Shear Force Distribution at Eccentric Web Openings

The main objective of the elastic rests was to determine the amount of shearing force carried by the tee sections above the opening, V_T, and below the opening, V_B. This shearing force distribution is required to apply the approximate Vierendeel method for determining the elastic stresses. In the experimental investigation, linear strain gages were used to obtain strain distributions. These curves were numerically integrated to determine the moments at sections a specific distance apart and the shearing forces were then found from equilibrium requirements. In the finite element study both normal stresses and shearing stresses were used to find the shearing forces. These results are compared to those obtained from five theoretical formulas for V_T/V_B. Curves comparing the normal stresses found by the different methods and curves showing the effect of the addition of reinforcing bars are presented.