Web Shear Stress in a Beam
Web Shear Stress in a Beam
In wide-flange beams the web carries almost all the shear, so a simple average over the web area is the standard check.
The web shear stress is τ = V/(d·t_w). where V is the shear force, d the web depth and t_w the web thickness.
Inputs
V := 250 kN=250000 N
d := 450 mm=450 mm
t_w := 9 mm=9 mm
Spread the shear force over the web area.
tau := V/(d·t_w)=61.73 MPa
Results
The web shear stress must stay below the allowable shear (about 0.6 of yield). Thin, deep webs may also need a buckling check.
Assumptions & limitations
- Shear carried by the web only.
- Uniform web stress.
- No web buckling.