Curved WT Beam 2

[cpiedra23]

i have an architect who would like a curved WT9x38 beam, with the flange on the outer most radius of the curve. The radius is about 5'4" and makes a half a circle.

i'm worried whether this is possible with the WT beam. i see the web buckling during bending but what do i know. could make this with plates but they'd like the radius.

 

[jayrod12]

When it comes to bending, I've always found it best to contact a few of the local fabricators to determine what is and isn't possible. This varies with location.

 

[hokie66]

jayrod is correct. No point in asking us, ask a fabricator, or a few.

 

[KootK]

Check out this article: Link.

In summary:

1) Use their recommended tool to figure out what might be possible with a W-shape rolled the hard way.
2) Assume, at worst, that your WT might be rolled as a W before being cut into a T.
3) Per jayrod, hokie, and the article, call a fabricator to confirm.

Or just skip to #3. Your call.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[KootK]

Now that I think on it, potentially rolling a W18 to a 5' radius the hard way sounds rather challenging.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[cpiedra23]

thanks guys. i did contact a few and they basically said "hahahaha." cheers.

 

[ColinPearson]

KootK, REALLY hard is what I was immediately thinking. As a follow up, do you know if fabricators will even roll a WT (or ST) after it was already a "T"? I would assume htey'd roll a W (or S) and then rip it down, but I'm not sure.

 

[KootK]

I don't know the answer to that Colin. I was guessing that the rolling would occur as a W too. That would help with the stem buckling issue which I would think would cause all manner of headaches. It hurts my head to think of what the residual stress pattern would be for the member after you roll it an cut it.

I specified WT rolled the easy way for a curvy truss chord one time. No push back.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[dhengr]

Cpiedra23:
You might have better luck with a 12" channel with the toes in, or with a 12"x4" HSS. Depending upon how it is loaded and what it actually does, I would fabricate it with a 12" x .5" flange and a .5" thk. stem. I might allow that the stem be cut in two 90̊ sectors and welded back together to make up the full half circle.

 

[KootK]

I actually feel as though it should be possible to roll the WT as a WT with a suitable stem thickness. I've seen rolled angles of similar proportions. Maybe talk to these guys:Link. If necessary, try two angles bolted together back to back. Industrial chic damn it.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[ColinPearson]

Koot -thanks, just curious... I'd not really want to see that rolled WT either!

cpiedra23 - Can the architect handle some welding being present? You could get this entire thing cut out of one PL0.75" 5'x10' and weld it all up AND have enough drop left over to make a bomb-proof mailbox!. Just a thought.

 

[canwesteng]

Could you not heat it to relieve stress before buckling and then bend some more? Probably a real pain to do though

 

[Tmoose]

How many do you need?

I'd try it at home.

"Contraction as a friend in need" by Holt has some useful procedures and examples

http://www.linde-gas.com/internet.g...aper_Flame straightening_RZ_VIEW17_130445.pdf

These guys claim the bend Tees stem ni or stem out.

http://www.cmrp.com/tee_bending