California Polytechnic State University SLO
ARCE 212 Structures II
Architectural Engineering Department
Instructor: Nikki Buck
Worksheet 10: Shear Stress
Problem 1:
The beam shown has a maximum shear demand, V = 25 kips and a moment of inertia Ix = 286.7 in4.
a) Calculate the shear stress at the neutral axis (location a) and just below the top flange (location
b). Use the width of the web for both locations.
b) Which location results in larger shear stress and why?
c) What is the maximum shear force the beam can support if the allowable shear stress equals
14.5 ksi?
d) Bous: What is the maximum bending stress on the beam? Does shear or bending control?
Problem 2
A hollow rectangular beam is constructed by nailing pieces of wood together as shown. The beam
has a moment of inertia Ix = 940 in4. Two rows of nails are spaced at 4”o.c. along the top of the beam.
If the allowable shear strength of a single nail equals 275 lbs, find the maximum shear force, V that
the beam can support.
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