis. Refer to NSCP 2015 506.5

A. Check in Compression Flange Yielding:

M n=R pg F y S xc

aw hc E
R pg=1−
1200+300 a w t w(−5.7
Fy √ )
≤1.0

Where:

hc t w
a w=
bfc t fc

Mn
M allowable=
1.67

M actual < M allowable

d M actual
ratio= <1.0
c M allowable

B. Check in Lateral-Torsional Buckling:

M n=R pg F cr S xc

1. When Lb ≤ L p , the limit state of lateral-torsional buckling does not apply.

2. When L p < Lb ≤ Lr ,

Lb−L p
[
F cr =Cb F y −( 0.3 F y )
( )]
Lr −L p
≤ Fy

3. When Lb > Lr

C b π2 E
F cr = ≤ Fy
Lb 2
( )
rt

Where:
 E
L p=1.1 r t
√ Fy

E
Lr =π r t
√ 0.7 F y

bfc
rt =
ho 1 h2
√ 12
( + aw
d 6 hod )
May be approximated accurately:

bfc
rt =
1
√ (
12 1+ aw
6 )
hc t w
a w=
bfc t fc

Mn
M allowable=
1.67

M actual < M allowable

d M actual
ratio= <1.0
c M allowable

C. Check in Compression Flange Local Buckling:

M n=R pg F cr S xc

1. For sections with compact flanges, the limit state of compression flange local buckling does not
apply.
2. For sections with non-compact flanges

λ−λ pf
[
F cr = F y −( 0.3 F y )
( λrf −λ pf )]
3. For sections with slender flange sections:

0.9 E k c
F cr = 2
bf
( )
2tf
Where:

b fc
λ=
2t fc

a. For Doubly Symmetric I-shaped sections and channels:

E E
λ pf =3.76
√ Fy
λ rf =5.70
√ Fy

b. For Doubly and Singly Symmetric I-shaped built up sections:

E E
λ pf =0.38
√ Fy √
λ rf =0.95 k c
FL

4
k c=
hw , but shall not be taken less than 0.35 nor greater than 0.76 for calculation purposes.
√ tw

F L =F y , For minor axis bending, major axis bending of slender-web built up I-shaped members, and
S xt
major axis bending of compact and non-compact web built-up I-Shaped members with ≥ 0.7 .
S xc

S xt
F L =F y ≥ 0.5 F y , For major axis bending of compact and non-compact web built-up I-Shaped
S xc
S xt
members with ≤ 0.7 .
S xc

Mn
M allowable=
1.67

M actual < M allowable

d M actual
ratio= <1.0
c M allowable

D. Check in Tension Flange Yielding:

1. When S xt ≥ S xc , the limit state of tension flange yielding does not apply.
2. When S xt < S xc ,

M n=F y S xt

I xt
S xt =
c
 Mn
M allowable=
1.67

M actual < M allowable

d M actual
ratio= <1.0
c M allowable

Step 6: Proceed to step 6 for I-shaped members and channels bent about their minor axis. Refer to NSCP
2015 506.6

A. Check in Yielding:
M n=F y Z y ≤ 1.6 F y S y

Z y =A c d c + A t d t

Mn
M allowable=
1.67

M actual < M allowable

d M actual
ratio= <1.0
c M allowable

B. Check in Flange Local Buckling:

1. For section with compact flanges the limit state of yielding does not apply.

Note: All current ASTM A6 W, S, M, C and MC shapes except W21x48, W14x99, W14x90, W12x65,
W10x12, W8x31, W8x10, W6x15, W6x9, W6x8.5, and M4x6 have compact flanges at F y =345 MPa.

2. For sections with non-compact flanges:

λ− λ pf
[
M n= M p −( M p−0.7 F y S y )
( λrf − λ pf )]
Where:

M p=F y Z y

Iy
S y=
c

bf
λ=
2t f
 a. For Doubly Symmetric I-shaped sections and channels:

E E
λ pf =3.76
√ Fy
λ rf =5.70
√ Fy

b. For Doubly and Singly Symmetric I-shaped built up sections:

E E
λ pf =0.38
√ Fy √
λ rf =0.95 k c
FL

4
k c=
hw , but shall not be taken less than 0.35 nor greater than 0.76 for calculation purposes.
√ tw

F L =F y , For minor axis bending, major axis bending of slender-web built up I-shaped members, and
S xt
major axis bending of compact and non-compact web built-up I-Shaped members with ≥ 0.7 .
S xc

S xt
F L =F y ≥ 0.5 F y , For major axis bending of compact and non-compact web built-up I-Shaped
S xc
S xt
members with ≤ 0.7 .
S xc

3. For sections with slender flanges.

M n=F cr S y

Where:

0.69 E
F cr =
bf 2
( )
2t f

Mn
M allowable=
1.67

M actual < M allowable

d M actual
ratio= <1.0
c M allowable

Square and Rectangular HSS and Box-shaped Members

Applicable in square and rectangular HSS, and doubly symmetric box-shaped members bent about their
axis, having compact or non-compact webs and compact, non-compact or slender flanges.

Step 1: Determine if the section is compact or non-compact.

Refer to NSCP 2015 Table 502.4.2

A. Flexure in webs of rectangular HSS:

Check for flange and web:

b
λ for flange=
tf

h
λ for web =
tw

E E
λ p=2.42
√ Fy
λ r=5.70
√ Fy

Where:

h for rectangular HSS=clear distance between the flanges less theinside corner radius on each side , mm

h for box−shaped mambers =height minus thickness of flange

b for rectangular HSS=clear distance between the webs less theinside corner radius on each side , mm
\

b for box−shaped mambers=width minus thickness of web

t w =thickness of web

t f =thickness of flange

Conditions:

1. If λ for web ∨λfor flange ≤ λ p ; the web or flange is compact.

2. If λ p< λfor web ∨λ for flange ≤ λr ; the web or flange is non-compact.
3. If λ> λr ; the web or flange is non compact is slender.
4. If 1 member is slender the section is slender.
5. If 1 member is non-compact the section is non-compact.
6. If both members are compact the section is compact.

Step 2: Refer to NSCP 2015 506.7

A. Check in Yielding:
M n=F y Z

Z=A c d c + A t d t

Mn
M allowable=
1.67

M actual < M allowable

d M actual
ratio= <1.0
c M allowable

B. Check in Flange Local Buckling:

1. For compact sections, the limit state of flange local buckling does not apply.
2. For sections with non-compact flanges.

b Fy
M n=M p−( M p −F y S ) 3.57 ( tf √ E )
−4.0 ≤ M p

M p=F y Z

I
S=
c

c=distance ¿ the neutral axis ¿ the outermost fiber

3. For section with slenderness flanges.

M n=F y S eff

I eff
Seff =
c

b e htotal3 b h3
I eff = −
12 12

E 0.38 E
b e =1.92t
√ Fy
( √)
1−
b
t
Fy
≤b

Mn
M allowable=
1.67

M actual < M allowable

d M actual
ratio= <1.0
c M allowable

C. Check in Web Local Buckling:

1. For compact sections, the limit state of web local buckling does not apply.
2. For sections with non-compact webs.

hw F y
(
M n=M p−( M p −F y S x ) 0.305
√
tw E )
−0.738 ≤ M p

M p=F y Z

Ix
Sx=
c

Mn
M allowable=
1.67

M actual < M allowable

d M actual
ratio= <1.0
c M allowable

Rectangular Bars and Rounds

It is applicable in rectangular bars bent about their geometric axis and rounds.

A. Check in Yielding:
Lb d 0.08 E
For rectangular bars with 2
≤ bent about their major axis, rectangular bars bent about their
t Fy
minor axis, and rounds:

M n=F y Z ≤ 1.6 M y

M p=F y Z

M y =F y S x

Where:

t=width of rectangular ¯¿ ¿ axis of bending, mm

d=depth of rectangular ,̄ mm
Lb = Length between points that are either braced against lateral displacement of the compression region
or braced against twist of the cross section, mm

Mn
M allowable=
1.67

M actual < M allowable

d M actual
ratio= <1.0
c M allowable

B. Check in Lateral-Torsional Buckling:

0.08 E Lb d 1.9 E
1. For rectangular bars with < 2 ≤ bent about their major axis:
Fy t Fy

Lb d F y
[
M n=C b 1.52−0.274
( )
t2 E ]
M y≤ Mp

Lb d 1.9 E
2. For rectangular bars with > bent about their major axis:
t2 Fy

M n=F cr S x ≤ M p

Where:

1.9 EC b
F cr =
Lb d
t2

3. For round and rectangular bars bent about their minor axis, the limit state of lateral-torsional
buckling need not to be considered.

Mn
M allowable=
1.67

M actual < M allowable

d M actual
ratio= <1.0
c M allowable

Unsymmetrical Shapes
It is applicable in all unsymmetrical shapes, except single angles.

A. Check in Yielding:
 B.
M n=F n S

Where:

F n=F y

S=lowest elastic section modulus relative ¿ the axis of bending ,mm 3

Ix
Sx= for bending in major axis
c

Iy
S y= for bending in minor axis
c

Mn
M allowable=
1.67

M actual < M allowable

d M actual
ratio= <1.0
c M allowable

C. Check in Lateral-Torsional Buckling:

M n=F n S

Where:

F n=F cr ≤ F y

Where:

F cr =buckling stress for the section as determined by analysis , MPa

Note: In the case of z-shaped members, it is recommended that F cr be taken as 0.50 F cr of a channel with
same flange and web properties.

F cr =¿

Mn
M allowable=
1.67

M actual < M allowable

d M actual
ratio= <1.0
c M allowable

D. Check in Local Buckling:

M n=F n S

Where:

F n=F cr ≤ F y

Where:

F cr =buckling stress for the section as determined by analysis , MPa

F cr =¿

Mn
M allowable=
1.67

M actual < M allowable

d M actual
ratio= <1.0
c M allowable