Do Stiffeners resist torsion in W-Shape?
Do Stiffeners resist torsion in W-Shape?
(OP)
Is adding transverse stiffeners to a wide flange beam a viable option to resiste torsion? We have had this discussion in every company I worked for, whether adding stiffeners at so often along the length of the member will increase the torsional properties of the beam. If this is the case, can you point me to a reference on how to size and space the stiffeners. I have already looked at Design Guide 9.






RE: Do Stiffeners resist torsion in W-Shape?
If there is a deck welded to the top flange of the beam, a small amount of torsion could be taken out of the beam by the deck--in this case, the stiffeners will help.
DaveAtkins
RE: Do Stiffeners resist torsion in W-Shape?
RE: Do Stiffeners resist torsion in W-Shape?
RE: Do Stiffeners resist torsion in W-Shape?
RE: Do Stiffeners resist torsion in W-Shape?
RE: Do Stiffeners resist torsion in W-Shape?
An example: You have a sky walk that is comprised of two 36" deep wide flanges spaced, say, 8 feet apart. The deck of the skywalk is a steel channel, metal deck, concrete slab assembly with the channels spanning from bottom chord of WF to bottom chord....i.e. the deck is set down low and the WF beam compression flanges are about 3 feet above the deck....with no lateral bracing.
You can use vertical web stiffners, rigidly attached to the cross channels such that you have an effective, rigid, "U" shape comprised of vertical stiffner, horizontal channel, and then vertical stiffner.
Thus, the stiffners can laterally resist the lateral buckling of the top flanges because of their rigid connection to the deck channels.
RE: Do Stiffeners resist torsion in W-Shape?
RE: Do Stiffeners resist torsion in W-Shape?
RE: Do Stiffeners resist torsion in W-Shape?
RE: Do Stiffeners resist torsion in W-Shape?