AISC 360-22
AISC 360-22 Chapter G | Shear Strength of Steel Members
Shear in a steel member is carried almost entirely by its web. Depending on the web's slenderness (depth-to-thickness ratio), it may buckle before it yields in shear.
Governing Formula
Variables
Nominal shear strength
kips or kN
Specified minimum yield stress of web
ksi or MPa
Area of the web (depth * thickness)
in² or mm²
Web shear strength coefficient
unitless
Quick Example
1
Determine web slenderness
Calculate h/tw for the section to determine if the web yields or buckles.
2
Calculate web area
Compute the gross area of the web.
3
Calculate limiting stress
Most rolled W-shapes have compact webs so Cv1 = 1.0.
When does this govern?
Shear governs for short, heavily loaded beams like transfer girders and beams subjected to high concentrated point loads near the supports.
Common Mistake
Using Chapter G for built-up plate girders without considering transverse stiffeners and tension field action, missing out on massive capacity increases.