Mechanics of Materials

Chapter 5
Stresses In Beams
5.1 Introduction
 In previous chapters, the stresses in bars caused by axial loading
and torsion. Here consider the third fundamental loading :
bending.
 Make certain simplifying assumptions. the resulting equations
have served well in the design of straight, elastic beams
5.2 Bending Stress
a. Simplifying assumptions
 The stresses caused by the bending moment are known as
bending stress, or flexure stresses. The relationship between
these stresses and the bending moment is called the flexure
formula.
 In deriving the
flexure formula,
make the following
assumptions:
 The beam has an
axial plane of
symmetry, which we
take to be the xy- Figure 5.1 Symmetrical beam with loads
plane (see Fig. 5.1). lying in the plane of symmetry.
 The applied loads (such as F1,F2 and F3 in Fig.5.1) lie in the
plane of the symmetry and are perpendicular to the axis of the
beam (the x-axis).The axis of the beam bends but does not
stretch ( the axis lies some where in the plane of symmetry; its
location will be determined later).
 Plane sections of
the beam remain
plane (do not warp
) and
perpendicular
to the deformed
axis of the beam.
Change in the
cross-sectional
beam are of the
dimensions Figure 5.1 Symmetrical beam
negligible.
 Because the shear stresses caused by the vertical shear force will
distort (warp) an originally plane section, we are limiting our
discussion here to the deformations caused by the bending
moment alone.
 the deformations due to the vertical shear force are negligible in
the slender beams compared to the deformations caused by
bending .
 The above assumptions lead us to the following conclusion:
Each cross section of the beam rotates as a rigid entity about a
line called the neutral axis of the cross section.
 The neutral axis passes through the axis of the beam and is
perpendicular to the plane of symmetry, as shown in Fig. 5.1.
The xz-plane that contains the neutral axes of all the cross
sections is known as the neutral surface of the beam.
b. Compatibility
 The neutral surface becomes curved upon deformation, as
indicated in Fig.5.2.
 The longitudinal fibers lying on the neutral surface are
undeformed, whereas the fibers above the surface are compressed
and the fibers below are stretched.

Figure 5.2 Deformation of an infinitesimal beam segment.

 The fiber form are arc a' b' of radius (-y) , subtended by the
angle d θ , its deformed length is a ' b '    y d
 The original length of this fiber is ab  dx  d . The
normal strain  of the fiber

a'b'  ab   yd  d y

   
ab d

 Assuming that the stress is less than the proportional limit of the
material we can obtain the normal stress in the fiber ab from
Hook ＇ s law:
  E   E y (5.1)
Equation (5.1) shown that the normal stress of a longitudinal
fiber is proportional to the distance y of the fiber from the neutral
surface.
 The negative sign indicates that
positive bending moment causes
compressive stress when y is
positive (fiber above the neutral
surface) and tensile stress when y
is negative (fiber below the neutral
surface).
c. Equilibrium
 Figure 5.3 shows the normal
force acting on the
infinitesimal area dA of the
cross section is dP =  dA.
Substituting  = - (E/  )y,
E (a)
dP    ydA
Where y is the distance of dA
from the neutral axis (NA). Figure 5.3 Calculating
 The resultant of the normal the resultant of the Normal
stress distribution over the stress acting on the cross
cross section must be equal to section.
the bending moment M Resultant is a couple Equal
acting about the neutral axis to the internal bending
(z-axis). moment of M.
 
 In other work,  A
ydp  M

where the integral is taken over

the entire cross-sectional area
A
 the resultant axial force and the
resultant bending moment about
the y-axis must be zero; that is,
and AzdP  0
A dP  0 
These three equilibrium equations
are developed in detail below.

Resultant Axial Force Must

Vanish
axial force is
E
A dp   
The condition for zero  A
ydA  0
 Because E /  ≠ 0, this equation can be satisfied only if

 A
ydA  0 (b)
The integral in Eq.(b) is the first moment of the cross-sectional
area about the neutral axis. It can be zero only if the neutral axis
passes through centroid C of the cross-sectional area.

Resultant Moment About y-Axis Must Vanish

This condition is

E
A zdP     AzydA  0 (c)
The integral in Eq.(b) is the
product of inertia of the cross-
sectional area.
Resultant Moment About the Neutral Axis Must Equal M
Equating the resultant moment about the z-axis to M
 E
∫A ydp  M  ydp    y 2 dA  M

A A

Recognizing that A y 2 dA  I is the moment of inertia of the

sectional area about the neutralcross-
axis ( the z-axis), we obtain the
moment curvature relationship
EI (5.2a)
M  
A convenient form of this equation is
1 M (5.2b)
  EI
d. Flexure formula; section modulus
 Substituting the expression for 1/ from Eq.(5.2) into Eq. (5.1),
we get the flexure formula :
   My
I (5.3)
Note that a positive bending moment M causes negative
(compressive) stress above the neutral axis and positive ( tensile)
stress below the neutral axis
 The maximum value of bending
stress without regard to its sign
is given by
 max 
M c
max

I (5.4a)
where c is the distance from the
neutral axis to the outermost point
of the cross section.
Equation (5.4a) is frequently written in the form

 max M max  (5.4b)

 S
where S = I / c is called the section modulus of the beam. The
dimension of S is [L3], so that its units are in.3, mm3, and so on.
The formulas for the section moduli of common cross sections are
given in Fig. 5.4.

Figure 5.4
Section moduli
of simple
cross sectional
shapes.
  The section
moduli of
standard
structural
shapes are
listed in
various
handbooks; an
abbreviated list
is given in
Appendix B.

Figure 5.4
Section moduli
of simple cross
sectional
shapes.
e. Procedures for determining bending stresses
Stress at a Given Point
• Use the method of sections to determine the bending moment M
at the cross section containing the given point.
• Determine the location of the neutral axis.
• Compute the moment of inertia I of the cross- sectional area
about the neutral axis. ( If the beam is standard structural shape,
its cross- sectional properties are listed in Appendix B. P501)
• Determine the y-coordinate of the given point. Note that y is
positive if the point lies above the neutral axis and negative if it
lies below the neutral axis.
• Compute the bending stress from σ = -My / I. If correct sign
are used for M and y, the stress will also have the correct
sign (tension positive compression negative).
 Maximum Bending Stress: Symmetric Cross Section
If the neutral axis is an axis of symmetric of the cross section, the
maximum tensile and compression bending stresses are equal in
magnitude and occur at the section of the largest bending
moment. The following procedure is recommended for
determining the maximum bending stress in a prismatic beam:
• Draw the bending moment diagram by one of the methods
described in Chapter 4. Identify the bending moment Mmax that
has the largest magnitude (disregard the sign)
• Compute the moment of inertia I of the cross- sectional area
about the neutral axis. ( If the beam is a standard structural shape,
its cross- sectional properties are listed in Appendix B.)
• Calculate the maximum bending stress from σmax = [Mmax]c / I,
where c is the distance from the neutral axis to the top or bottom
of the cross section .
 Maximum Tensile and Compressive Bending Stresses:
Unsymmetrical Cross Section
If the neutral axis is not an axis of symmetry of the cross
section, the maximum tensile and compressive bending
stresses may occur at different sections.
• Draw the bending moment diagram. Identify the largest
positive and negative bending moments.
• Determine the location of the neutral axis and record the
distances ctop and cbot from the neutral axis to the top and
bottom of the cross section.
• Compute the moment of inertia I of the cross section
about the neutral axis.
• Calculate the bending stresses at the top and bottom of the
cross section where the largest positive bending moment
occurs from σ = -My / I.
 At the top of the cross section, where y = ctop,we obtain
σtop =
-Mctop/ I.
 At the bottom of the cross section, we have y = - cbot, so
that
σbot = Mcbop/ I.
• Repeat the calculations for the cross section that carries the
largest negative bending moment.
• Inspect the four stresses thus computed to determine the
largest tensile (positive) and compressive (negative) bending
stresses in the beam.
Note on Units
the units of terms in the flexure formula σ = -My / I.
 In the U.S. Customary system, M is often measured in pound-feet
and the cross sectional properties in inches, It is recommended
that you convert M into lb·in. and compute σ in lb/in.2 (psi).
Thus, the units in the flexure formula become

M lb  in.4yin.
 lb / in.2   
I in.
 In SI system, M is usually expressed in N · m, whereas the
cross- sectional dimensions are in mm. To obtain σ in N/m2
(Pa), he cross sectional properties must be converted to meters,
so that the units in the flexure equation are
M N  mym
 N / m 2 
 
I m4
Sample Problem 5.1
The simply supported beam in Fig. (a) has a rectangular cross
section 120 mm wide and 200 mm high. (1) Compute the
maximum bending stress in the beam. (2) Sketch the bending
stress distribution over the cross section on which the maximum
bending stress occurs. (3) Compute the bending stress at a point
on section B that is 25 mm below the top of the beam.
Solution
Preliminary Calculations
The shear force and bending moment
diagrams. M max = +16 kN·m,
occurring at D. The neutral axis (NA)
is an axis of symmetry of the cross
section as shown in Fig. (a). The
moment of inertia of the cross section
about the neutral axis is
bh 3
I   800
0.12
10 12
 0.2  3
12
6
m 4

and the distance c

between the neutral axis
and the top (or bottom)
of the cross section is c
= 100 mm = 0.1 m.
Part 1
The maximum bending stress in the beam on the cross section that
carries
 Mthe
max c 
largest bending moment, which is the section at D.
1610
0.1  

 max 3 20.0106Pa  20.0MPa Answer
I 80.0106
Part 2
The stress distribution on the cross section at D is shown in Fig. (d)
(i) The bending stress varies linearly with distance from the neutral
axis;
(ii) Because M max is positive, the top half of the cross section is in
compression and the bottom half is in tension.
(iii)Due to symmetry of the cross section about the neutral axis, the
maximum tensile and compressive stresses are equal in
magnitude.
Part 3
From Fig. (c) we see that the bending moment at section B is M = +
9.28 kN·m. The y-coordinate of the point that lies 25 mm below
the top of the beam is y = 100 -25 = 75 mm = 0.075 m.


My

9.28 10 0.075
3
  8.70106 Pa Answer


 I 8.70MPa
The negative sign6indicates that this bending stress is compressive,
80.010
which is expected because the bending moment is positive and
the point of interest lie above the neutral axis.
Sample Problem 5.2
The simply supported beam in Fig. (a) has the T-shaped cross
section shown. Determine the values and locations of the maximum
tensile and compressive bending stresses.
Solution
Preliminary Calculations
Find the largest positive
and negative bending
moment. The results are
shown in Fig. (a)-(c). From
Fig.(c), the largest
positive and negative
bending moment are 3200
lb·ft and 4000 lb·ft
respectively.
As shown in Fig.(d), the cross section to be composed of the two
rectangles with areas A1 = 0.8(8) = 6.4 in.2 and A2 = 0.8 (6) = 4.8
in.2 . The centroidal coordinates of the areas are y1  4in. and y 2  8.4in.,
, measured from the bottom of the cross section. The coordinate y
of the centroid C of the cross section is
A 1 y1  A 2 y 2 6.44  4.88.4
y   5.886in.
A1  A2 6.4  4.8
Compute the moment of inertia I of the cross-sectional area about
the neutral axis. Using the parallel-axis theorem, I =
  A y  y 
Ii
i i
2

where I  b h /12
i i i3
own centroidal axis Thus,

is the moment of inertia of a rectangle about its
,

I  ⎢⎡0.88  6.44 
⎤ ⎡60.8 ⎤
⎥ 3  4.88.4   ⎥
2 2 4

⎣ 12 12 5.886
3

5.886 ⎢ 87.49in. ⎦
⎦
⎣
Maximum Bending stresses
The distances from the neutral axis to the top and the bottom of
the cross section are c  8.8  y  8.8  5886  2.914in. and cbot  y  5.886in.,
top

as shown in Fig.(c). Because these distances are different, we

must investigate stresses at two locations: at x = 4 ft (where the
largest positive bending moment occurs) and at x = 10 ft (where
the largest negative bending moment occurs).
Stresses at x = 4 ft The bending moment at this section is M =
+3200 lb ． ft causing compression above the neutral axis and
tension below the axis. The resulting bending stresses at the top
and bottom of the cross section are

 top Mctop 
3200 122.914  1279 psi
 I
87.49
 bot  I 
3200 12 5.886  2580 psi
Mcbot 87.49
Stresses at x = 10 ft The bending moment at this section is M = -
4000lb ． ft, resulting in tension the neutral axis and
compression below the neutral axis. The corresponding bending
stresses at the extremities of the cross section are

 top Mctop 
 4000 122.914  1599 psi
 I 87.49

 bot 
 4000 12  5.886  3230
 I 87.49
Mc psi we conclude that the maximum tensile
Inspecting the above
bot
results,
and compressive stresses in the beam are
( σ T )max = 2580 psi ( bottom of the section at x =

4 ft ) ( σ c )max = 3230 psi ( bottom of the section at x =

10 ft )
Sample Problem 5.3
The cantilever beam in
Fig. (a) is composed of
two segments with
rectangular cross
sections. The width of
the each section is 2 in.,
but the depths are
different, as shown in the
figure. Determine the
maximum bending stress
in the beam.
Solution
Because the cross section
of the beam is not
constant, the maximum
stress occurs either at the
section just to the left of B
(MB = - 8000 lb ． ft) or
at the section at D (MD =
- 16000 lb ． ft). the
section moduli of the two
segments are

S AB 
bh 2 AB

2 4
5.333in.3
6 2 6
bh 2 BD
S BD  2 12 .0in.3
2 
6 6 6
 From Eq. (5.4b) the maximum bending stresses on the two cross
sections of the interest are

 
B max  M B  8000 12
 S AB   18000 psi
5.333

D max M 
 S BDD 
16000 12
 16000 psi
12.0
Comparing the above values, we find that the maximum bending
stress in the beam is
σ m a x = 18000 psi (on the cross section just to the left of B)
Answer
 This is an example where the maximum bending stress occurs
on a cross section at the bending moment is not maximum.
Sample Problem 5.4
The wide- flange section W 14×30 is use as a cantilever beam, as
shown in Fig.(a). Find the maximum bending stress in the beam.

Solution
The largest bending moment is
∣ M m a x ∣ = 15000 lb · ft
acting just to the left of section
B. From the tables in
Appendix B, we find that the
section modulus of a W14×30
(P520) section is S = 42.0 in.3.
Therefore, the maximum
bending stress in the beam is

 max 
M max

15000 12
 4290 psi
S 42.0
5.3 Economic Sections
 The portions of a located near the neutral surface are
understressed compared with at the top or bottom. Therefore,
beams with certain cross- sectional shape ( including a
rectangle and circle) utilize the material inefficiently because
much of the cross section contributes little to resisting the
bending moment.
 Consider, for example, in Fig. 5.5(a) The
section modulus has increased to S = bh2/6 =
2(6)2/6 = 12 in.3. If working stress is σ w =
18 ksi, the maximum safe bending moment
for the beam is M = σ w · S =18 (12) = 216
kip·in.
Figure 5.5 Different ways to distribute the 12-in.2
cross- sectional area in (a) without changing the
depth.
 In Fig. 5.5(b), we have rearranged the area of the cross section but
kept the same overall depth. It can be shown that the section that
the section modulus has increased to S = 25.3 in.3 （ the parallel-
axis theorem ） . Thus, the new maximum allowable moment is
M
= 18 (25.3) = 455 kip·in., which is more than twice the allowable
moment for the rectangular section of the same area.
 The section in Fig. 5.5(b) is not practical because its two parts,
called the flanges. As in Fig. 5.5(c). The vertical connecting piece
is known as the web of the beam. The web functions as the main
shear-carrying component of the beam.
a. Standard structural shapes
 Figure 5.5 (c) is similar to a wide-flange beam, referred to as a
W-shape. Another “slimmer”version of the shape is the I-beam
(referred to as an S-shape) shown in Fig. 5.5(d). The I-beam
preceded the wide- flange beam, but because it is not as
efficient, it has largely been replaced by the wide- flange beam.
 Properties of W-and S-shapes are given in Appendix B.
 in SI units, the designation W610×140 indicates a wide-flange
beam with a nominal depth of 610mm and a nominal mass per
unit length of 140 kg/m. The tables in Appendix B indicates the
actual depth of the beam is 617 mm and the actual mass is
140.1 kg/m.
 In U.S. Customary units, a W36×300 is a wide-flange beam with
a nominal depth 36 in. that weighs 300 lb/ft. The actual depth of
this section is 36.74 in.
 Referring to Appendix B, in addition to listing the dimensions,
tables of structural shapes give properties of the cross-
sectional area, such as moment of inertia (I), section modulus
(S), and radius of gyration (r)4 for each principal axis of the
area.
 When a structural section is selected to be used as a beam. The
section modulus must be equal to or greater than section
modulus determined by the flexure equation; that is,

M max (5.5)
S w
the section modulus of the selected beam must be equal to or
greater than the ratio of the bending moment to the working
stress.
 If a beam is very slender (large L/r), it may fail by lateral
bucking before the working stress is reached. I-beams are
particularly vulnerable to lateral bucking because of their low
torsional rigidity and small moment of inertia about the axis
parallel to the web.
b. Procedure for selecting standard shapes
A design engineer is often required to select the lightest
standard structural shape ( such as a W-shape) that can carry a
given loading in addition to the weight of the beam. Following
is an outline of the selection process;
． Neglecting the weight of the beam, draw the bending
moment diagram to find the largest bending moment Mmax..
． Determine the minimum allowable section modulus from Smin
=
｜ Mmax. ︱ / σ w , is the working stress.
． Choose the lightest shape from the list of structural shapes
(such as a Appendix B) for which S≥Smin and note its weight.
． Calculate the maximum bending stress σ m a x in the selected
beam caused by the prescribed loading plus the weight of the
beam. Ifσ m a x ≤σ w , the selection is finished. Otherwise, the
second-lightest shape with S≥Smin must be considered and the
maximum bending stress recalculated. The process must be
repeated unit a satisfactory shape is found.
 Sample Problem 5.5
What is the lightest W-shape beam that will support the 45-kN
load shown in Fig. (a) without exceeding a bending stress of 120
MPa ？ Determine the actual bending stress in the beam.

Solution
Finding the reactions
shown in Fig.(a), and
sketch the shear
force and bending
moment diagrams in
Figs. (b) and (c).
The minimum bending acceptable section modulus that can carry
this moment is

 60  10  500  10 6 m 3  500  10 3
 M max 3
3
S min w mm
120  10 6
Referring to the table of Properties of W-shape (Appendix B SI
Unit) and find that the following are the lightest beams in each size
group that satisfy the requirement S≥Smin: (P508)
Section S(mm3) Mass(kg/ The reason is that although
m) the lightest beam is the
W200×52 512×103 52.3
cheapest on the basis of the
W250×45 534×103 44.9 weight alone, headroom
W310×39 549×103 38.7 clearances frequently require
a beam with less depth than
Our first choice is the W310×39 the lightest one.
section with S = 549×10-6 m3.
 The weight of the beam for the W310×39 section is
wo = (38.7 kg/m)×(9.81 m/s2) = 380 N/m = 0.380 kN/m
From (d) shows the beam supporting both the 45-kN load
and the weight of the beam. The maximum bending moment
is
found to be Mmax = 61.52 kN·m, again occurring under the
concentrated load.
Therefore, the maximum
bending stress in the
selected beam is
 max M max 61.52 10 3  112.110 6 pa  112.1MPa
 
S 549 10  6
Because this stress is less than the allowable stress of 120 MPa,
the lightest W-shape that can safely support the 45-kN load is
W310×39 (with σmax = 112.1MPa) Answer
5.4 Shear Stress in Beams
a. Analysis of flexure action
 In Fig. 5.6, The separate layers would slide past one another, and
the total bending strength of the beam would be the sum of the
strength of the individual layers. Such a built-up beam would be
considerably weaker than a solid beam of equivalent
dimensions.
 From the above observation, we conclude that the horizontal
layers in a solid beam are prevented from sliding by shear stresses
that act between the layers.

Figure 5.6 Bending of a layered beam with no

adhesive between the layers.
 In Fig. 5.7. We isolate the shaded portion of the beam by
using two cutting planes: a vertical cut along section 1
and horizontal cut located at the distance y’ above the
neutral axis.

Figure 5.7 Equilibrium of the shaded portion of

the beam requires a longitudinal shear force F
= P, where P is the resultant of the normal
stress acting on area A’ of section (1).
 Calculate P using Fig. 5.8. The axial force acting on the area
element dA of the cross section is dP = σ dA .
 If M is the bending moment acting at section 1 of the
beam, the bending stress is given by Eq. (5.3): σ = - My/I,
where y is the distance of the element from the neutral axis,
and I is the moment of inertia of the entire cross-sectional
area of the beam about the neutral axis.
Figure 5.8
Calculating the
resultant force
of the normal
stress over a
portion of the
cross-sectional
area.
 My Integrating over the area A’, we get
dP   dA
I MQ
ydA   (5.6)
M
P  A` dp   I A` I
Where
Q  A` ydA
(5.7a)
is the first moment of area A’ about the neutral axis. The negative
sign in Eq. (5.6) indicates that positive M results in forces P and F
that are directed opposite to those shown in Fig. 5.7.
 Denoting the distance between the neutral axis and centroid
C` of the area A’ by 
y , we can write Eq. (5.7) as

 (5.7b).
Q  A`y
 In Eqs. (5.7b), Q represents the first
moment of the cross-sectional area

that lies above y’. Because the first y
moment of the total cross-sectional
area about the neutral axis is zero,
that first moment of the area below
y’ is - Q. Therefore, the magnitude
of Q can be computed by using the
area either above or below y’,
whichever is more convenient.
 The maximum value of Q occurs at the neutral axis where
y’ = 0. It follows that horizontal shear force F is largest on
the neutral surface. The variation of Q with y’ for a
rectangular cross section is illustrated in Fig. 5.9.

Figure 5.9 Variation of the first moment Q of area A’ about

the neutral axis for a rectangular cross
section.
 b. Horizontal shear stress
Consider Fig. 5.10. A horizontal plane located a distance y’ above
the neutral axis of the cross section. If the bending moment at
section1 of the beam is M, the resultant force acting on face 1 of the
body is given by Eq. (5.6): P  M
Q
I

τ

Figure 5.10 Determining the longitudinal shear stress

from the free-body diagram of a beam element.
 The bending moment acting at section 2 is M+dM, where dM is
the infinitesimal change in M over the distance dx. Therefore,
the resultant normal force acting on face 2 of the body is
p  dP  M  dM 
Q Q
I P  M I
(a τ
P  dP P  M  dMI Q ⎛
⎜⎝  M ⎟ )
Q⎞ I
⎠
Q
 dM I
 Equilibrium can exist only if there is an equal and opposite shear
force dF acting on the horizontal surface. If we letτbe the
average shear stress acting on the horizontal surface, its
resultant is dF = τ b d x . Where b is the width of the cross
section at y = y`, as shown in Fig. 5.10. The equilibrium
requirement for the horizontal forces is
Σ F = 0 : (P +dP) － P + τ b dx =
0
 Substituting for(P+dP) - P from Eq. (a), we get

Q dM Q (b)
 dM  bdx  0   dx Ib
I
Recalling the relationship V = dM/dx between the shear force and
the bending moment we obtain for the average horizontal shear
stress τ
VQ
  Ib (5.8)
 c. Vertical shear stress
VQ
 Eq. (5.8)  
Ib ( a plane parallel to the neutral
shear
surfacestress
). A is always accompanied by a complementary shear
stress of equal magnitude, the two stresses acting on
mutually perpendicular plane.

Figure 5.11 The vertical stress τ ’ acting at a point on a

cross section equals the longitudinal shear stress τ
acting at the same point.
 In a beam, the complementary stress τ ’ is a vertical shear stress
that acts on the cross section of the beam, as illustrated in Fig.
5.11 (a). Because τ = τ ’ , Eq.(5.8) can be used to compute the
vertical as well as the horizontal shear stress at a point in a
beam.
 The resultant of the vertical shear stress on
the cross-sectional area A of the beam
course, the shear force V;.
is,of
V  A
dAFig. 5.11(b).
 To prove that τ = τ ` , consider
The horizontal and vertical forces are τ d x d z
and τ’dydz, respectively. These forces
from two couples of opposite sense. For
rotational equilibrium, the magnitudes of
the couples must be equal; that is, (τdxdz)
dy = (τ`dydz) dx, which yields τ = τ ’ .
 d. Discussion and limitations of the shear stress
formula
• The shear stress formula τ = VQ/(Ib) predicts that the largest
shear stress in a prismatic beam occurs at the cross section
that carries the largest vertical shear force V.
• The location ( the value of y’ ) of the maximum shear stress
within that section is determined by the ratio Q/b. Because Q
is always maximum at y’ = 0, the neutral axis is usually a
candidate for the location of the maximum shear stress.
• However, If the width b at the neutral axis is larger than at
other parts of the cross section, it is necessary to compute τ
at two or more values of y’ before its maximum value can
be determined.
 VQ
 When deriving the shear stress formula, Eq. (5.8),  
Ib
τ should be considered at the average shear stress. This
restriction is necessary because the variation of the
stress across the width b the cross section is often unknown.
shear
 Equation (5.8) is sufficiently accurate for rectangular cross
sections and for cross sections that are composed of
rectangles, such as W and S-shapes.

 Let us consider as an example the

circular cross section in Fig. 5.12.

Figure 5.12 Shear stress

distribution along a
VQ
  Ib horizontal line of a
circular cross section.
 For other cross- sectional shapes, however, the formula for τ
must be applied with caution. Let us consider as an
example the circular cross section in Fig. 5.12.

 It can be shown that the shear

stress at the periphery of the
section must be tangent to the
boundary, as shown in the figure.
 The direction of shear stresses at
interior points is unknown, except
at the centerline, where the stress is
vertical due to symmetry. To
obtain an estimate of the maximum Figure 5.12 Shear stress
shear stress, the stresses are distribution along a
assumed to be directed toward a horizontal line of a
common center B, as shown. circular cross section.
 The vertical components of these shear stresses are assumed
to be uniform across the width of the section and are
computed from Eq. (5.8). Under this assumption, the shear
stress at the neutral axis is 1.333V/ (πr 2 ). (4/3)(V/ π r 2 )
 A more elaborate analysis shows that the shear stress
actually varies from 1.23 V/ (πr 2 ) at the edges to 1.38 V/
(πr 2 ) at the center.
 Shear stress, like normal stress, exhibits stress concentrations
near shape corners, fillets and holes in the cross section. The
junction between the web and the flange of a W-shape is also
an area of stress concentration.
 e. Rectangular and wide-flange sections
Determine the shear stress as a function of y for a rectangular cross
section of base b and height h. From Fig. 5.13, the shaded area is
A’ = b [(h/2)-y], its centroidal coordinate being y` h / 2  y/ 2.

⎞
⎡ ⎛h ⎞⎤⎡ 1 ⎜⎛ h ⎞⎤ b ⎜⎛ h  y 2 ⎟
Q  A`y` ⎢2b⎜  y ⎢⎟⎥  y ⎟⎠⎥ 
⎣ 2 ⎠⎣⎦ 2 ⎝2 2⎝ 4 ⎠
⎝ ⎦

τ

Figure 5.13 Shear stress distribution on a

rectangular cross section.
 VQ V ⎛⎜ 2
   y ⎟ (c)
⎝
⎜
h2 Ib 2I 4
⎠
The shear stress is distributed parabolically across the depth of
the section, as shown in Fig.5.13. The maximum shear stress
occurs at the neutral axis. If we substitute y = 0 and I =bh3/12,
Eq. (c) reduces to
 max  3 V  3 V (5.9)
2 bh 2 A
where A is the cross –sectional area.
The shear stress in
rectangular section is 50%
greater than the average τ
shear stress on the cross
section.
 In wide-flange sections (W-shapes), most of the bending
moment is carried by the flanges, whereas the web resists the
bulk of the vertical shear force. Figure 5.14. Q is contributed
mainly by the flanges of the beam. Consequently, Q does
not vary with y, so that the shear stress in the web is almost
constant.
 In fact τ m a x = V/Aweb can be used as an approximation to
the maximum shear stress in most cases, where Aweb is the
cross- sectional area of the web.

Figure 5.14
Shear Stress
τ
distribution on
the web of a
wide-flange beam.
 a. Procedure for analysis of shear stress:
． Use equilibrium analysis to determine the vertical shear
force V acting on the cross section containing the specified
point ( the construction of a shear force diagram is usually a
good idea).
． Locate the neutral axis and compute the moment of inertia
I of the cross- sectional area about the neutral axis (If the
beam is a standard structural shape, its cross- sectional
properties are listed in Appendix B.)
． Compute the first moment Q of the cross- sectional area
that lies above (or below)the specified point.
． Calculate the shear stress from τ = VQ/(Ib), where b is
the width of the cross section at the specified point.
 The maximum shear stress τ m a x on a given cross section
occurs where Q/b is largest.

 If the width b is constant, then τ m a x occurs at the

neutral axis because that is where Q has its maxmum
value.
 If b is not constant, it is necessary to compute the shear stress
at more than one point in order to determine its maximum
value.
V
 lb / in2
3
In the U.S. Customary system,
Ilbin.Qin.
4

In the SI system, 
.  bin.
N/ V N 4
 m
2

 I m
Qmbm
3
Sample Problem 5.6
The simply supported wood beam in Fig.(a) is fabricated by gluing
together three 160-mm by 80-mm plans as shown. Calculate the
maximum shear stress in (1) the glue; and (2) the wood.
Solution
From the shear force diagram in Fig. (b), the maximum shear force
in the beam is Vmax = 24 kN, occurring at the supports. The moment
of inertia of the cross-sectional area of the beam about the neutral
axis is bh 3
I    184.32 10 6 mm 4  184.32 10  6 m
12 240  12
160 3
4

Part 1
The shear stress is the glue corresponds to
the horizontal shear stress. Its maximum
value can be computed from Eq. (5.8):
τ m a x = Vmax Q/(Ib), where Q is the first
moment of the area A’ shown in Fig.(c);
that is,
Q  A`y` 160  8080   1.024 10  3 m 3
1.024 10 6
Therefore, the shear stress in the glue, which occurs over either
support, is
 max  V max Q 
2410 3
 3
1.02410
Ib
 
184.32106 0.160

 8.33103 Pa  Answer
8.33kPa
Part 2
Because the cross section is
rectangular, the maximum shear
stress in the wood can be calculated
from Eq. (5.9):

 max 3 Vmax 
3 24 10 3

 938 103 Pa  938kPa

 2 A 2
0.1600.240
The same result can be obtained
from Eq. (5.8), where now A’ is
the area above the neutral axis,
as indicated in Fig. (d). The first
moment of this area about the
neutral axis is
Q  A`y` 160 12060  1.152 10 6  1.152 10 3 m 3
mm3
Equation (5.8)this becomes

 max  Vma 
 2410 1.15210
3
3

184.3210 0.160

6
Ib
xQ
 10 3 Pa  938kPa
 938
which agrees with the previous result.
Sample Problem 5.7
The W12×40 section in Fig.(a) is used as a beam. If the vertical
shear acting at a certain section of the beam is 16 kips, determine
the following at that section: (1) the minimum shear stress in the
web;(2) the maximum shear stress in the web; and (3)the percentage
of the shear force that is carried by the web.
Solution
The W12×40 section is shown in Fig.(b), where the dimensions
were obtained from the tables in Appendix B (P521). The drawing
approximates the web and the flanges by rectangles, thereby
ignoring the small fillets and rounded corners present in the actual
section. The tables also list the moment of inertia of the section
about the neutral axis as I = 310 in.4.
Part 1
The minimum shear stress in the web
occurs at the junction with the flange,
where Q/b is smallest (note that b = 0.295
in. is constant within the web). Q is the
first moment of the area A’1 shown in
Fig.(b) about the neutral axis:
11.94 
Q  A`1 y` 8.005 0.515  3
0.515 2
23.55in.
The minimum shear stress in thus becomes

 min 
VQ


16 10 3
23.55 4120 psi
Ib Answer
 3100.295

Part 2
The maximum shear stress is located at the neutral axis, where
Q/b is largest. Hence, Q is the first moment of the area above (or
below) the neutral axis.
The moment of A’1 was calculated in part 1. The moment of A’2
about the neutral axis is where
11.94
A`1  8.005 0.515  3
0.515 2
y` 23.55in.
 23.55in.3
⎞
A`2 ⎜ 2  0.515⎟ 0.295  
⎛11.94 2

⎝ 1.6092in.
⎠ 
1 11.94
y`2 ⎛⎝⎜ 2  0.515⎞  2.7275in.
2
⎟⎠
Q  A` y`  A` y`  23.55  1.6092 2.7275  27 .94in 3
1 1 2 2
 maximum shear stress in the web becomes
The .

 max 
VQ

16  10 27 .94   4890
3
psi Answer
Ib 310 0 .295 
Part 3
The distribution of the shear stress in the web is shown in Fig.(c).
The shear force carried by the web is
Vweb = (cross section area of web ) × ( area of shear diagram)
The shear stress distribution is parabolic. Recalling that the
area of a parabola is (2/3) (base × height).
V web  10.91 0.295 4120  4890  4120⎤  14910lb
⎡ 2
⎢⎣ 3

⎥⎦
Therefore the percentage of the shear force carried by the web is

Vweb 14910 Answer.

V 100%  16000100%  93.2%
The result confirms that the flanges are ineffective in resisting the
vertical shear
It was mentioned in Art. 5.5 that we can use τ m a x = V/Aweb as a
rough approximation for the maximum shear stress.

V 16 10 3
  4970 psi
Aweb 10.910.295

which differs from τ m a x = 4890 psi
computed in Part 2 by less than
2%.
Sample Problem 5.8
The figure shows the cross section of a beam that carries a
vertical shear force V = 12 kips. The distance from the bottom
of the section to the neutral axis is d = 8.90 in., and the moment
of inertia of the cross –sectional area about the neutral axis is I
= 547 in.4. Determine the maximum shear stress on this cross
section.
Solution
The maximum shear stress may occur of the neutral axis (where
Q is largest) or at level a-a in the lower fin (where the width of
the cross section is smaller than at the neutral axis).
Shear Stress at Neutral Axis Take Q to be the first moment of
the rectangular area above the neutral axis (the area below the
neutral axis could also be used).

Q  A`y` 2  7.30
7.30
 53.29in.3
2
and the shear stress at the neutral axis is


VQ

 
12 103 53.29
 58.5
Ib 547 psi
2
Shear Stress at a-a It is easier to compute Q by using the area
below the line a-a rather than the area above the line. The
dimensions of this area are b =1.2 in. and h =7.5 in. Consequently,

Q  A`y` 1.2  7.5⎜ 8.90 

⎛ 7.5 ⎞ 3
 46.35in.
⎝ 2 ⎠
and the shear stress ⎟becomes


VQ

 
12 10 3 46.35
 847
Ib 5471.2 psi
 Neutral Axis
Shear Stress at
VQ 12 103 53.29
   58.5
Ib 547 psi
 stress is the largest of the two value;
The maximum2shear
τ m a x = 847 psi (occurring at a-a) Answer