Question

The value of kv in the elastic critical shear stress equation for c/d < 1 is given by

(a) 4.0 – [5.35/(c/d)].

(b) 4.0 + [5.35/(c/d)^2].

(c) 5.35 + [4/(c/d)^2].

(d) 5.35 – [4/(c/d)].

The question was posed to me in an interview for internship.

This intriguing question comes from Web Panel Subjected to Shear in chapter Gantry Girders, Design of Plate Girders & Industrial Buildings of Design of Steel Structures

Answer 1

Correct choice is (b) 4.0 + [5.35/(c/d)^2].

Easiest explanation: The value of kv in the elastic critical shear stress equation is given by kv = 5.35 when transverse stiffeners are provided only at supports, kv = 4.0 + [5.35/(c/d)^2] for c/d < 1.0, kv = 5.35 + [4/(c/d)^2] for c/d ≥ 1.0, where c and d are spacing of transverse stiffeners and depth of web respectively.