Concentrated load applied to top flange of W-shape
Concentrated load applied to top flange of W-shape
(OP)
I'm considering ways to eliminate the resulting torsion from a 3 kip horizontal concentrated load applied to the top flange of a W-shape and would like some opinions.
The space between the flanges on one side of the beam have to remain clear of obstructions and a wide flange has to be used. I'm also limited in size so I can't use a stout wide flange and just design for torsion.
What I'm considering is using a full depth stiffener on one side of the beam at the location of the concentrated load to transfer the load to the bottom flange, and then provide a strut on the bottom of the beam to transfer the load to another member.
Feedback on this detail is appreciated as well as alternate solutions.
The space between the flanges on one side of the beam have to remain clear of obstructions and a wide flange has to be used. I'm also limited in size so I can't use a stout wide flange and just design for torsion.
What I'm considering is using a full depth stiffener on one side of the beam at the location of the concentrated load to transfer the load to the bottom flange, and then provide a strut on the bottom of the beam to transfer the load to another member.
Feedback on this detail is appreciated as well as alternate solutions.






RE: Concentrated load applied to top flange of W-shape
RE: Concentrated load applied to top flange of W-shape
The connection of the two beams would have to be a moment connection, but this is the simplest way I can think of in doing it.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Concentrated load applied to top flange of W-shape
Unfortunately the post can't be added.
msquared48-
I can't add a transverse beam.
RE: Concentrated load applied to top flange of W-shape
RE: Concentrated load applied to top flange of W-shape
RE: Concentrated load applied to top flange of W-shape
RE: Concentrated load applied to top flange of W-shape
RE: Concentrated load applied to top flange of W-shape
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Concentrated load applied to top flange of W-shape
RE: Concentrated load applied to top flange of W-shape
Can this force be both tension and compression?
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Concentrated load applied to top flange of W-shape
This concept works if:
* the strut and other member can sustain 3 kips force horizontally.
* the strut is connected to the stiffener to resist a moment of 3k*depth of WF.
Without the moment connection, the concept does not work.
BA
RE: Concentrated load applied to top flange of W-shape
RE: Concentrated load applied to top flange of W-shape
Can you post a sketch?
RE: Concentrated load applied to top flange of W-shape
RE: Concentrated load applied to top flange of W-shape
RE: Concentrated load applied to top flange of W-shape
The force is only applied in one direction.
No members have been designed yet as I'm only trying to look at load paths at this point, but the beam is required to be a WF.
I considered plating one side of the beam to form a tube as StructuralEIT suggested, but then started to brainstorm alternate ways to do this.
My thinking with the torsion is that since it's located at one point along the top flange, then the force could be transferred to a strut on the bottom flange.
Keep in mind when viewing the sketch that no member can be located in between the flanges on the left side of the beam or the top of the beam.
RE: Concentrated load applied to top flange of W-shape
RE: Concentrated load applied to top flange of W-shape
The member on the bottom cannot be just a strut, which implies axial compression only. It also has to develop the moment P*d where d = the depth of the WF. If it can do that and if the other member to which it is attached is stiff enough, your detail should be adequate.
An angle stiffener with the outstanding leg away from the web would be stiffer than a plate. Looks like the 'strut' should be deeper.
BA
RE: Concentrated load applied to top flange of W-shape