STEELWORK / CON4334
Reference

Plain-English steelwork glossary

Open “Animation lab” beside a teaching step for a visual explanation or a walkthrough of its original expressions. Models are illustrative; source answers remain unchanged.

Chinese–English terminology

Read the unfamiliar word just before you need it. Symbols are local to a formula: for example d may mean bolt diameter in a connection and clear web depth in a section table. Check the definition and unit at the point of use.

Action / load

An applied force, pressure or moment. Keep characteristic and factored values distinct.

See it used in the course.

Animation labFrom characteristic to design load1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. G is permanent load; Q is imposed load. A surface load and a line load also have different units.
  2. This illustration uses the course gravity case . Other combinations in the original text retain their own factors.
  3. For illustrative , change Q and watch each separate contribution.
  4. Do not carry this ULS total automatically into deflection. Follow the stated SLS load case.

Axial force, F or P

Force along the member axis, in kN or N. Compression is Fc in the column equations.

See it used in the course.

Animation labEffective length and buckling axes1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. A column can bow sideways before its section reaches the crushing resistance.
  2. Each axis has its own radius of gyration and restraint spacing.
  3. , with compatible length units. A tie affects only the directions it actually restrains.
  4. Select each buckling curve and compressive strength before forming Pc. The governing axis is determined by resistance, not slenderness alone.

Bearing

Local contact pressure where a bolt pushes against a hole or a support pushes into a beam web. It is not the same mechanism as shear.

See it used in the course.

Animation labBearing and the remaining ligament2 concepts

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. Force transfers through contact between bolt and connected plate.
  2. The plate around the hole carries bearing stress. Bolt bearing and plate bearing are separate checks.
  3. A short ligament can tear out towards the end. The direction of force determines the relevant edge.
  4. Evaluate every specified bearing and ligament bound for each layer and retain the smallest applicable resistance.

Bending moment, M

Turning effect at a cut, force×perpendicular distance, in kN·m or N·mm. Internal moment sign must follow one convention.

See it used in the course.

Animation labCompression and tension across a section1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. For sagging, the top flange is in compression and the bottom in tension; hogging reverses this.
  2. Elastic bending stress varies with distance from the neutral axis: .
  3. The section class governs whether elastic, plastic or effective properties may be used.
  4. Use the shear at the section under examination; the largest shear elsewhere is not automatically coexistent.

Block shear

Failure of a block bounded by shear paths along bolt lines and a tension path across the end.

See it used in the course.

Animation labSeparate the block-shear paths1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. A block containing the connection can detach from the surrounding plate.
  2. The paths parallel to the applied force carry shear.
  3. The closing path across the end of the block carries tension.
  4. Use the specified gross/net deductions and resistance expression. This is different from a single straight net-section fracture.

Buckling

Instability of a compressed member or plate. It can occur before material yield. Restraint and slenderness matter.

See it used in the course.

Animation labEffective length and buckling axes3 concepts

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. A column can bow sideways before its section reaches the crushing resistance.
  2. Each axis has its own radius of gyration and restraint spacing.
  3. , with compatible length units. A tie affects only the directions it actually restrains.
  4. Select each buckling curve and compressive strength before forming Pc. The governing axis is determined by resistance, not slenderness alone.

Centroid

Area-weighted centre of a section, or length-weighted centre of a uniform line-weld group. Measure eccentricity from the centre appropriate to the model.

See it used in the course.

Animation labA weld group is a set of lines1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. The centre is empty: resistance comes from the weld lines, not a solid plate filling the group.
  2. Use line lengths for centroid weighting. Line second moments have units ; add the parallel-axis terms.
  3. Direct force per length is . The eccentric moment adds tangential flow proportional to distance from the centroid.
  4. Combine signed components at every candidate corner, then compare the maximum with throat resistance per length.

Characteristic load, G and Q

The supplied unfactored permanent and imposed loads. Apply the stated combination to obtain design actions.

See it used in the course.

Animation labFrom characteristic to design load1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. G is permanent load; Q is imposed load. A surface load and a line load also have different units.
  2. This illustration uses the course gravity case . Other combinations in the original text retain their own factors.
  3. For illustrative , change Q and watch each separate contribution.
  4. Do not carry this ULS total automatically into deflection. Follow the stated SLS load case.

Class 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Plastic / compact / semi-compact / slender classification in the supplied notation; determines available section resistance.

See it used in the course.

Animation labWhy thin elements buckle locally1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. The flange outstand and web have different widths, thicknesses and edge support conditions.
  2. A thinner plate can wrinkle locally before the complete member loses stability.
  3. Class 1 allows plastic rotation; Class 2 reaches plastic resistance; Class 3 reaches elastic resistance; Class 4 requires effective properties.
  4. Check every relevant compression element with the supplied limits and stress distribution. The deformation shown is qualitative.

Compression flange

The flange shortened by bending: usually top under sagging, bottom under hogging. Its lateral restraint affects LTB.

See it used in the course.

Animation labA beam bends sideways and twists1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. For the illustrated sagging beam the top flange is compressed.
  2. The unrestrained compression flange can move sideways while the complete cross-section twists.
  3. Only effective restraints divide the member into unbraced segments. They do not automatically add vertical supports.
  4. Use the segment effective length, section properties and matching moment factor. This is an exaggerated mode shape, not a calculated displacement.

Dead load, G

Permanent load: slab, finishes and member self-weight where applicable. A mass in kgm must first become force per length.

See it used in the course.

Animation labFrom characteristic to design load1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. G is permanent load; Q is imposed load. A surface load and a line load also have different units.
  2. This illustration uses the course gravity case . Other combinations in the original text retain their own factors.
  3. For illustrative , change Q and watch each separate contribution.
  4. Do not carry this ULS total automatically into deflection. Follow the stated SLS load case.

Deflection, δ or Δ

Displacement of the beam, normally mm. Strength and deflection are separate checks.

See it used in the course.

Animation labSee stiffness and deflection1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. Use the specified SLS load, span and support arrangement. The demonstrator has a full-span UDL.
  2. The loaded beam bends; the deformation is exaggerated so its shape can be seen.
  3. For a simply supported full-span UDL, . Double L with w, E and I unchanged: δ becomes 16 times as large.
  4. The readout uses , and . Select the finish/support-specific limit from the original table.

Design strength, py

Thickness-dependent steel strength in Nmm2. It is not always the number in the steel grade name.

See it used in the course.

Animation labRead a table without losing the keys1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. Name the required property: material strength, section property, buckling strength or a moment factor.
  2. Keep section size, steel grade, thickness band, curve and axis as separate lookup keys.
  3. , and require different conversion powers. Do not use adjacent columns interchangeably.
  4. Use bracketing rows within the same valid column. The original page remains the source of all table values.

Ductility

Ability to deform substantially before fracture; useful for redistribution and warning before failure.

See it used in the course.

Animation labElasticity, yielding and ductility1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. Stress is force divided by area. Strain measures change in length relative to original length.
  2. Before yielding, stress is approximately . E controls the elastic slope.
  3. Further strain includes permanent deformation. Higher yield strength does not by itself increase E.
  4. Strength, stiffness and ductility answer different questions. This schematic is not a measured stress–strain curve.

Eccentricity, e

Perpendicular distance between force line and reference centre/pivot. Creates moment Pe. It is not necessarily the dimension written beside the load arrow.

See it used in the course.

Animation labEccentric reactions and stiffness sharing2 concepts

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. A beam reaction can act away from the column centre even at a nominally pinned beam connection.
  2. . Opposing reactions can cancel part of the signed moment, while both still add compression.
  3. The course simple model distributes the joint moment in proportion to of the columns above and below.
  4. Equal relevant stiffness gives half each. A roof joint with no upper column is a different case.

Effective area, Ae

Area permitted in the resistance formula after relevant hole, shear-lag or slender-element rules. Not interchangeable with gross area Ag.

See it used in the course.

Animation labSubtract holes on the failure path3 concepts

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. Gross area counts the complete plate width and thickness.
  2. The highlighted transverse path passes through the bolt holes.
  3. For the straight illustrative path, . Staggered paths require their specified correction.
  4. Net area is not always effective area. Include the course’s strength ratio or shear-lag rule when applicable.

Effective length, LE

Length representing a stated buckling restraint condition. Flexural, LTB and local-web effective lengths are different quantities.

See it used in the course.

Animation labEffective length and buckling axes3 concepts

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. A column can bow sideways before its section reaches the crushing resistance.
  2. Each axis has its own radius of gyration and restraint spacing.
  3. , with compatible length units. A tie affects only the directions it actually restrains.
  4. Select each buckling curve and compressive strength before forming Pc. The governing axis is determined by resistance, not slenderness alone.

Elastic modulus, Z

Elastic section modulus, mm3. Measures bending resistance at first yield. In this course Z is elastic and S is plastic.

See it used in the course.

Animation labExplore section geometry and axes1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. The flanges are the wide plates; the web connects them. Rotate the I-section to see both.
  2. The same section has different stiffness and resistance about its two principal axes.
  3. I controls elastic curvature; is elastic section modulus. Plastic modulus S comes from plastic stress blocks.
  4. Nominal section labels are not every actual dimension. Keep the row, axis and units together.

End / edge distance

Distance from hole centre to a plate boundary. End distance is along load transfer; edge distance is transverse.

See it used in the course.

Animation labBolt centres, holes and edges1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. Hole diameter d₀ differs from nominal bolt diameter d. Net-section deductions use the specified hole.
  2. Pitch runs along the load direction; gauge measures spacing across rows.
  3. End and edge distances start at the hole centre. The remaining ligament starts at the hole boundary.
  4. Minimum spacing, edge distances, grip and plate thickness come from the specified rules, not this scaled illustration.

Fillet leg, s / throat, a

Leg is the visible side of an equal-leg weld triangle; effective throat a=0.7s for the course 90° fillet.

See it used in the course.

Animation labFrom fillet leg to effective throat1 concept · 1 source expressions

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. An equal-leg fillet between perpendicular plates has an approximately right-triangular section.
  2. For this geometry, throat . It is shorter than the leg.
  3. Effective resisting area = . With here, capacity per length is .
  4. Use the course end allowances, minimum size and length rules; increasing the geometric length alone does not resolve every detailing check.

Flange, B and T

Wide outer plate of I/H section. B is full flange width, T flange thickness. The b in bT is the applicable outstand width.

See it used in the course.

Animation labExplore section geometry and axes2 concepts

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. The flanges are the wide plates; the web connects them. Rotate the I-section to see both.
  2. The same section has different stiffness and resistance about its two principal axes.
  3. I controls elastic curvature; is elastic section modulus. Plastic modulus S comes from plastic stress blocks.
  4. Nominal section labels are not every actual dimension. Keep the row, axis and units together.

Gauge / pitch

Transverse spacing between fastener lines / longitudinal spacing along a line. Both are measured between centres.

See it used in the course.

Animation labBolt centres, holes and edges1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. Hole diameter d₀ differs from nominal bolt diameter d. Net-section deductions use the specified hole.
  2. Pitch runs along the load direction; gauge measures spacing across rows.
  3. End and edge distances start at the hole centre. The remaining ligament starts at the hole boundary.
  4. Minimum spacing, edge distances, grip and plate thickness come from the specified rules, not this scaled illustration.

Gross area, Ag

Full cross-sectional steel area before deductions, mm2.

See it used in the course.

Animation labSubtract holes on the failure path1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. Gross area counts the complete plate width and thickness.
  2. The highlighted transverse path passes through the bolt holes.
  3. For the straight illustrative path, . Staggered paths require their specified correction.
  4. Net area is not always effective area. Include the course’s strength ratio or shear-lag rule when applicable.

Imposed load, Q

Variable occupancy/use load. Called live load in many questions. The imposed-load deflection check uses the specified unfactored value.

See it used in the course.

Animation labSee stiffness and deflection2 concepts

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. Use the specified SLS load, span and support arrangement. The demonstrator has a full-span UDL.
  2. The loaded beam bends; the deformation is exaggerated so its shape can be seen.
  3. For a simply supported full-span UDL, . Double L with w, E and I unchanged: δ becomes 16 times as large.
  4. The readout uses , and . Select the finish/support-specific limit from the original table.

Interaction

An equation combining utilization from simultaneous actions. Its permitted limit depends on the actual equation.

See it used in the course.

Animation labCombined actions share resistance1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. Shear and tension, or compression and bending, must refer to the same bolt or checked section.
  2. Divide every action by the resistance prescribed for that term.
  3. The bars illustrate a linear sum only. Bolt interaction can have a different limit and individual checks; retain the original expression.
  4. A pass in one interaction does not prove all failure modes pass. Read the exact calculation in the source player below.

Lateral restraint

Attachment preventing sideways motion of the relevant flange. Does not automatically provide vertical support.

See it used in the course.

Animation labA beam bends sideways and twists1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. For the illustrated sagging beam the top flange is compressed.
  2. The unrestrained compression flange can move sideways while the complete cross-section twists.
  3. Only effective restraints divide the member into unbraced segments. They do not automatically add vertical supports.
  4. Use the segment effective length, section properties and matching moment factor. This is an exaggerated mode shape, not a calculated displacement.

Lateral-torsional buckling, LTB

A bending member moves sideways and twists. Weak-axis radius and torsional properties enter the resistance calculation.

See it used in the course.

Animation labA beam bends sideways and twists1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. For the illustrated sagging beam the top flange is compressed.
  2. The unrestrained compression flange can move sideways while the complete cross-section twists.
  3. Only effective restraints divide the member into unbraced segments. They do not automatically add vertical supports.
  4. Use the segment effective length, section properties and matching moment factor. This is an exaggerated mode shape, not a calculated displacement.

Line inertia, J=Ix+Iy for a weld

Integral of squared distance along a weld line, in mm3. Do not confuse it with solid-section second moment of area in mm4.

See it used in the course.

Animation labA weld group is a set of lines1 concept · 1 source expressions

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. The centre is empty: resistance comes from the weld lines, not a solid plate filling the group.
  2. Use line lengths for centroid weighting. Line second moments have units ; add the parallel-axis terms.
  3. Direct force per length is . The eccentric moment adds tangential flow proportional to distance from the centroid.
  4. Combine signed components at every candidate corner, then compare the maximum with throat resistance per length.

Moment factor, m or mLT

Dimensionless factor representing the moment distribution for a specific member-instability check. It does not reduce the actual section moment.

See it used in the course.

Animation labRead the moment shape within one segment1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. Moment ordinates must belong to the same effective unbraced segment.
  2. Same-side and reverse-curvature diagrams have different signed end ratios.
  3. The markers show ¼, ½ and ¾ of this segment, not of the entire beam.
  4. LTB and column flexural factors are different. Preserve their individual bounds and coefficient sets.

Net area, An

Area left after holes across a candidate failure section; staggered paths require the supplied correction.

See it used in the course.

Animation labSubtract holes on the failure path1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. Gross area counts the complete plate width and thickness.
  2. The highlighted transverse path passes through the bolt holes.
  3. For the straight illustrative path, . Staggered paths require their specified correction.
  4. Net area is not always effective area. Include the course’s strength ratio or shear-lag rule when applicable.

Nominal bolt tension, Pnom

0.8Atpt in the course interaction model. Distinguish it from individual Pt=Atpt.

See it used in the course.

Animation labOut-of-plane bolt tension and prying1 concept · 1 source expressions

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. A bracket moment can create compression at the plate contact and tension in the bolt rows.
  2. The original assumed pivot/compression line determines each row distance.
  3. Under the elastic row model, a farther tension row attracts more tension. Direct shear may act simultaneously.
  4. Flexible plates can add prying force. Use nominal tension and interaction rules exactly as specified by the course.

Plastic modulus, S

Plastic section modulus, mm3, used for eligible Class 1/2 resistance with the prescribed cap.

See it used in the course.

Animation labExplore section geometry and axes1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. The flanges are the wide plates; the web connects them. Rotate the I-section to see both.
  2. The same section has different stiffness and resistance about its two principal axes.
  3. I controls elastic curvature; is elastic section modulus. Plastic modulus S comes from plastic stress blocks.
  4. Nominal section labels are not every actual dimension. Keep the row, axis and units together.

Prying

Extra bolt tension caused by deformation/contact in the connected plate or flange. A no-prying approximation needs its applicability conditions.

See it used in the course.

Animation labOut-of-plane bolt tension and prying1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. A bracket moment can create compression at the plate contact and tension in the bolt rows.
  2. The original assumed pivot/compression line determines each row distance.
  3. Under the elastic row model, a farther tension row attracts more tension. Direct shear may act simultaneously.
  4. Flexible plates can add prying force. Use nominal tension and interaction rules exactly as specified by the course.

Radius of gyration, r

r=IA, a length. A smaller r gives larger slenderness for the same effective length.

See it used in the course.

Animation labExplore section geometry and axes1 concept · 1 source expressions

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. The flanges are the wide plates; the web connects them. Rotate the I-section to see both.
  2. The same section has different stiffness and resistance about its two principal axes.
  3. I controls elastic curvature; is elastic section modulus. Plastic modulus S comes from plastic stress blocks.
  4. Nominal section labels are not every actual dimension. Keep the row, axis and units together.

Reaction

Force or moment supplied by a support to maintain equilibrium. Transfer a secondary beam reaction as a primary-beam load.

See it used in the course.

Animation labBalance reactions and moments1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. This demonstrator is a simply supported 6 m beam with a 60 kN point load; it is not the page’s original loading diagram.
  2. . Moving the load towards B increases .
  3. . The two upward reactions must sum to P.
  4. With the load at midspan, . End couples, UDLs and overhangs require their own equilibrium terms.

Second moment of area, I

Integral of area×distance2, in mm4. Controls elastic bending stiffness EI. It is not an area or section modulus.

See it used in the course.

Animation labExplore section geometry and axes1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. The flanges are the wide plates; the web connects them. Rotate the I-section to see both.
  2. The same section has different stiffness and resistance about its two principal axes.
  3. I controls elastic curvature; is elastic section modulus. Plastic modulus S comes from plastic stress blocks.
  4. Nominal section labels are not every actual dimension. Keep the row, axis and units together.

Section resistance, Mc or Vc

Capacity of the local cross-section. Member buckling may impose an additional lower resistance.

See it used in the course.

Animation labCompression and tension across a section2 concepts

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. For sagging, the top flange is in compression and the bottom in tension; hogging reverses this.
  2. Elastic bending stress varies with distance from the neutral axis: .
  3. The section class governs whether elastic, plastic or effective properties may be used.
  4. Use the shear at the section under examination; the largest shear elsewhere is not automatically coexistent.

Shear force, V

Transverse force at a cut, in kN; related to the slope of the BMD. A point load causes a jump in the SFD.

See it used in the course.

Animation labBuild the shear and moment diagrams2 concepts

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. For the illustrative 60 kN point load on a 6 m simply supported beam, balance the reactions before making a cut.
  2. and before the point load. Moment grows linearly.
  3. Shear jumps down by P. To its right, and .
  4. For this case, moment is continuous and returns to zero at B. A concentrated applied couple instead creates a moment jump.

Shear lag

Uneven tensile stress because only part of a section is directly connected; the course reduces outstanding-leg contribution.

See it used in the course.

Animation labWhy a connected angle leg matters1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. Locate the connected leg, outstanding leg and centroid before using the table.
  2. Only the connected leg directly receives the fastener force.
  3. The outstanding area may not become equally effective at the same section; this motivates the effective-area rule.
  4. Bolted, welded, single-angle and double-angle details can have different rules. Preserve the formula attached to the original case.

Slenderness, λ

Dimensionless LEr for member buckling. Equivalent LTB slenderness λLT additionally includes u,v and βW.

See it used in the course.

Animation labEffective length and buckling axes2 concepts

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. A column can bow sideways before its section reaches the crushing resistance.
  2. Each axis has its own radius of gyration and restraint spacing.
  3. , with compatible length units. A tie affects only the directions it actually restrains.
  4. Select each buckling curve and compressive strength before forming Pc. The governing axis is determined by resistance, not slenderness alone.

Stiff bearing length, b1

Effective length of sufficiently stiff contact spreading a concentrated force into the web. Not automatically the entire plate width.

See it used in the course.

Animation labSpread a concentrated force into the web1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. A concentrated reaction first enters through the bearing/contact region.
  2. The flange and root geometry spread the force before it enters the web.
  3. A wider effective bearing region can reduce local stress for the same force.
  4. End distance, stiff bearing length and restraint conditions must come from the original question. This slider is illustrative only.

Strut curve, a/b/c/d

Buckling-resistance family selected by section type, thickness and axis before reading pc.

See it used in the course.

Animation labEffective length and buckling axes1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. A column can bow sideways before its section reaches the crushing resistance.
  2. Each axis has its own radius of gyration and restraint spacing.
  3. , with compatible length units. A tie affects only the directions it actually restrains.
  4. Select each buckling curve and compressive strength before forming Pc. The governing axis is determined by resistance, not slenderness alone.

Tributary width / area

Loaded slab region whose load reaches a beam or column under the stated one-way/load-path model.

See it used in the course.

Animation labFollow the floor load in 3D1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. The floor carries pressure in . The highlighted strip belongs to one secondary beam.
  2. Multiply pressure by tributary width: . The illustration uses .
  3. A primary beam receives the secondary beam reaction at their connection, not a new full-span UDL.
  4. Trace reactions down to columns and foundations. Count each loaded area once.

ULS / SLS

Ultimate limit state: strength/stability. Serviceability limit state: usable performance such as deflection.

See it used in the course.

Animation labTwo different design questions1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. ULS compares factored actions with the applicable resistance to yielding, rupture or instability.
  2. SLS checks movement, vibration or another specified use requirement.
  3. A beam can be strong enough but deflect too much. The two checks need their own loads and denominators.
  4. A resistance pass cannot stand in for a serviceability pass. Complete all requested checks.

Utilization

Demand divided by matching resistance, or the specified interaction sum. State the actual allowable limit.

See it used in the course.

Animation labCombined actions share resistance1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. Shear and tension, or compression and bending, must refer to the same bolt or checked section.
  2. Divide every action by the resistance prescribed for that term.
  3. The bars illustrate a linear sum only. Bolt interaction can have a different limit and individual checks; retain the original expression.
  4. A pass in one interaction does not prove all failure modes pass. Read the exact calculation in the source player below.

Web, t, D and d

Thin connecting plate of I/H section; t web thickness, D overall section depth, d clear web depth.

See it used in the course.

Animation labExplore section geometry and axes2 concepts

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. The flanges are the wide plates; the web connects them. Rotate the I-section to see both.
  2. The same section has different stiffness and resistance about its two principal axes.
  3. I controls elastic curvature; is elastic section modulus. Plastic modulus S comes from plastic stress blocks.
  4. Nominal section labels are not every actual dimension. Keep the row, axis and units together.

Young’s modulus, E

Elastic stress/strain slope, 205000Nmm2 in this course. Increasing grade does not change this course value.

See it used in the course.

Animation labElasticity, yielding and ductility1 concept

Supplement to the original lesson. Enable JavaScript to play, step through calculations and rotate 3D models. The following explanation remains readable offline.

  1. Stress is force divided by area. Strain measures change in length relative to original length.
  2. Before yielding, stress is approximately . E controls the elastic slope.
  3. Further strain includes permanent deformation. Higher yield strength does not by itself increase E.
  4. Strength, stiffness and ductility answer different questions. This schematic is not a measured stress–strain curve.