How Do You Calculate Maximum Shear Stress in an I-Beam?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the maximum shear stress in an I-beam subjected to a shear force, specifically focusing on the application of a particular equation and the integration involved in the calculation. Participants explore the theoretical aspects of shear stress distribution in beams, as well as practical considerations in the context of a specific problem.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a problem involving an I-beam and seeks clarification on the integration limits in the shear stress formula used by their lecturer.
  • Another participant explains the horizontal shear stress formula and clarifies the integration limits, noting that the first limit is taken as zero due to the neglect of shear in the web.
  • A participant questions where the maximum shear stress occurs in the I-beam, suggesting it is constant across the beam length under certain conditions.
  • Another participant adds that the maximum shear stress occurs at the point of applied load, which corresponds to the maximum bending moment, unless shear flow due to bending is considered.
  • One participant emphasizes that the discussion is about stress distribution across the beam section rather than along its length, and raises a question about the need for wide flange corrections based on the provided information.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of shear stress distribution and the conditions under which maximum shear stress occurs. There is no consensus on the implications of the specific problem or the need for corrections in the I-beam design.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks specific information regarding the nature and location of loads and supports, which may affect the analysis of shear stress in the I-beam.

Nexus305
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I was working on a question where I had to find the maximum shear stress in a I-beam due to a shear force applied on it. Heres the question :

An I girder 600 mm x 300 mm has flanges 25 mm thick and a web 13 mm thick. Find the maximum shear stress due to a shear force of 500 kN and compare this value with the common approximation.

For this my lecturer used this equation : τ = F/Ib ∫ y1600/2 y dA and he took y1=0

Can someone please explain how to use this equation because I don't understand the integration part from ybarA to 600/2. I don't understand how he got the limits of the integration.

Thanks!
 
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Well your lecturer is using the horizontal shear stress formula


{S_s} = \frac{V}{{Ib}}\int\limits_{{y_1}}^c {ydA}

for horizontal shear at a distance y from the neutral axis, under vertical shear V

The first limit is taken a zero because the shear in the web is neglected as insignificant so y1 corresponds to the underside of the flange.

The second limit c is the distance from the neutral axis to the free surface of the beam, thus c=600/2
 
I have another doubt. In such a situation, where exactly in the I-beam does the maximum shear stress occur?
 
The shear stress in a beam subjected to a point load is constant across the entire length of the beam assuming the load is applied at midspan.

Unless your talking about shear flow caused by bending of the beam. In this case the maximum shear occurs at the location of the applied point load as this is the point of maximum bending moment.
 
Welcome anicolajsen
I think you will find the subject here is about the stress distribution across the section, not the beam length. No infomation as to the nature and location of the loads and supports was provided. Would you regard the I section specified as in need of wide flange corrections?
 

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