CE202

Strength of Materials

Chapter Six
Shearing Stresses in Beams and
Thin-Walled Members
 6.1. Introduction

Transverse loading applied to a beam results in normal and shearing
stresses in transverse sections.

Consider A cantilever beam AB. Six equations may be written to

express the elementary normal and shearing force exerted on shown
section.

Three are related to normal stresses and were discussed before. The other
three equation are related to shearing forces:
Moments about X-axis: Dismissed as trivial in view of the
symmetry of the beam with respect to
∫ (τ xy dA )z + ∫ ( τ xzdA )y = 0 the xy plane.

Vertical stresses must exist in any

Y Components:
∫ (τ xydA) = − V transverse section of the beam, must
be negative; directed downward.

Z Components:
∫ ( τ xz dA ) = 0 Average horizontal shearing in any
section is zero: does not mean every
where.

From the cubic element taken from the beam, we conclude:
1. Longitudinal shearing stresses must exist in any member subjected to
transverse loading.
2. Verify the fact that shear does not occur in a beam subjected to pure
bending.
6.2. Shear on the Horizontal Face of a Beam Element

Consider a prismatic beam AB
with a vertical plane of
symmetry that supports various
concentrated and distributed
loads. An element CDD’C’ of
length ∆x is detached at a
distance x from end A.
 THE FORCES EXERTED ON THIS
ELEMENT CONSISTS OF:
 Vertical Shearing Forces V’c & V’d
 A Horizontal Shearing Force ∆H
Exerted on The Lower Face of
the Element.
 Elementary Horizontal Normal
Forces at Point C & D.
 Possibly a Load W∆x.

We write the equilibrium equation:
∆H − ∫ (σ D − σ C )dA = 0
a

Express the normal stresses at C and D in terms of (-My/I) and assume

that their distribution is not affected by shear, then integrate over the
shaded area “a”. We write:
MD − MC
∆H = ∫ ydA
I a

But, M D − M C = ∆M = (dM / dx)∆x = V∆x

Hence,
∆H =
V∆x
ydA =
VQ
∆x.
,Q = ∫ y dA
I a∫ I A

VQ
∆H = ∆x.......(I )
I

The horizontal shear per unit length, which will be denoted by the letter q,
is obtained by dividing both members of the last equation by “∆x”:

VQ
q= .....( II )
I
 q: shear flow (shear force per unit length)
 Q: the first moment with respect to the neutral axis of the portion of the
cross section located either above or below the point at which q is being
computed.
,Q = ∫ y dA
A
 I: the centroidal moment of inertial of the entire cross-sectional area.

Same results would have been

obtained if the lower portion was
used as a free body, since the
shearing force exerted by the two
portion of beam on each other are
equal and opposite.
Example(1)
SOLUTION:

Determine the horizontal force per
unit length or shear flow q on the
lower surface of the upper plank.

Calculate the corresponding shear

force in each nail.
A beam is made of three planks,
nailed together. Knowing that the
spacing between nails is 25 mm and
that the vertical shear in the beam is
V = 500 N, determine the shear
force in each nail.
SOLUTION:
 Determine the horizontal force
per unit length or shear flow q on
the lower surface of the upper
plank.

VQ (500 N)(120 × 10−6 m3 )

q= =
I 16.20 × 10-6 m 4
Q = Ay
= 3704 N
= (0.020 m × 0.100 m )(0.060 m ) m

= 120 × 10−6 m3
 Calculate the corresponding shear
I 1 (0.020 m )(0.100 m )3
= 12 force in each nail for a nail spacing
+ 2[121 (0.100 m )(0.020 m )3 of 25 mm.
F = (0.025 m)q = (0.025 m)(3704 N m
+ (0.020 m × 0.100 m )(0.060 m )2 ]
−6 4 F = 92.6 N
= 16.20 × 10 m
 6.3. Determination of the shearing stresses in A Beam

The average shearing stress (τave) on the horizontal face of the element
is obtained by dividing the shearing force on the element by the area of
the face.

∆Η VQ ∆x
τ ave = =
∆Α I t∆x
VQ
τ ave = .......(III )
It

We note that, since the shearing stresses τxy and

τyx exerted, respectively, on a transverse and a
horizontal plane though D` are equal, the
expression obtained also represent the average
value of along the line D1`D2`.

We observe that τyx=0 on the upper and lower
faces of the beam, since no forces are exerted on
these faces (Q=0⇒H=0). It follows that τxy=0
along the upper and lower edges of the
transverse section.

Note that while Q is maximum for y=0, we
cannot conclude that τave will be maximum
along the N.A, since τave depend upon the
width “t” of the section as well as upon Q.

Based on the data of the below Table, we
conclude that as long as the width of the beam
cross section remains small, compared to its
depth, the shearing stress varies only slightly
along the line C1C2.
b/h 0.25 1 10 50
τmax/ τave 1.008 1.126 3.770 15.65
τmin/ τave 0.996 0.940 0.800 0.800
 6.4. Shearing Stresses txy in Common Types of Beams

Case 1: Narrow rectangular beam (b ≤ h/4),

VQ 3 V  y 2 
τ xy = = 1−

Ib 2 A  c 2 
3V
τ max =
2A

VQ 1
τ xy
= But, y = (c + y )
It 2
1 1
Q = Ay = b(c − y ) (c + y ) = b(c 2 − y 2 )
2 2
1 3 2 3
I = bh = bc
12 3
Case 2: American Standard (S-beam) and wide-flange (W-beam) beams
(I-sections)

VQ
τ ave =
It
V
τ max =
Aweb
Case 3: Composite Beams

For a beam made of two or more materials with different moduli of
elasticity, the following equations remain valid:

VQ VQ
q= τ ave =
I It

But, Q and I are computed using the transformed section of the beam and
provided further that t is the actual width of the beam where the average
shearing stress is computed.
 Example(2)
50 kN 50 kN
For shown beam and x-section: (a)
2m
Draw shearing stress distribution; and
(b) calculate maximum compressive
and tensile stresses.

SOLUTION:

Locate centroid, and calculate I:
(200 x320)(160) + (80 x 400) x360
y= = 227 mm y
(200 x320 + 80 x 400)
1  a
I z =  x 200 x320 3 + 200 x320 x(227 − 160) 2  +
12  z
1 2
 x 400 x80 + (400 x80) x(360 − 227) 
3

12 
= 1416.6 x10 6 mm 4 = 1416.6 x10 −6 m 4
At po int a : Q = 80 x 400 x(360 − 227) x10 −9 = 4266 x10 −6 m 3
(227) 2
At the centroid : Q = 200 x x10 −9 = 5138 x10 −6 m 3
2
 Shear and Moment Diagram

Sh.D.

M.D.

(A) Shearing Stress Distribution

50 x10 3 x 4266 x10 −6

{τ xy }Flange = −6
= 376.4 kPa
1416.6 x10 x0.40
50 x10 3 x 4266 x10 −6
{τ xy }web = −6
= 752.8 kPa
1416.6 x10 x0.20
50 x10 3 x5138 x10 −6
{τ xy }Centroid = −6
= 906.7 kPa
1416.6 x10 x0.20
(b) Normal Stresses

MC 100 x10 3 x(0.4 − 0.227)

(σ c ) max =− =− −6
= −12.2 MPa
I 1416.6 x10
MC 100 x10 3 x(0.227)
(σ t ) max = = −6
= 16.0 MPa
I 1416.6 x10
6.6Longitudinal Shear on a Beam Element of Arbitrary Shape

For an arbitrary longitudinal cut the shear per unit length is computed
according to equation (II) which states:

VQ
Where Q represents the first moment of

q= .....( II ' ) the shaded area about the N.A. and V and
I I are as defined earlier.
6.7. Shearing Stresses in Thin-Walled Members

Consider a segment of a wide-flange
beam subjected to the vertical shear
V.

The longitudinal shear force on the
element is
VQ
∆H = ∆x
I

The corresponding shear stress is
∆H VQ
τ zx = τ xz ≈ =
t ∆x It

Previously found a similar

expression for the shearing stress in
the web VQ
τ xy =
It

NOTE: τ xy ≈ 0
in the flanges
τ xz ≈ 0
in the web

The variation of shear flow across
the section depends only on the
variation of the first moment.
VQ
q =τt =
I

For a box beam, q grows smoothly

from zero at A to a maximum at C
and C’ (N.A.) and then decreases
back to zero at E.

The sense of q in the horizontal

portions of the section may be
deduced from the sense in the
vertical portions or the sense of the
shear V.

For a wide-flange beam, the shear
flow increases symmetrically from
zero at A and A’, reaches a maximum
at C and the decreases to zero at E
and E’.

The continuity of the variation in q

and the merging of q from section
branches suggests an analogy to
fluid flow.
 Example(3)
The shown cantilever beam x-section is
constructed from two wooden plates Y
bolted together using 15 mm diameter
bolts spaced at 100 mm. If the x-section
is subjected, as shown, to a vertical 125 mm 50 mm 125 mm
shear and a negative moment, Find:
(A) Shearing stress on the bolt;
B
(B) Shear flow in a section passing
through B; Z
(C) Maximum shearing stress on the
section;

V=20 kN
(D) Shearing stress at point A;
A
(E)Normal stress at point A.
40 mm
(F)Show the state of stress at an
element about point A.
Solution:-

Locate centriod, and calculate I:
(50x250)(125) + (50x300)x275
y= = 207 mm
(50x250 + 50x300)
1  1 
I z =  x50x2503 + 50x250x( 207 − 125) 2  +  x300x50 3 + (50x300)x( 275 − 207) 2 
 12   12 
I z = 221.7x106 mm 4 OR 221.7x10 − 6 m 4

A. Shearing Stress-Bolt (Pass a section through the bolt {1-1}.

2
Q = 300x50x( 275 − 207 )x10 −9 = 1023x10 −6 m 3
II B
3 −6
20x10 x1023x10
q= −6
= 92.3 kN/m
221.7 x10 Z 1 1
q.S 92.3x103 x0.1 2
τbolt = = = 52.2 MPa
π

207 mm
A bolt ( x152 x10 −6 )
4 I
3 A
Reference 3
B. Shear Flow at B (Pass a section through the bolt {2-2})
Q = 125x50x( 275 − 207)x10−9 = 511.5x10 −6 m 3
20x103 x511.5x10 −6
q= −6
= 26.1 kN/m
221.7 x10
C. Maximum Shearing Stress (Pass a section through the centroid)
207 2
Q = 50x x10 −9 = 1069x10 −6 m 3
2
20x103 x1069x10 −6
τ xy = = 4.83 MPa
221.7 x10 −6 x0.05
D. Shearing Stress at point A (Pass section 3-3)
Q = 50x 40x( 207 − 20)x10 −9 = 374x10 −6 m 3
20x103 x374x10 −6
τ xy = = 0.676 MPa
221.7 x10 −6 x0.05

E. Normal Stress at point A.

150x10 3 x(0.207 − 0.04)
(σ x ) A = − = −113 MPa
221.7x10 − 6
E. State of Stress at A

y
676 kPa

x A
113 MPa
 Example(4)
A wooden box beam is constructed of two boards, each
40x180 mm in cross section , that serve as flanges and
two plywood webs, each 15 mm thick. The total height
of the beam is 280 mm. The plywood is fastened to the
flanges by wood screws having allowable laod in shear
of F= 800 N each. If vertical shear V=10.5 kN,
determine S.
Solution:-

q
Example(5)
Knowing that a W360x122 rolled-steel beam
is subjected to a 250-kN vertical shear, 1
determine the shearing stress at at point A,
(b) at the centroid of the section.
1
Solution:-
(a) Shearing Stress at A 2 2
363 21.7
Q a = 105x 21.7x( − ) = 388.8x10 − 6 m 3 21.70
2 2
122 13 122
250,000x388.8x10 − 6
τa = −6
= 12.27 MPa
365x10 x0.0217
Section Properties
(b) Shearing Stress at the centroid
A=15500 mm2
15500
Q Centroid = x(146.14) = 1132.6x10 − 6 m 3 d=363 mm; bf=257 mm
2
250,000x1132.6x10 − 6 tf=21.70 mm; tw=13 mm
τ Centroid = −6
= 59.7 MPa
365x10 x0.013 Iz=365x106 mm
 Example(6)
If the W360x122 rolled-steel beam is
strengthened by welding 20 x 265 mm plates to
the upper and lower flanges, determine the

191.5 mm
shearing stress at point A if the x-section is
subjected to a vertical shear of 250-kN.
Solution:-
Pass the section shown. Weld 159.8
Iz=365x106+2(1/12x265x203+265x20x191.52)
= 754x106 mm4
363 21.7 122 13 122
Q a = 265x 20x191.5 + (105x2)x21.7 x( − )
2 2
Section Properties
= 1792.6x10 − 6 m 3
−6 A=15500 mm2
250,000x1792.6x10
τa = = 13.7 MPa d=363 mm; bf=257 mm
754x10 − 6 x 2(0.0217)
tf=21.70 mm; tw=13 mm
 Example(7)
The two steel plates are bolted to the wooden beam
shown by 30-mm-diameter bolts spaced at 200 mm.
Knowing that beam is subjected to V = 5000 N, and
that the moduli of elasticity for steel and wood are
200 and 40 GPa, respectively. Determine: (a) Shearing
stress in each bolt; and (b) shearing stress at the mid-
height of the upper steel plate.
Solution:-

Transform the section to wood:

150 x 5 = 750 mm
E s 200
n= = =5 12 mm
Ew 40
a 1 1
Determine IT:
Z
=2(1/12x750x123+750x12x(125+6)2)+1/12x15
Iz
0x2503 = 504.4 x106 mm4
 Q = 750 x12 x ( 125 + 6 ) = 1179 x10 −6 m 3
Pass Section 1-1 and
compute Q. From 5000 x1179 x10 −6
which compute q, H. q= −6
= 11696 N / m
and shearing stress 504.4 x10
on the bolt, as follows: H = q .S = 23392 N
23392 N
τbolt = = 31 MPa
π( 0.015 )
2

Pass a section across

point a and then
Qa = 750 x 6 x ( 125 + 9 ) = 603 x10 −6 m 3
compute Q. From which 5000 x 603 x10 −6
compute shearing stress τa = −6
= 369.4 kPa
at same point, as follows: 504.4 x10 ( 0.150 )