20.3.1. Failure Modes and Classification of Steel Beams

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is a plastic hinge?

   Hint

   Think about where yielding occurs in a beam.

2. 2.

   List the three classifications of steel beam sections.

   Hint

   Remember the types of buckling behavior.

3. 3.

   What happens at a plastic hinge?

   • The beam breaks
   • The beam rotates without a moment increase
   • The beam supports more load

   Hint

   Focus on the behavior of material at its yield point.

4. 4.

   True or False: A compact section can buckle under maximum load.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider the definition and capabilities of a compact beam.

5. 5.

   Design a single-span beam that supports a specified load. Classify the section and justify that classification.

   Hint

   Don’t forget to evaluate the width-to-thickness ratio!

6. 6.

   Analyze a fail scenario where a beam experiences plastic hinge formation and local buckling. Suggest design modifications to improve performance.

   Hint

   Consider overloading and geometric properties of the sections analyzed.