TUTORIAL 5

FLEXURAL MEMBERS
Lateral Torsion Buckling

1X March 2012

Summary of design process

The design process for a beam can be summarised as follows
(a) Determination of all forces and moments on critical section
(b) Selection of UB or UC
(c) Classification of section
(d) Check shear strength; if unsatisfactory return to (b)
(e) Check bending capacity; if unsatisfactory return to (b)
(f) Check deflection; if unsatisfactory return to (b)
(g) Check web bearing and buckling at supports or concentrated load; if unsatisfactory
provide web stiffener
(h) Check lateral torsional buckling; if unsatisfactory return to (b) or provide lateral
restraints
(i) Summarise results

Problem 1:

Prepare a design in Grade S355 Steel for a beam the above beam.
Note:
All the loads are characteristics loads,
Lateral torsional restraints exists at A, B, C and D.

SOLUTION:
STEP 1: Factored Loads at ULS
At B: 1.35 x 40 + 1.5 x 70 = 159 kN
At C: 1.35 x 20 + 1.5 x 30 = 72 kN

 STEP 2: Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagrams:

STEP 3: Section Selection:

The critical section for the design is BC as the moment gradient is the least
Try a 406 x 178 UB 74
Section properties: h = 412.8 ; b = 179.5 ; tw = 9.5 ; tf = 16.0 ; r = 10.2 ;
d = 360.4 ; Iel,y = 27300 ; Iel,z = 1550 ; ry = 17 ; rz = 4.04 ; Wel,y = 1320 ;
Wel,z = 172 ; Wpl,y = 1500 ; Wpl,z = 267
f

Moment Resistance:

pl , Rd

=W

pl , y

= 1500000

M0

Section is Safe; Mpl,Rd = 533 kNm > MEd =390 kNm

355
10 6 = 533 kNm
1 .0

 STEP 3: Section Classification:

Compression Flange:

c = 0 . 5[ b 2 r t

] = 0 . 5[179 . 5 2 10 . 2 9 . 5 ] = 74 . 8 mm

c/tf = 74.8/ 16 = 4.68 < 9 = 9*0.814=7.32 Flange is CLASS 1

Web:
c/t = d/tw = 37.9 < 72 = 72*0.814= 58.6

Web CLASS 1

SECTION is CLASS 1 (PLASTIC)

STEP 4: Shear Check

V pl , Rd

fy
1
1
355
=
Av
=
4260
10 6 = 873 kN
3 M 0
3
1 .0
V Ed
130
=
= 0 . 15 0 . 5
V pl , Rd
873

Moment capacity is not reduced.

 STEP 5: Calculation of Mcr:

E = 210Gpa; G = 81GPa, Iw = 0.608 dm6 ; It = 62.8 cm4
System(BC) Length = 3.0m

I w 0.608 10 6
2
=
=
0
.
03923
m
I z 1550 10 8

2 EI z
2

2 210 10 6 1550 10 8
3.0

= 3570kN

L2 GI t 3.0 2 81 10 6 62.8 10 8
2
=
=
0
.
0143
m
2 EI z 2 210 10 6 1550 10 8
M cr =

EI z I w
2

L2

I
z

Mcr = 826kNm

L GI t
2 EI z
2

1/ 2

= 3570 kN [0.03923m 2 + 0.0143m 2 ] = 826 kNm

1/ 2

 STEP 6: Determination of C1 value :

Moment ratio:

M Ed ,C 303
=
=
= 0.777
M Ed , B 390

C 1 = 1 . 88 1 . 4 + 0 . 52

= 1 . 88 1 . 4 0 . 777 + 0 . 52 0 . 777 2 = 1 . 106

Mcr to used in the calculation of normalised slenderness ratio is is C1Mcr

STEP 7: Determination of

LT

LT

Wy f y
1500000 355
=
=
= 0.763
6
M cr
1.106 826 10

STEP 8: Determination of Mb,Rd( lateral torsional buckling resistance):

Note: There are 2 methods to determine the strength reduction factors due to
the lateral torsional buckling:

 Method 1: General Case( EN 1993-1-1 cl 6.3.2.2)

1. Ratio h/b = 412.8/179.5=2.3 >2, Table 6.4, LT = 0.34( curve b, Table 6.3)

2. Determine LT:

LT = 0.5 1 + LT ( LT 0.2 ) + ( LT )

LT = 0.5[1 + 0.34(0.763 0.2 ) + (0.763) ] = 0.887

2

3. Determine LT(eq. 6.56):

LT =

LT +

1
2
LT

( LT

)]

2 1/ 2

1
=
= 0 .747
2
2 1/ 2
0 .887 + [0 .887 0 .763 ]

4. LTB Resistance(EN 1993-1-1 cl 6.3.2.2 , eq. 6.55):

M b , Rd

fy
355
= LT W pl , y
= 0.747 1500000
10 6 = 398 kNm
M 1
1 .0

Mb,Rd = 398kNm is greater than MEd,B = 390 kNm

 Method 2: Rolled Sections( EN 1993-1-1 cl 6.3.2.3)

1. Ratio h/b = 412.8/179.5=2.3 >2, Table 6.5, LT = 0.49( curve c, Table 6.3)

2. Determine LT:
=0.75(minimum value) and

LT= 0.4(minimum
value)
,0

LT = 0.5 1 + LT ( LT LT , 0 ) +

2
LT

LT = 0.5[1 + 0.49(0.763 0.4 ) + 0.75 0.7632 ] = 0.807

3. Determine LT(eq. 6.56):

LT =

LT +

1
2
LT

1/ 2

2
LT

1
=
= 0 . 787
2
2 1/ 2
0 . 807 + [0 . 807 0 . 75 0 . 763 ]

4. LTB Resistance(ignoring the correction factor, f):

M b , Rd

fy
355
= LT W pl , y
= 0.787 1500000
10 6 = 419 kNm
1 .0
M 1

 Taking into account the correction factor, f:

M Ed ,C 303
=
=
= 0.777
M Ed , B 390
Determine kc( Table 6.6):

1
1
kc =
=
= 0.931
1.33 0.33 1.33 0.33 0.777

f = 1 0 . 5 (1 k c ) 1 2 . 0 (
f = 1 0 . 5 (1 0 . 931

0 .8 )

LT

)[1 2 . 0 (0 . 763 0 . 8 ) ] = 0 . 965

2

3. LTB Resistance(now with f) becomes:

b , Rd

] 1 . 0

419 kNm
=
0 . 965

= 434 kNm

Problem 2:
The 7.5m long 610x229UB125 of S275 steel as shown bellow is simply supported at both ends
where lateral deflections are effectively prevented and twist rotations are partially restrained.
Check the adequacy of the beam for a central concentrated at the top flange load caused by an
unfactored dead load 60kN(which includes an allowance for self weight) and an unfactored
imposed load of 100kN.

Section Properties: h = 612.2 ; bf = 229.0 ; tw = 11.9 ; tf = 19.6 ; r = 12.7 ; Iz = 3932 ;

Wpl,y = 3676 ; It = 154 ; Iw = 3.45

SOLUTION:
STEP 1: Design Bending Moment:
MEd = {(1.35 x 60 + 1.5 x 100)x7.5/4 = 433 kNm

 Bending Moment Diagram:

STEP 2: Plastic Resistance Moment:

f
M

pl , Rd

=W

pl , y

M0

= 3676000

275
10 6 = 1011 kNm
1 .0

Section is Safe; Mpl,Rd = 1011 kNm > MEd =433 kNm

 STEP 3: Calculation of Mcr:

The critical length of system, to allow the partial torsional end restrain is as given:

d f t f
kcr = 1 +
6L tw

kcr = 1.04

bf

d
f

612
.
2
19
.
6
19
.
2

229.0

/ 2 =1+

1 +
/2

6 7500 11.9 612.2 19.6

Thus Lcr = kcr x L = 1.04 x 7500mm = 7806mm

EI z I w Lcr GIt
M cr =
+ 2
2
Lcr I z EIz
2

M cr =

1/ 2

210000 393210
2

78062

M cr = 568.6kNm

3.4510 7806 8100015410

+ 2
4
4
3932

10

210000

3932

10

12

1/ 2

 STEP 4: Determination of C1 value :

Moment ratio:

M Ed ,C 303
=
=
= 0.777
M Ed , B 390

C1 =1.365 ( Table 6.12)

Mcr to used in the calculation of normalised slenderness ratio is is C1Mcr

STEP 5: Determination of

LT

LT

Wy f y
3676000 275
=
=
= 1.14
6
M cr
1.365 568.6 10

STEP 6: Determination of Mb,Rd( lateral torsional buckling resistance)

General Case( EN 1993-1-1 cl 6.3.2.2)
1. Ratio h/b = 612.2/229.0=2.67 >2, Table 6.4, LT = 0.34( curve b, Table 6.3)

2. Determine LT:

LT = 0 .5 1 + LT ( LT 0 .2 ) + ( LT )

LT = 0.5[1 + 0.34 (1.14 0.2 ) + (1.14 ) ] = 1.31

2

3. Determine LT(eq. 6.56):

LT =

LT +

1
2
LT

( LT

)]

2 1/ 2

1
= 0 .511
2
2 1/ 2
1 .31 + [1 .31 1 .14 ]

4. LTB Resistance(EN 1993-1-1 cl 6.3.2.2 , eq. 6.55):

M b , Rd

fy
275
= LT W pl , y
= 0.511 3676000
10 6 = 516 .6 kNm
M 1
1 .0

Mb,Rd = 517kNm is greater than MEd,B = 433 kNm

Problem 3:
The 9.0m long 254x146UB37 of S275 steel as shown bellow, has a central concentrated
design load of 70kN(which includes an allowance for self weight) and a design end
moment of 70kNm. Lateral deflections and twist rotations are effectively prevented at
both ends and by a brace at mid-span. Check the adequacy of the braced beam.

SOLUTION:
STEP 1: Design Bending Moment:
R3={( 70 x 4.5) 70 }/9 = 27.22kN;
Med,2 = 27.22 x 4.5 = 122.5 kNm

 Bending Moment Diagram:

STEP 2: Section Resistance:

tf = 10.9 mm ; fy = 275 N/mm2 ; = (235/275)1/2 = 0.924
cf /(tf ) = (146.4/2-6.3/2-7.6)/(10.9x0.924)=6.20 < 9 ----Flange CLASS 1
cw /(tw ) = (256-2x10.9-2x7.6)/(6.3x0.924)= 37.6 < 72 ----Web CLASS 1
Section is CLASS 1Plastic

f
M

pl , Rd

=W

pl , y

M0

= 483000

275
10 6 = 133 kNm
1 .0

 STEP 3: Calculation of Mcr(considering the section 2-3):

Length of system L = 4.5 m

M cr =

EI z I w
2

Lcr

Lcr GIt
I + 2 EI
z
z
2

1/ 2

2 210000 571104 0.08571012 45002 8100015.3 104

M cr =

+ 2
2
4
4
4500
571

10

210000

571

10

M cr = 111.21kNm
STEP 4: Determination of C1 value :
Moment ratio:
C1 =1.88 ( Table 6.11)

M Ed , 3
0
=
=
= 0.0
M Ed , 2 122.5

1/ 2

STEP 5: Determination of

LT

LT

Wy f y
483000 275
=
=
= 0.797
6
M cr
1.88 111.21 10

STEP 6: Determination of Mb,Rd( lateral torsional buckling resistance):

General Case( EN 1993-1-1 cl 6.3.2.2)
1.Ratio h/b = 256/146.4 = 1.75 < 2, Table 6.4, LT = 0.21( curve a, Table 6.3)
2.Determine LT:

LT = 0 . 5 1 +

LT

LT

0 . 2 ) + (

LT

LT = 0 . 5 [1 + 0 . 21 (0 . 797 0 . 2 ) + (0 . 797 ) ] = 0 . 88
2

3.Determine LT(eq. 6.56):

LT =

LT +

1
2
LT

( LT

)]

2 1/ 2

0 . 88 + [0 .88 0 .797
2

2 1/ 2

= 0 .798 1 _ OK

4. LTB Resistance(EN 1993-1-1 cl 6.3.2.2 , eq. 6.55):

M b , Rd = LT W pl , y

fy
275
= 0 . 798 483000
10 6 = 106 kNm
M 1
1 .0

Mb,Rd = 106 kNm is less than MEd,B = 122.5 kNm ---SECTION is INADEQUATE

 Method 2: Rolled Sections( EN 1993-1-1 cl 6.3.2.3)

1. Ratio h/b = 256/146.4 = 1.75 < 2, Table 6.5, LT = 0.34( curve b, Table 6.3)

2. Determine LT:
=0.75(minimum value) and

LT= 0.4(minimum
value)
,0

LT = 0.5 1 + LT ( LT LT , 0 ) +

2
LT

LT = 0.5[1 + 0.34(0.797 0.4 ) + 0.75 0.797 2 ] = 0.806

3. Determine LT(eq. 6.56):

LT =

LT +

1
2
LT

1/ 2

2
LT

1
=
= 0 . 818
2
2 1/ 2
0 . 806 + [0 . 806 0 . 75 0 . 797 ]

4. LTB Resistance(ignoring the correction factor, f):

M b , Rd

fy
275
= LT W pl , y
= 0.818 483000
10 6 = 109 kNm
1 .0
M 1

 Taking into account the correction factor, f:

Determine kc( Table 6.6):

k c = 0.82

f = 1 0 . 5 (1 k c ) 1 2 . 0 (

0 .8 )

LT

] 1 . 0
]

f = 1 0 . 5 (1 0 . 82 ) 1 2 . 0 (0 . 797 0 . 8 ) = 0 . 91
2

3. LTB Resistance(now with f) becomes:

b , Rd

109 kNm
=
0 . 91

SECTION is STILL INADEQUATE

= 120 kNm

Problem 4:
The 8.0m long 475x191UB82 of S275 steel as shown bellow. The cantilever has lateral,
torsional, and warping restraints at the support, is free at the tip, and has a factored
upwards design uniformly distributed load of 12kN.m(which includes an allowance for
self weight) acting on top flange. Check the adequacy of the cantilever.

SOLUTION:
STEP 1: Design Bending Moment:
MEd = 12x82/2 = 384kNm

 Bending Moment Diagram:

STEP 2: Section Resistance:

tf = 16.0 mm ; fy = 275 N/mm2 ; = (235/275)1/2 = 0.924
cf /(tf ) = (191.3/2 - 9.9/2 10.2)/(16 x0.924)=5.44 < 9 ---Flange CLASS 1
cw /(tw ) = (460.2 - 2x16.0-2x10.2)/(9.9x0.924)= 44.6 < 72 ---Web CLASS 1
Section is CLASS 1Plastic

f
M

pl , Rd

=W

pl , y

M0

= 1830000

275
10 6 = 503 .3kNm
1 .0

Section is Safe; Mpl,Rd = 503.3 kNm > MEd =384 kNm

 STEP 3: Calculation of Mcr(considering the section):

Length of system Lcr = 8.0m

EI z I w Lcr GIt
M cr =
+ 2
2
Lcr I z EIz
2

M cr =

1/ 2

210000187010
2

160002

M cr = 98.06.1kNm
STEP 4: Determination of C1 value :
C1 =1.132 ( Table 6.11)

4 1/ 2

0.92210 16000 81000 69.2 10

+ 2
4
4
1870

10

210000

1870

10

12

STEP 5: Determination of

LT =

Wy f y
M cr

LT

1830 275
= 0.0673
6
1.132 98.06 10

STEP 6: Determination of Mb,Rd( lateral torsional buckling resistance):

General Case( EN 1993-1-1 cl 6.3.2.2)
1.Ratio h/b = 460.0/191.3 = 2.40 >2, Table 6.4, LT = 0.34( curve a, Table 6.3)
2.Determine LT:

LT = 0 . 5 1 +

LT

LT

LT

0 . 2 ) + (

= 0 . 5 [1 + 0 . 34 (0 . 0673

LT

2
)
(
)
0 . 2 + 0 . 0673 ] =

0 . 48

3.Determine LT(eq. 6.56):

LT =
Take

( )]

2
LT + LT
LT

LT = 1 . 00

2 1/ 2

2 1/ 2

0.48 + 0.48 0.0673

2

= 1.05 1 _ Not _ OK

4. LTB Resistance(EN 1993-1-1 cl 6.3.2.2 , eq. 6.55):

M b , Rd = LT W pl , y

fy

275
= 1.00 1830000
10 6 = 503 .25 kNm
1 .0
M 1

Mb,Rd = 503.25 kNm is less than MEd,B = 348 kNm ---SECTION is ADEQUATE

Problem 5:
Determine a suitable UB of S275 for simply supported beam, if twist rotations are effectively
prevented at the ends and is a brace is added which effectively prevents lateral deflections and
twist rotation at mid Span.

SOLUTION:
STEP 1: Design Bending Moment:
MEd = {(1.35 x 60 + 1.5 x 100)x7.5/4 = 433 kNm
STEP 2: Selecting a Trial Section, for fy = 275N/mm2

W pl , y

M Ed
433 10 6

=
= 1750cm 3
0.9 f y 0.9 275

Try a 457x191 UB 82 with Wpl,y = 1830 cm3 > 1750 cm3

STEP 3: Section Resistance:

f
M

pl , Rd

=W

pl , y

= 1830000

M0

275
10 6 = 503 .3kNm
1 .0

Section is Safe; Mpl,Rd = 503.3 kNm > MEd =433 kNm

STEP 4: Elastic Buckling Moment
Length of system Lcr = 3750mm

M cr =

210000187010
2

37502

M cr = 727.3kNm

M cr =

EI z I w
2

Lcr

Lcr GI t
I + 2 EI
z
z
2

1/ 2

0.92210 3750 81000 69.2 10

+ 2
4
4
1870

10

210000

1870

10

12

1/ 2

STEP 5: Determination of C1 value :

C1 =1.879 ( Table 6.11)

STEP 6: Determination of

LT =

Wy fy
=
C 1 M cr

LT

1830000 275
= 0 . 606
6
1 . 879 727 . 3 10

STEP 7: Determination of Mb,Rd( lateral torsional buckling resistance):

General Case( EN 1993-1-1 cl 6.3.2.2)
1.Ratio h/b = 460.0/191.3 = 2.40 >2, Table 6.4, LT = 0.34( curve a, Table 6.3)
2.Determine LT:

LT = 0 . 5 1 +

LT

LT

0 . 2 ) + (

LT

LT = 0 . 5 [1 + 0 . 34 (0 . 606 0 . 2 ) + (0 . 606 ) ] = 0 . 753

2

3.

LT =

Determine LT(eq. 6.56):

LT +

1
2
LT

( LT )

2 1/ 2

1
=
= 0 .833 1 _ OK
2
2 1/ 2
0 .753 + [0 .753 0 .606 ]

4. LTB Resistance(EN 1993-1-1 cl 6.3.2.2 , eq. 6.55):

M b , Rd = LT W pl , y

fy
275
= 0 . 833 1830000
10 6 = 419 . 2 kNm
M 1
1 .0

Mb,Rd = 419.2 < 433 kNm= MEd LTB Resistance INADEQUATE

Less Conservative Method: Rolled Sections( EN 1993-1-1 cl 6.3.2.3)

1. Ratio h/b = 460.0/191.3 = 2.40 >2, Table 6.5, LT = 0.49( curve c, Table 6.3)

LT= 0.4
,0

2. Determine LT: =0.75 and

LT = 0 . 5 1 + LT ( LT LT , 0 ) +

2
LT

LT = 0.5[1 + 0.49 (0.606 0.4 ) + 0.75 0.606 2 ] = 0.688

3.

Determine LT(eq. 6.56):

LT =

LT +

1
2
LT

1/ 2

2
LT

1
= 0 . 883
2
2 1/ 2
0 . 688 + [0 . 688 0 . 75 0 . 606 ]

4. LTB Resistance(ignoring the correction factor, f):

M b , Rd

fy
275
= LT W pl , y
= 0.883 1830000
10 6 = 444 .4 kNm
M 1
1 .0

Mb,Rd = 444.4 > 433 kNm= MEd LTB Resistance is ADEQUATE