Tapered beam design 1

[MIStructE_IRE]

Hi,

What is the best approach to a tapered bean design? Specifically a tapered steel cantilever.

I could say divide it into 1m sections and check the average moment capacity if each one, but what would the effective length of each one be? Would it be the full effective length of the cantilever?

Thanks

 

[SAIL3]

yes...

 

[KootK]

Would it be the full effective length of the cantilever?

It might be considerably more than that depending on your bracing condition at the tip, the position of the load etc. Good reference below for tapered sections.

 

[MIStructE_IRE]

Agreed, up to multiples of the length itself for the effective length of course depending on specific conditions. However i cant seem to find any great guidance on them here in the UK.. I’ll check out that document though.

Cheers

 

[KootK]

Might be worth rooting around UK bridge design docs. Those folks are no strangers to tapered members.