Effective length of steel beam.

[tony1851]

A steel beam is being inserted in a 9" brick wall to form a new opening (approx. 4m long). There are no restraints at the ends (other than friction on the padstones, which can't be relied on). There is no floor structure bearing into the wall. Would the effective length have to be > L? If so, any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[jayrod12]

No, but you'd want some form of connection to the brick (or through the brick) why not double angles with thru-bolts?

 

[KootK]

You must justify torsional restraint somewhere along the beam otherwise L = infinity. That can come by way of a moment connection to the wall above.

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.

 

[DaveAtkins]

Are you surrounding each end of the beam with brick? If so, then the beam is braced at each end, and the unbraced length is L.

DaveAtkins