Overview

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Design of Steel Beams for Flexure is a practical engineering course focused on how structural steel elements resist bending, shear, and complex combined stresses. It bridges structural theory with code-compliant design for members carrying transverse loads—vital for frameworks in high-rises, industrial platforms, and crane runways. Learners will progress from beam classification and lateral-torsional buckling to the design of laterally supported and unsupported sections. The curriculum covers specialized heavy-duty components like plate girders and gantry girders (handling web crippling and buckling), and culminates in the analysis of beam-columns under combined axial force and bending. Learning Objectives By the end of this course, learners will be able to: Evaluate Flexural Stability: Classify cross-sections and analyze critical stability limits, including plastic hinge formation, torsion, warping, and lateral-torsional buckling. Prevent Local Web Failures: Assess and design against localized structural failures, specifically web buckling, web crippling, and shear failure modes. Size Heavy-Duty Girders: Proportion and engineer large-scale plate girders and industrial gantry girders according to standard code provisions and wheel-load criteria. Design Beam-Columns: Apply interaction equations ($P\text{--}M$ relationships) to safely design structural members subjected to simultaneous axial loads and bending moments. Deliver Complete Designs: Use systematic engineering procedures to select, analyze, and detail standard steel beams, purlins, and complex flexural systems. Target Learners & Background: Civil & Structural Engineering Students Early-Career Structural Engineers Industrial Plant Designers & Fabricators

Syllabus

Beams - Types and Behaviour

This module introduces the fundamental behavior and types of beams used in structural systems. It covers loading conditions, section classification, and key concepts such as plastic hinge formation and shape factor. The effects of shear centre, torsion, warping, and lateral torsional buckling on beam stability are discussed. The module also focuses on understanding failure modes and overall performance of beams under different conditions.

Design of Beams

This module focuses on the design principles and behavior of steel beams under various loading conditions. It covers shear strength, web buckling, web crippling, and effective length considerations. The design of both laterally supported and unsupported beams is discussed in detail with step-by-step procedures. The module also includes the design of purlins along with practical numerical examples.

Design of Plate Girder

This module introduces plate girders, their components, types, and design requirements as per standard codes. It covers key aspects such as shear strength, web panel behavior, and lateral torsional buckling. The proportioning and step-by-step design of plate girders are discussed with practical examples. The module also includes gantry girders, focusing on loads, features, and design procedures.

Design of Beam-Column (Compression member with combined Axial and Bending force)

This module introduces beam-columns subjected to combined axial load and bending. It covers the behavior of short and long beam-columns along with interaction concepts such as P–M relationship and P–Δ effects. Various failure modes and design strength criteria are discussed based on code provisions. The module also includes step-by-step design procedures supported by solved examples.