CHAPTER 21

BEAMS CURVED
IN PLAN

Curved beams in an office building.

21.1 INTRODUCTION

Beams curved in plan are used to support curved floors in buildings, balconies, curved ramps
and halls, circular reservoirs, and similar structures. In a curved beam, the center of gravity of
the loads acting normal to the plane of curvature lies outside the line joining its supports. This
situation develops torsional moments in the beam, in addition to bending moments and shearing
forces. To maintain the stability of the beam against overturning, the supports must be fixed or
continuous. In this chapter, the design of curved beams subjected to loads normal to the plane
of curvature is presented. Analysis of curved beams subjected to loads in the plane of curvature
is usually discussed in books dealing with mechanics of solids.
Analysis of beams curved in plan was discussed by Wilson and Quereau [1]. They intro-
duced formulas and coefficients to compute stresses in curved flexural members. Timoshinko
[2, 3] also introduced several expressions for calculating bending stresses in square and rectan-
gular sections. Tables and formulas for the calculation of bending and torsional moments, shear,
and deflections for different cases of loadings on curved beams and rings are presented by Roark
and Young [4].

21.2 UNIFORMLY LOADED CIRCULAR BEAMS

The first case to be considered here is that of a circular beam supported on columns placed
at equal distances along the circumference of the beam and subjected to normal loads. Due to
851
852 Chapter 21 Beams Curved in Plan

Figure 21.1 Circular beam.

symmetry, the column reactions will be equal, and each reaction will be equal to the total load
on the beam divided by the number of columns. Referring to Fig. 21.1, consider the part AB
between two consecutive columns of the ring beam. The length of the curve AB is r(2θ ), and
the total load on each column is Pu = wu r(2θ ), where r is the radius of the ring beam and wu
is the factored load on the beam per unit length. The center of gravity of the load on AB lies at
a distance
 
r sin θ
x=
θ
from the center O. The moment of the load Pu about AB is
 
r sin θ
MAB = Pu × y = Pu (x − r cos θ ) = wu r(2θ ) − r cos θ
θ
Consequently, the two reaction moments, MA and MB , are developed at supports A and
B, respectively. The component of the moment at support A about AB is MA sin θ = MB sin θ .
Equating the applied moment, MAB , to the reaction moments components at A and B,
 
r sin θ
2MA sin θ = MAB = wu r(2θ ) − r cos θ (21.1)
θ
MA = MB = wu r 2 (1 − θ cot θ )
21.2 Uniformly Loaded Circular Beams 853

The shearing force at support A is

Pu
VA = = wu rθ (21.2)
2
The shearing force at any point N, VN , is VA − wu (rα), or
VN = wu r(θ − a) (21.3)
The load on AN is wu (rα) and acts at a distance equal to
r sin α/2
Z=
α/2
from the center O. The bending moment at point N on curve AB is equal to the moment of all
forces on one side of O about the radial axis ON .
 α
MN = VA (r sin α) − MA cos α − (load on the curve AN) Z sin
2
MN = wu rθ (r sin α) − wu r 2 (1 − θ cot θ ) cos α
 
r sin α/2 α
− (wu rα) × sin
α/2 2
 α
= wu r 2 θ sin α − cos α + (θ cot θ cos α) − 2 sin2
2
MN = wu r 2 [θ sin α + (θ cot θ sin α) − 1] (21.4)
(Note that cos α = 1 − 2 sin2 α/2.) The torsional moment at any point N on curve AB is equal
to the moment of all forces on one side of N about the tangential axis at N .
 
r sin α/2 cos α
TN = MA sin α − VA × r(1 − cos α) + wr rα r − ×
α/2 2
= wu r 2 (1 − θ cot θ ) sin α − wu r 2 θ (1 − cos α) + wu r 2 (α − sin α)
Tn = wu r 2 (α − θ + θ cos α − θ cot θ sin α) (21.5)
To obtain the maximum value of the torsional moment TN , differentiate Eq. 21.5 with
respect to α and equate it to 0. This step will give the value of α for maximum TN :
1 2  
sin α = sin θ ± cos θ θ 2 − sin2 θ (21.6)
θ
The values of the support moment, midspan moment, the torsional moment, and its angle
α from the support can be calculated from Eqs. 21.1 through 21.6. Once the number of supports
n is chosen, the angle θ is known:
2π π
2θ = and θ =
n n
and the moment coefficients can be calculated as shown in Table 21.1. Note that the angle α is
half the central angle between two consecutive columns.
 
2π
Pu (load on each column) = wu r(2θ ) = wu r
n
Pu
Vu (maximum shearing force) =
2
854 Chapter 21 Beams Curved in Plan

Table 21.1 Force Coefficients of Circular Beams

Number of α ◦ for Tu
π
Supports, n θ= K1 K2 K3 (max)
n
4 90 0.215 0.110 0.0330 19.25
5 72 0.136 0.068 0.0176 15.25
6 60 0.093 0.047 0.0094 12.75
8 45 0.052 0.026 0.0040 9.50
9 40 0.042 0.021 0.0029 8.50
10 36 0.034 0.017 0.0019 7.50
12 30 0.024 0.012 0.0012 6.25

Negative moment at any support = K1 wu r 2 (21.7)

Positive moment at midspan = K2 wu r 2
(21.8)
Maximum torsional moment = K3 wu r 2
(21.9)
The variation of the shearing force and bending and torsional moments along a typical
curved beam AB are shown in Fig. 21.2.

Figure 21.2 Forces in a circular beam.

21.2 Uniformly Loaded Circular Beams 855

Example 21.1
Design a circular beam supported on eight equally spaced columns. The centerline of the columns
lies on a 40-ft-diameter circle. The beam carries a uniform dead load of 6 k/ft and a live load of
4 k/ft. Use normal-weight concrete with fc = 5 ksi, fy = 60 ksi, and b = 14 in.

Solution
1. Assume a beam size of 14 × 24 in. The weight of the beam is
14 × 24
(0.150) = 0.35 K/ft
12 × 12
The factored uniform load is wu = 1.2(6 + 0.35) + 1.6(5) = 15.7 K/ft.
2. Because the beam is symmetrically supported on eight columns, the moments can be calculated
by using Eqs. 21.7 through 21.9 and Table 21.1 Negative moment at any support is K1 wu r 2 =
0.052(15.7)(20)2 = 326.6 K · ft. The positive moment at midspan is K2 wu r 2 = 0.216(15.7)
(20)2 = 163.3 K · ft. The maximum torsional moment is K3 wu r 2 = 0.004(15.7)(20)2 =
25.12 K · ft. Maximum shear is
  π 
P w r 2π
Vu = u = u = (15.7)(20) = 123.3 K
2 2 n 8
3. For the section at support, Mu = 326.6 K ft. Let d = 21.5 in.; then
Mu 326.6 × 12,000
Ru = = = 605 psi
bd2 14(21.5)2
For fc = 4 ksi and fy = 60 ksi, ρ = 0.0126 < ρmax = 0.018, φ = 0.9:

As = 0.0126 × 14 × 21.5 = 3.8 in.2

4. For the section at midspan, Mu = 163.3 K · ft.

163.3 × 12,000
Ru = = 303 psi
14(21.5)2
ρ = 0.006 and As = 0.006 × 14 × 21.5 = 1.81 in.2

Use two no. 9 bars.

5. Maximum torsional moment is Tu = 25.12 K · ft, and it occurs at an angle α = 9.5◦ from the
support (Table 21.1). Shear at the point of maximum torsional moment is equal to the shear at
the support minus wu rα.
 
9.5
Vu = 123.3 − 15.7(20) × π = 71.24 K
180
The procedure for calculation of the shear and torsional reinforcement for Tu = 25.12 K · ft
and Vu = 71.24 K is similar to Example 15.2
a. Shear reinforcement is required when Vu > φVc /2:
 √
φVc = 2φλ fc bd = 2(0.75)(1.0) 4000(14 × 21.5) = 28.6 K
since φVc /2 = 14.3 K < Vu = 71.24 K.

Shear reinforcement is required.

856 Chapter 21 Beams Curved in Plan

b. Torsional reinforcement is required when

 A2cp
Tu > Ta = φλ fc 
Pcp

Acp = x0 y0 = 14 × 24 = 336 in.2

Pcp = 2(x0 + y0 ) = 2(14 + 24) = 76 in.
 
√ 3362
Ta =0.75 × 1 × 4000 = 70.5 K · in.
76
since Tu = 25.12 K · ft = 301.4 K · in. > Ta
Therefore, torsional reinforcement is required.
c. Design for shear:
i. Vu = φVc + φVs and φVc = 28.6 K. Then 71.24 = 28.6 + 0.75Vs , so Vs = 56.8 K.
 √
ii. Maximum Vs = 8 fc bd = 8 4000(14 × 21.5) = 152.3 K > Vu .
A V 56.8
iii. ν = s = = 0.044 in.2 /in. (2 legs)
S fy d 60 × 21.5
Aν
= 0.022 in.2 /in. (one leg)
2S
d. Design for torsion:
i. Choose no. 4 stirrups and a 1.5-in. concrete cover:
x1 = 14 − 3.5 = 10.5 in. y1 = 24 − 3.5 = 20.5 in.
A0h = x1 y1 = 10.5(20.5) = 215.25 in.2
A0 = 0.85A0h = 183 in.2
ph = 2(x1 + y1 ) = 2(10.5 + 20.5) = 62 in.
For θ = 45◦ , cot θ = 1.0.
ii. Check the adequacy of the size of the section using Eq. 15.21:
     
Vu 2 Tu ph 2 Vc 
+ ≤ φ + 8 f 
c
bw d 1.7A20h bw d
φVc = 28.6 K Vc = 38.12 K

  
71,240 2 301,400 × 62 2
Left-hand side = + = 335 psi
14 × 21.5 1.7(215.25)2
 
38,120 √
Right-hand side = 0.75 + 8 4000 = 558 psi > 335 psi
14 × 21.5
The section is adequate.
iii. Determine the required closed stirrups due to Tu from:
At Tn T
= , Tn = n , φ = 0.75, cot θ = 1.0
S 2A0 fy cot θ φ
301.4
= = 0.0183 in.2 /in. (one leg)
0.75 × 2 × 183 × 60
21.2 Uniformly Loaded Circular Beams 857

iv. The total area of one leg stirrup is 0.022 + 0.0183 = 0.04 in.2 /in. For no. 4 stirrups,
area of one leg = 0.2 in.2 . Spacing of closed stirrups is 0.2/0.04 = 5.0 in., say, 5.5 in.

ph 62
Minimum S = = = 7.75 in. > 5.0 in.
8 8
A 50bw 50(14)
Minimum vt = = = 0.0117 in.2 /in.
S fy 60,000

This is less than the At /s provided. Use no. 4 closed stirrups spaced at 5.5 in.
e. Longitudinal bars Al equal (At /s)ph (fyv /fyl ) cot2 θ (Eq. 15.27).


60
Al = 0.018(62) = 1.13 in.2
60
  

5 fc Acp At fyv

Min.Al = − ph
fyl S fyl
√  
(5 4000)(336) 60
= − 0.018(62) = 0.64 in.2 < 1.0
60,000 60

Use Al = 1.13 in.2 , with one-third at the top, one-third at middepth, and one-third at the
bottom, or 0.33 in.2 in each location. For the section at the support, As = 3.8 in.2 + 0.38 =
4.18 in.2 Choose two no. 10 and two no. 9 bars (As = 4.53 in.2 ) as top bars. At middepth,
use two no. 4 bars (As = 0.4 in.2 ). Extend two no. 9 bars of the midspan section to the
support. At middepth use two no. 4 bars (A = 0.4 in.2 ). Details of the section are shown in
Fig. 21.3.

Circular beams in an office building.

858 Chapter 21 Beams Curved in Plan

Figure 21.3 Example 21.1.

21.3 SEMICIRCULAR BEAM FIXED AT END SUPPORTS

If a semicircular beam supports a concrete slab, as shown in Fig. 21.4, the ratio of the length
to the width of the slab is 2r/r = 2, and the slab is considered a one-way slab. The beam will
be subjected to a distributed load, which causes torsional moments in addition to the bending
moments and shearing forces. The structural analysis of the curved beam can be performed in
steps as follows.

1. Load on Beam. The load on the curved beam will be proportional to its distance from the
support AB . If the uniform load on the slab equals w psf, the load on the curved beam at
any section N is equal to half the load on the area NCDE (Fig. 21.4). The lengths are CN
= r sin θ , OC = r cos θ , and CD = (d /d θ )(r cos θ ) = (r sin θ d θ ), and the arc NE is r d θ .
21.3 Semicircular Beam Fixed at End Supports 859

Figure 21.4 Semicircular beam fixed at the supports.

The load on the curved beam per unit length is equal to

w(r sin θ )r sin θ dθ wr sin2 θ
w = = (21.10)
2(r dθ ) 2
2. Shearing Force at A. For a uniform symmetrical load on the slab, the shearing force at A
is equal to
 π/2  
wr 2  wr2 θ 1
VA = VB = sin θ (r dθ ) = − sin 2θ
0 2 2 2 4
π 
= wr2 = 0.39 wr2 (21.11)
8
3. Bending Moment at A. Taking moments about the line AB, the bending moment at A is
equal to
 π/2
MA = MB = w (r dθ ) × (r sin θ )
0
 π/2 
wr 2  wr3
= sin θ (r sin θ )(r dθ ) = − (21.12)
0 2 3
860 Chapter 21 Beams Curved in Plan

4. Torsional Moment at Support A. TA can be obtained by differentiating the strain energy of

the beam with respect to TA and equating it to 0. Considering that TA is acting clockwise
at A, then the bending moment at any section N is calculated as follows:
 θ
wr 2 
MN = VA (r sin θ ) − MA cos θ + TA sin θ − sin θ (r dα) × r sin(θ − α)
0 2
  
π 1
MN = wr3 sin θ − (1 + cos2 θ ) + TA sin θ (21.13)
8 6
The torsional moment at any station N on the curved beam is equal to
 π/2 
wr 2 
Tn = −VA r(1 − cos θ ) + MA sin θ + TA cos θ + sin α (r dα)
0 2
× r[1 − cos(θ − a)]

3 π θ 1
TN = wr (cos θ − 1) + + sin 2θ + TA cos θ (21.14)
8 4 24
The strain energy is
  2
MN2 ds TN ds
U= + (21.15)
2EI 2GJ
where
ds = r dθ
G = modulus of rigidity
E = modulus of elasticity
I = moment of inertia of section
J = rotational constant of section
= polar moment of inertia

To obtain TA , differentiate U with respect to TA :

 
δU MN dMN TN dT
= × (r dθ ) + × N × (r dθ ) = 0
δTA EI dTA GJ dTA
dMN dTN
= sin θ and = cos θ
dTA dTA
Therefore,
 π/2   
δU r π 1
= sin θ wr sin θ − (1 + cos θ ) + TA sin θ dθ
2 2
δTA EI 0 8 6
 π/2   
r π θ 1
+ wr3 (cos θ − 1) + + sin 2θ + TA cos θ cos θ × dθ = 0
GJ 0 8 4 24
and
  2   π    2   π 
r 3 π 2 r 3 π 2
wr − + TA + wr − + TA =0
EI 32 9 4 GJ 32 9 4
21.3 Semicircular Beam Fixed at End Supports 861

Table 21.2 Values of K  and λ for Different Values of y/x

y/x 0.5 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.25 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6
K 0.473 0.141 0.154 0.166 0.172 0.177 0.187 0.196 0.204
λ 0.102 1.37 1.52 1.68 1.76 1.85 2.03 2.22 2.43
y/x 1.7 1.75 2.0 2.5 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 10
K 0.211 0.214 0.229 0.249 0.263 0.281 0.291 0.300 0.312
λ 2.65 2.77 3.39 4.86 6.63 11.03 16.5 23.3 62.1

Let EI /GJ = λ; then

π     
2 π2 2 π2
TA (1 + λ) = wr 3
− +λ −
4 9 32 9 32
 2
2 π
= wr3 − (1 + λ) = −0.0862 wr3 (1 + λ)
9 32
Therefore,
TA = −0.11 wr3 (21.16)
Substituting the value of TA in Eq. 21.13, the bending moment at any point N is equal
to

π 1
MN = wr 3
sin θ − (1 + cos2 θ ) − 0.11 sin θ (21.17)
8 6
Substituting the value of TA in Eq. 21.14,

3 π θ 1
TN = wr (cos θ − 1) + + sin 2θ − 0.11 cos θ (21.18)
8 4 24
5. The value of G/E for concrete may be assumed to be equal to 0.43. The value of J for a
circular section is (π/2)r 4 , whereas J for a square section of side x is equal to 0.141x 4 . For
a rectangular section with short and long sides x and y, respectively, J can be calculated
as follows:
J = K  × y3 (21.19)
The values of K  are calculated as follows:
  
 1 16 x x4
K = − 3.36 1− (21.20)
16 3 y 12y 4
whereas    
EI 1 xy3 1 1  y 2
λ= = =
GJ 0.43 12 K  yx3 5.16 K x

Values of K  and λ are both shown in Table 21.2.

Example 21.2
Determine the factored bending and torsional moments in sections C and D of the 10-ft-radius
semicircular beam ADCB shown in Fig. 21.5. The beam is part of a floor slab that carries a uniform
factored load of 304 psf (including self-weight).
862 Chapter 21 Beams Curved in Plan

Figure 21.5 Example 21.2.

Solution
1. Factored load wu = 304 psf.
2. For the section at C, θ = π /2 and wu r 3 = 0.304(10)3 = 304. From Eq. 21.17,

π π 1 2 π
 π
Mc = 304 sin − 1 + cos − 0.11 sin = 35.3 K · ft
8 2 6 2 2

From Eq. 21.18,


π π  π 1 π
Tc = 304 cos − 1 + + sin π − 0.11 cos =0
8 2 8 24 2

3. For the section at D, θ = π /4.


π π 1 π π
MD = 304 sin − 1 + cos2 − 0.11 sin = −15.2 K · ft
8 4 6 4 4
   π
π π 1 π π
TD = 304 cos − 1 + + sin − 0.11 cos = 13.7 K · ft
8 4 16 24 2 4

4. Maximum shearing force occurs at the supports.

VA = 0.39 wu r 2 = 0.39(0.304)(100) = 11.9 K

Maximum positive moment occurs at C, whereas the maximum negative moment occurs at the
supports.
wu r 3 304
MA = − =− = 101.3 K · ft
3 3
5. Design the critical sections for shear, bending, and torsional moments, as explained in Example
21.1.

21.4 FIXED-END SEMICIRCULAR BEAM UNDER UNIFORM LOADING

The previous section dealt with a semicircular beam fixed at both ends and subjected to a variable
distributed load. If the load is uniform, then the beam will be subjected to a uniformly distributed
load w K/ft, as shown in Fig. 21.6. The forces in the curved beam can be determined as follows:
21.4 Fixed-End Semicircular Beam under Uniform Loading 863

Figure 21.6 Semicircular beam under uniform load.

1. Shearing force at A:
 π/2
π
VA = VB = wr dθ = wr = 1.57 wr (21.21)
0 2

2. Bending moment at A:
 π/2
M A = MB = w(r dθ ) × (r sin θ ) = wr2 (21.22)
0
864 Chapter 21 Beams Curved in Plan

3. Bending moment at any section N on the curved beam when the torsional moment at A
(TA ) acts clockwise:
 θ
MN = VA (r sin θ ) − MA cos θ + TA sin θ − (wr dα)[r sin(θ − a)]
0
π
= wr2 sin θ − wr2 cos θ + TA sin θ − [wr2 − wr2 cos θ ]
2
π 
MN = wr2 sin θ − 1 + TA sin θ (21.23)
2
4. Torsional moment at any section N :
 θ
TN = −VA r(1 − cos θ ) + MA sin θ + TA cos θ + (wr dα)r[1 − cos(θ − α)]
0
π π
= − wr2 + wr2 cos θ + TA cos θ + MA sin θ + wr2 θ − wr2 sin θ
2 2
Substitute MA = wr : 2
π π 
TN = wr2 cos θ − + θ + TA cos θ (21.24)
2 2
5. The strain energy expression was given in the previous section:
  2
MN2 ds TN ds
U= + (21.25)
2EI 2GJ
To obtain TA , differentiate U with respect to TA :
 
δU MN dMN TN dT
= × (r dθ ) + × N × (r dθ ) = 0
δTA EI dTA GJ dTA
dMN dTN
= sin θ and = cos θ (from the preceding equations)
dTA dTA
 π/2  π  
δU r
= wr2 sin −1 + TA sin θ sin θ dθ
δTA EI 0 2
 π/2  π  
r π
+ wr2 cos θ − + θ + TA cos θ cos θ dθ = 0
GJ 0 2 2
The integration of the preceding equation produces the following:
  2    2 
δU r 2 π π r 2 π π
= wr − 1 + TA + wr − 1 + TA = 0
δTA EI 8 4 GJ 8 4
and
  2   
2 π π EI
r wr − 1 + TA +1 =0
8 4 GJ
Because EI/GJ is not equal to zero,
 2 
2 π π
wr − 1 + TA = 0
8 4
and   2 
4 π
TA = −wr 2
− 1 = −0.3 wr2 (21.26)
π 8
21.5 Circular Beam Subjected to Uniform Loading 865

6. Substitute TA in Eq. 21.23:

  π 
π 4
MN = wr2 sin θ − 1 − − sin θ
2 2 π
 
4
= wr2 sin θ − 1 (21.27)
π
  
π π π 4
TN = wr 2
cos θ + θ − − − cos θ
2 2 2 π
 
π 4
= wr θ − + cos θ
2
(21.28)
2 π
The values of the bending and torsional moments at any section N are independent of
λ (1 = EI/GJ ).
7. Bending and torsional moments at midspan, section C, can be found by substituting θ =
π/2 in Eqs. 21.27 and 21.28:
 
4
Mc = wr2 − 1 = 0.273 wr2 (21.29)
π
π π 
Tc = wr2 − +0 =0 (21.30)
2 2

21.5 CIRCULAR BEAM SUBJECTED TO UNIFORM LOADING

The previous section dealt with a semicircular beam subjected to a uniformly distributed load.
The forces acting on the beam at any section vary with the intensity of load, the span (or the
radius of the circular beam), and the angle α measured from the centerline axis of the beam.
Considering the general case of a circular beam fixed at both ends and subjected to a uniform
load w (K/ft), as shown in Fig. 21.7, the bending and torsional moments can be calculated from
the following expressions:
1. The moment at the centerline of the beam, Mc , can be derived using the strain energy
expression, Eq. 21.25, and can be expressed as follows:
wr2
Mc = [λ(K1 + K2 − K3 ) + (K1 − K2 )] (21.31)
K4
where
λ = EI/GJ
K1 = 2(2 sin θ – θ )
K2 = 2 sin θ cos θ = sin 2θ
K3 = 4θ cos θ
K4 = 2θ (λ + 1) – (λ – 1) sin 2θ
2θ = total central angle of the ends of the beam, angle AOB (Fig. 19.7)

The torsional moment at the centerline section, Tc , is 0.

866 Chapter 21 Beams Curved in Plan

Curved-beam bridge, Washington, D.C.

2. The moment at any section N on the curved beam where ON makes an angle α with the
centerline axis (Fig. 21.7) is

MN = Mc cos α − wr2 (1 − cos α) (21.32)

3. The torsional moment at any section N on the curved beam as a function of the angle α
was derived earlier:

TN = Mc sin α − wr2 (α − sin α) (21.33)

4. To compute the bending moment and torsional moment at the supports, substitute θ for α
in the preceding equations:

MA = Mc cos θ − wr2 (1 − cos θ ) (21.34)

TA = Mc sin θ − wr2 (θ − sin θ ) (21.35)

21.5 Circular Beam Subjected to Uniform Loading 867

Figure 21.7 Circular beam subjected to uniform load, showing the bending
moment diagram (BMD) and the torsional moment diagram (TMD).
868 Chapter 21 Beams Curved in Plan

Example 21.3
A curved beam has a quarter-circle shape in plan with a 10-ft radius. The beam has a rectangular
section with the ratio of the long to the short side of 2.0 and is subjected to a factored load of
8 K/ft. Determine the bending and torsional moments at the centerline of the beam, supports,
and maximum values.
Solution
1. For a rectangular section with y/x = 2, λ = EI/GJ = 3.39 (Table 21.2).
2. The bending and torsional moments can be calculated using Eqs. 21.31 through 21.35 for θ =
π /4. From Eq. 21.31,
 π π
K1 = 2 2 sin − = 1.2576
4 4
π
K2 = sin = 1.0
2
π  π
K3 = 4 cos = 2.2214
4 4
π  π
K4 = 2 (3.39 + 1) − (3.39 − 1) sin = 4.506
4 2
wr2
Mc = [3.39(1.2576 + 1.0 − 2.2214) + (1.2576 − 1.0)]
4.506
= 0.0844 wr2
For w = 8 K · ft and r = 10 ft, Mc = 64 K · ft; Tc = 0.
3. MN = Mc cos α − wr2 (1 − cos α) = wr2 (1.08 cos α − 1)

TN = Mc sin α − wr2 (α − sin α) = wr2 (1.08 sin α − α)

For the moments at the supports, α = θ = π /4.
 π 
MA = wr2 1.08 cos − 1 = −0.236 wr2
4
= −0.236 × 8 × (10)2 = −189 K · ft
 π π
TA = wr2 1.08 sin − = 0.022 wr2 = −17.4 K · ft
4 4
For MN = 0,1.08 cos α − 1 = 0, or cos α = 0.926 and α = 22.2◦ = 0.387 rad. To calculate
TN,max , let dTN /dα = 0, or 1.08 cos α – 1 = 0. Then cos α = 0.926 and α = 22.2◦ .

TN (max) = wr2 (1.08 sin 22.2 − 0.387) = 0.0211 wr2

TN,max = 0.0211 − 800 = 16.85 K · ft

21.6 CIRCULAR BEAM SUBJECTED TO A CONCENTRATED LOAD AT MIDSPAN

If a concentrated load is applied at the midspan of a circular beam, the resulting moments vary
with the magnitude of the load, the span, and the coefficient λ = EI/GJ . Considering the general
case of a circular beam fixed at both ends and subjected to a concentrated load P at midspan
(Fig. 21.8), the bending and torsional moments can be calculated from the following expressions:
21.6 Circular Beam Subjected to a Concentrated Load at Midspan 869

Figure 21.8 Circular beam subjected to a concentrated load at midspan, showing the
bending moment diagram (BMD) and the torsional moment diagram (TMD).

1. The moment at the centerline of the beam, section C, can be expressed as follows:
λ(2 − 2 cos θ − sin2 θ ) + sin2 θ
Mc = (Pr) (21.36)
2θ (λ + 1) − (λ − 1) sin 2θ
Pr
Mc = (λK1 + K2 )
K3
where
λ = EI/GJ
K1 = (2 − 2 cos θ − sin2 θ )
K2 = sin2 θ
K3 = 2θ (λ + 1) − (λ − 1) sin2 θ

The torsional moment at the centerline is Tc = 0.

870 Chapter 21 Beams Curved in Plan

2. The bending and torsional moments at any section N on the curved beam where ON makes
an angle α with the centerline axis are calculated as follows:
 
P
MN = Mc cos α − r sin α (21.37)
2
 
P
TN = Mc sin α − r (1 − cos α) (21.38)
2
3. To compute the bending and torsional moments at the supports, substitute θ for α.
 
P
MA = Mc cos θ − r sin θ (21.39)
2
 
P
TA = Mc sin θ − r (1 − cos θ ) (21.40)
2

Example 21.4
Determine the bending and torsional moments of the quarter-circle beam of Example 21.3 if λ
= 1.0 and the beam is subjected to a concentrated load at midspan of P = 20 K.
Solution
1. Given: λ = 1.0 and θ = π /4. Therefore,
  
Pr 1 − cos θ
Mc =
2 θ
(Eq. 21.36) and Tc = 0. For θ = π /4,
Mc = 0.187Pr = 0.187(20 × 10) = 37.4 K · ft
2. From Eqs. 21.39 and 21.40,
π Pr π
MA = 0.187Pr cos − sin = −0.22Pr
4 2 4
= −0.22 × (200) = −44 K · ft
π  π
TA = 0.187Pr sin − 0.5Pr 1 − cos = −0.0142Pr
4 4
= −0.0142 × 200 = −2.84 K · ft
3. MN = 0 when
Pr
Mc cos α − sin α = 0 (Eq. 21.37)
2
0.187Pr cos α − 0.5Pr sin α = 0
◦
tan α = 0.374 and α = 20.5
Tn = 0 when Mc sin α − (P /2)r(1 − cos α) = 0 (Eq. 21.38), from which α = 37.7◦ .
4. To compute Tmax , let dTN /dα = 0 (Eq. 21.38).
0.187Pr cos α − 0.5Pr sin α = 0, tan α = 0.374
◦ ◦
and α = 20.5 . Substitute α = 20.5 in Eq. 21.38 to get Tmax = 0.035Pr = 7 K · ft.
21.7 V-Shape Beams Subjected to Uniform Loading 871

21.7 V-SHAPE BEAMS SUBJECTED TO UNIFORM LOADING

Beams that have a V-shape in plan and are subjected to loads normal to the plane of the beam may
be analyzed using the strain–energy principles. Figure 21.9 shows a typical bending moment
diagram for a V-shape beam subjected to a uniform load w . Considering the general case of
a V-shape beam fixed at both ends and subjected to a uniform load w (K/ft), the bending and
torsional moments can be calculated from the following expressions:

1. The moment at the centerline of the beam, section C, is calculated as follows:

 
sin2 θ
Mc = (wa )2
(21.41)
6(sin2 θ + λ cos2 θ )

Figure 21.9 V-shape beam under uniform load.

872 Chapter 21 Beams Curved in Plan

90◦ V-shape beams, London, Ontario, Canada.

where
λ = EI/GJ
a = half total length of beam (length AC )
θ = half angle between two sides of V-shape beam

The torsional moment at the centerline section is

Mc
Tc = cos θ = Mc cot θ (21.42)
sin θ
2. The bending and torsional moments at any section N along half the beam AC or BC at a
distance x measured from section C are calculated as follows:
x2
M N = Mc − w (21.43)
2
Mc
TN = T c = × cos θ = Mc cot θ (21.44)
sin θ
To compute the moments at the supports, let x = a. Then
a2
MA = Mc − w TA = Tc = Mc cot θ
2

Example 21.5
Determine the bending and torsional moments in a V-shape beam subjected to a uniform load
of 6 K/ft. The length of half the beam is a = 10 ft and the angle between the V-shape members
is 2θ = π /2. The beam section is rectangular with a ratio of long side to short side of 2.
21.7 V-Shape Beams Subjected to Uniform Loading 873

Apartment building.

Solution
1. For a rectangular section with the sides ratio, y/x = 2, λ = 3.39. For this beam θ = π /4.

wa2 sin2 θ
Mc = (Eq. 21.41)
6 sin2 θ + λ cos2 θ
 
wa2 0.5
Mc = = 0.038 wa2
6 0.5 + 3.39 × 0.5
= 0.038 × 6(10)2 = 22.8 K · ft
2
2. M = M − w a = 0.038 wa2 − 0.5 wa2 = −0.462 wa2
A c
2
= −277.2 K · ft
x2
MN = 0 when Mc − w =0
2
or 0.038 wa2 − 0.5 wx2 = 0, so x = 0.276a = 2.76 ft measured from c.
3. TA = 0.038 wa2 = 0.038 × 600 = 22.8 K · ft
TC = MC cot θ
874 Chapter 21 Beams Curved in Plan

21.8 V-SHAPE BEAMS SUBJECTED TO A CONCENTRATED LOAD AT THE CENTERLINE

OF THE BEAM

The general equations for computing the bending and torsional moments in a V-shape beam fixed
at both ends and subjected to a concentrated load P at the centerline of the beam (Fig. 21.10)
are as follows:

1. The moment at the centerline of the beam, section C, for any value of λ, is

 

Pa sin2 θ
Mc = (21.45)
4 sin2 θ + λ cos2 θ

Figure 21.10 V-shape beam under concentrated load.

21.8 V-Shape Beams Subjected to a Concentrated Load at the Centerline of the Beam 875

where
λ = EI/GJ
a = half total length of beam (part AB or BC )
θ = half angle between two sides of V-shape beam

The torsional moment at the centerline section is

Mc
Tc = cos θ = Mc cot θ (21.46)
sin θ
2. The bending and torsional moments at any section N along half the beam AC or BC at a
distance x measured from C are calculated as follows:
Px
MN = Mc − 1 (21.47)
2
TN = Tc = Mc cot θ (21.48)
The moments at the supports are determined by assuming x = a:
Pa
MA = Mc − 1
(21.49)
2
TA = Tc = Mc cot θ (21.50)

Example 21.6
Determine the bending and torsional moments in a V-shape beam subjected to a concentrated load P
= 30 K acting at the centerline of the beam. Given: θ = π /4, y/x = 2.0, and a = 12 ft.
Solution
1. For a rectangular section with y/x = 2.0, λ = 3.39.

2. Pa sin2 π/4
MC = = 0.057(Pa)
4 sin2 π/4 + 3.39 cos2 π/4

= 0.057 × 30 × 12 = 20.5 K · ft
Pa
M A = Mc − 1
= (0.057 − 0.5)Pa = −0.443(Pa)
2

= −0.0443 × 360 = −159.5 K · ft

Px
MN = 0 when Mc − 1
=0
2

Hence 0.057Pa – 0.5Px = 0 and x = 0.114a = 0.114 × 12 = 1.37 ft measured from c.

π
3. TA = Tc = TN = Mc cot = 0.057(Pa) = 20.5 K · ft
4

Example 21.7
Determine the bending and torsional moments in the beam of Example 21.6 if the angle θ is π / 2 (a
straight beam fixed at both ends).
876 Chapter 21 Beams Curved in Plan

Solution
Given θ = π /2 and the span L = 2a = the distance between the two supports. The bending moment
at the centerline is
 
Pa 1 Pa PL
Mc = = = = +90 K · ft
4 1 4 8
 
Pa PL P L PL
MA = Mc − = − =− = −90 K · ft
2 8 2 2 8
TA = T c = 0
These values are similar to those obtained from the structural analysis of the fixed-end beam subjected
to a concentrated load at midspan.

Example 21.8
The beam shown in Fig. 21.11 has a V-shape in plan and carries a uniform dead load of 3.5 k/ft and
a live load of 3 K/ft. The inclined length of half the beam is a = 10 ft and θ = 60◦ . Design the beam
for shear, bending, and torsional moments using fc = 4 ksi and fy = 60 ksi.
Solution
1. wu = 1.2D + 1.6L = 1.2 × 3.5 + 1.6 × 3 = 9.0 K/ft.
2. Assuming a rectangular section with a ratio of long to short side of y/x = 1.75, the value of λ
is 2.77 (from Table 21.2). For θ = 60◦ = π /3,

wu a 2 sin2 θ 9(100)(0.75)
Mc = = = +78 K · ft
6(sin θ +
2
λ cos2
θ) 6(0.75 + 2.77 × 0.25)
 
a2 100
MA = Mc − wu = 78 − 9 = −372 K · ft
2 2
TA = Mc cot θ = 78 × 0.577 = 45 K · ft = 540 K · in.
Tc ( at x = 0) = Mc cot θ = 45 K · ft = 540 K · in.
VA = 9 × 10 = 90 K

The bending moment is zero at MN = 0 = Mc − wu x 2 /2. Hence, 78 − 92 x 2 = 0 and x = 4.16 ft

measured from c. The bending moment diagram is shown in Fig. 21.11.
3. Design for a bending moment, Mu , equal to –372 K · ft.
a. For fc = 4 ksi, fy = 60 ksi, ρmax = 0.0018, choose ρ = 0.015, Ru = 702 psi and φ = 0.9
(Appendix A)
Mu 372 × 12
bd2 = = = 6332 in.3
Ru 0.705

For a ratio,
y d +3
= = 1.75
x b
as assumed, then d = 21.4 in. and b = 13.8 in. Use a section 14 × 24 in.

As = ρmax bd = 0.015(14 × 21.4) = 4.5 in.2

21.8 V-Shape Beams Subjected to a Concentrated Load at the Centerline of the Beam 877

Figure 21.11 Example 21.8.

b. For the section at midspan, Mu = 78 K · ft and actual d = 21.5 in.

Mu 78,000 × 12
Ru = = = 145 psi
bd2 14 × (21.5)
ρ < ρmin = 0.0033

Use As = 0.0033 × 14 × 21.5 = 1.0 in.2 .

c. Design for torsional moment and shear: Tu = 45 K · ft for all sections.
21.5
Vu ( at distance d) = 90 − × 9 = 74.0 K
12
The design procedure will be similar to that of Example 21.1. Details of the final section
are shown in Fig. 21.12.
878 Chapter 21 Beams Curved in Plan

Figure 21.12 Example 21.8.

SUMMARY

Sections 21.1– 21.5

In a curved beam in plan, the center of gravity of normal loads lies outside the line joining
the supports developing torsional moments. The analysis of uniformly loaded circular beams is
presented in these sections.
Problems 879

Section 21.6
The analysis of circular beams subjected to concentrated loads is presented in this section.

Section 21.7
V-shape beams subjected to gravity loads may be analyzed using the strain–energy principles.
Equations to calculate the torsional moments of these types of beams are presented.

REFERENCES

1. B. J. Wilson and J. F. Quereau. “A Simple Method of Determining Stress in Curved Flexural Members.”
Circular 16. University of Illinois Engineering Exp. Station, Unbana-Champagne, 1925.
2. S. Timoshenko. “Bending Stresses in Curved Tubes of Rectangular Cross Sections.” Transactions of
ASME 45 (1923).
3. S. Timoshenko. Strength of Materials. D. Van Nostrand, New York, 1930.
4. R. J. Roark and W. C. Young. Formulas for Stress and Strain, 5th ed. McGraw-Hill, New York, 1975,
pp. 209–285.
5. G. Glushkov. Formulas for Designing Frames. MIR Publications, Moscow, 1975.
6. P. Charon. Calcul Pratique des Poutres, Portiques et Caders. Eyrolles, Paris, 1974.
7. American Concrete Institute (ACI). “Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete.” ACI 318-11.
ACI, Detroit, MI, 2011.

PROBLEMS

21.1 A circular beam is supported on six equally spaced columns, and its centerline lies on a circle 20 ft
in diameter. The beam carries a uniform dead load of 9.8 K/ft and a live load of 5 K/ft. Design the
beam using fc = 4 ksi,fy = 60 ksi, and b = 14 in.
21.2 Design a semicircular beam fixed on both ends. The center of columns lies on a circle 12 ft in diameter.
The beam carries uniform dead and live loads of 4.9 and 3 K/ft, respectively. Use fc = 4 ksi, fy =
60 ksi, and b = 20 in.
21.3 Determine the factored bending and torsional moment at sections C and D of the fixed-end beam
shown in Fig. 21.5 if the diameter of the circle is 30 ft. The beam is part of a floor slab that carries
a uniform dead load (including its own weight) of 126 psf and a live load of 120 psf.
21.4 A quarter-circle cantilever beam has a radius of 8 ft and carries a uniform dead load of 6.4 K/ft and a
concentrated live load of 4.25 K at its free end. Design the beam using fc = 4 ksi, fy = 60 ksi, and
b = 14 in.
21.5 Design the beam shown in Fig. 21.11 if the inclined length of half the beam is a = 8 ft. The beam
has a 60◦ V-shape in plan and carries uniform dead and live loads of 3.8 and 4 K/ft. Assume the ratio
of the long to the short side of the rectangular section is 2. Use fc = 4 ksi and fy = 60 ksi.