Beam Labeling 36" WF - 170" x 60'-0"

[CWEngineer]

I obtained the WF beam from a 1940 Plans. I was trying to find that section' propertiesin the Manual of Steel Construction Allowable Stress Design, Ninth Edition - but was not able to find WF. Is WF a W in the steel manual? Or do I have to look this information in older reference manual?

Thanks

 

[WMO]

W36x170

 

[UcfSE]

"WF" is the wide flange designation used prior to "W".

 

[CWEngineer]

THANKS

 

[SlideRuleEra]

gman1 - There are quite a few factors to consider when analyzing an older structure. For starters in your case:

36WF170 (manufactured in 1940) have slightly lower values for I, S, etc. than the W36x170 in the current AISC manual.

In 1940, two companies manufactured 36WF170 (Carnegie Brothers - forerunner to US Steel and Bethlehem). There are minor dimensional differences between the two manufacturers.

Structural steel yield strength in 1940 was a nominal 33 KSI (not 36 KSI)

Maximum allowable bending stress in 1940 was a nominal 18 KSI (not 24 KSI or 22 KSI).

The (1940) allowable stress computations for laterally unsupported beams was different than today.

There is more to consider.

Properties for historic shapes can be obtained for AISC Design Guide 15, at this link

http://www.aisc.org/Template.cfm?Se...=/Ecommerce/ProductDisplay.cfm&ProductID=1138

A 60 ft. span for a (vintage 1940) 36WF170 is long. It is "on the charts", but just barely. Make sure you check it properly.

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net