bending coefficient "Cb" - W-beams with unbraced length > Lu 1

The key phrase is "within an unbraced length". If you have a simply supported beam that has a continuous lateral restraint on the compression flange (such as a metal deck or concrete slab) then you effectively have a zero unbraced length and the Cb factor doesn't apply because your Fb = 0.66Fy.

However, if you have SOME kind of intermittent lateral bracing, you have portions of the compression flange along the beam that is unbraced. Each of these portions have a length, L that is used in the calculation of unbraced length.

So let's say you have a point load in the middle of the span and that point load has lateral restraint capability. You then have two half-span lengths of beam that are unbraced. Assuming a symmetrical arrangement, you would look at only half the span with zero moment at the end and you maximum moment at the other end (at the midspan). You then design your beam for the maximum M with a Cb calculated based on M1 = 0 and M2 = M(max). This leaves Cb = 1.75 in the ASD.

If you have other braces creating various and different lengths of beam unbraced between, you have to check each and every section of unbraced length for the maximum moment within that unbraced length.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the advice. I forgot to mention that, yes, all the beams that I'm dealing with have the unbraced length greater than Lu.

I also just talked to an expert structural engineer, and he informed me that when analizing a trolley beam used for lifting, Lu can be assumed almost double due to the bottom load not generating the beams tendancy to laterally buckle.

That would only be if the load was applied at the bottom flange. If you had a trolley that was supported on the top flange, and hanging down on either side, the beam has a greater tendency to buckle laterally.

example
Have a W12x16 beam, 50'-0" lg. The ends are supported by top plated columns. There is no load on the beam except the weight from the beam itself(assume no lateral force for example). Question is this: Will the beam fail in bending due to the unbraced length of 50'-0"?

bjm