Investigation of Web Buckling In Steel Beams

The results of an investigation on the web failure of structural steel beams are reported in this paper. Tests were made on rolled sections as well as on sections made from plates by means of electric arc welding. The depth-thickness ratio of the web of the beams varied considerably; however, all the beams gave indication of initial failure due to shear. At the initial failure of the beam (its yield point), the computed maximum horizontal shearing stress in the web was found to correspond very well with the shearing yield-point stress of the material. The conclusion is drawn that the shearing stresses developed in the web, rather than buckling, determine the usefulness of a beam for depth-thickness ratios of 70 or less. The trend of the relationship indicated that buckling of the web might occur a t a depth-thickness ratio of approximately 80.