Beam Web Stiffener Locations

[eit09]

I’m currently checking a Wide flange for required stiffeners per 13th Ed sect J10. I have attached a sketch of the current web stiffener layout. Usually I place the web stiffener directly under the load but in this case the load is split between the two angles and instead of placing a stiffener under each angle I placed it in-between the loaded angles. Is there any where in the code or design references concerning stiffener placement?

 

[BAretired]

eit09,

Instead of using a single plate stiffener, I would suggest a split 3" HSS stiffener each side of the web. That way you get bearing directly under the load points.

BA

 

[csd72]

now i know that it is in compression, it looks fine to me.

 

[a2mfk]

Or upsize the beam and eliminate four stiffeners x however many beams you have with this condition.

AISC.org - I think its free, yes its for columns but for stiffener selection its based on flange local stress, so I don't see the difference (but reserve the right to be wrong..)


Clean Columns v3.1 calculates the minimum weight column section that can be used without stiffeners and/or double plates to develop a specified percentage of a selected beam’s plastic moment capacity based on the criteria in AISC Design Guide #13. Clean Columns prompts the user to provide loads and member sizes. This tool then identifies the lightest column section that can be used without stiffeners and/or double plates.

Column stiffeners can increase the cost of a moment connection by an equivalent 1000 pounds of steel. With structural steel still selling at 1970s prices, you can increase the column size by more that 100 lb/ft to eliminate stiffeners and doubler plates and still save money--proving once again that least weight is not least cost.

As part of the Steel Solutions Center on the AISC website, the Steel Tools™ section makes designing with Steel easier than ever before. “AISC’s Steel Tools are developed by the Steel Solutions Center in conjunction with experienced members of the institute’s technical committees and other leading industry experts,” explained Roberta Marstellar, P.E., Steel Solutions Center Director. “As a result, Clean Columns v3.1 is a very comprehensive resource for both veteran and younger designers. Our goal is to provide online tools that help make designers more efficient when working with steel.”