Shear Analysis of Tapered Beams

The shear stress distribution of tapered beams is investigated using a theory based on linear elasticity. The theory is applicable to wide flange or box tapered Hookean beams. Conventionally the shear stress distribution is assumed to be uniform with the external shear carried solely by the web. By the proposed theory significant shears are carried by the flanges. Based on the proposed theory a simplified analysis procedure is described. Simply calculate the vertical components of the flange flexural load and subtract and add them from the total vertical shear. The resulting shear is assumed to be carried by the web as a relatively uniform stress distribution. In comparison with the finite element analysis and the classical wedge theory close agreement was observed.