The Ultimate Shearing Strength of Timber I-beams with Hardboard Webs

The parameters affecting the ultimate shear capacity of two-bay prototype beams have been examined using dimensional analysis; in particular, the importance of web slenderness and flange stiffness has been demonstrated. Design charts, which take into account the postbuckling behaviour of the web, have been proposed for beams having a clear web depth up to 600 mm. Values taken from the charts indicate that the current design procedure for beams with slender webs grossly underestimates their shear capacity.

B.O. Hilson and P.D. Rodd