Material for Today Applied Structures

CMT 3350 Session 17: Flexural Stresses Section Modulus Lateral Buckling and Stability

Section Modulus
Flexural stress is only dependent on

Section Modulus
fb = Mc I

Maximum Bending Moment Dimensions of the Cross-Section

fb =

M S

The Cross-Section properties c and I can be combined into S the Section Modulus.

Where S = Section Modulus S = I/c Restricted to analysis of extreme fibers Maximum Flexural Stress is a function of the bending moment and cross-section Applies to symmetrical sections only because the extreme fiber locations are equal

Section Modulus & Allowable Stress

The section modulus is a measure of resistance to bending. If the maximum bending stress is close to the allowable stress of the material, the dead weight of the member must be considered.

Lateral Buckling and Stability

Elastic Buckling is a function of E (modulus of elasticity) and I (moment of inertia) rather than the material strength, F Elastic Buckling occurs in columns and in the compression zone of slender beams The compression zone of slender beams will buckle laterally from the top or bottom

Lateral Buckling and Stability

The rotation of the member also reduces the effective depth and I Lateral Stability is a function of a members shape A rectangle with a width greater than its depth will be stable A wide Flange with a wide thick flange will be stable Stability can be developed by adding bracing along the compression zone of a beam