STRUCTURAL MECHANICS PART 1

From Tom Cascella, Towson State University

Designees and technicians must understand the relationship of three factors when they design beams (stringers) for
platforms on the stage. These three factors are the SECTION MODULUS, HORIZONTAL SHEAR, and DEFORMATION.
This is a first in a series on this aspect of structural mechanics and for this issue we will focus on the SECTION
MODULUS factor.
Every piece of lumber used to structurally frame a standard platform (with a 3/4" plywood top) has a Section Modulus
whether you like it or not. In fact the Section Modulus of a 2x4 is 3.06 inches 3. If the 2x4 is balsa wood or oak the Section
Modulus is the same 3.06 inches 3. That's right. They are the same because the formula for determining the ACTUAL
Section Modulus of a structural member is based on the cross-sectional area of wood (depth and width) not the internal
relationship of the fibers of the wood type or the present or potential loading conditions. There is a formula you can use to
determine the developed or required section modules based on the load and the species and grade lumber.
The two formulas used to determine the Section Modules of a structural member are:
ACTUAL SECTION MODULUS OF A PIECE OF WOOD:
S= b (d^2) / 6
This formula takes four elements into consideration:
1) The size and shape of the beams cross-section (S)
2) The dressed width of the beam on the horizontal axis (b)
3) The dressed depth of the beam on the vertical axis (d)
4) A universal constant (6)
Therefore, for a typical 2x4 used in the construction of a platform the Section Modulus is 3.06 inches 3.
S= b (d^2) / 6
S= 1.5" (3.5" ^ 2) / 6
S= 3.06 inches 3
FORMULA FOR REQUIRED SECTION MODULUS DETERMINED BY LOADING AND SPECIES AND GRADE OF
LUMBER:
S = ( Maximum Bending Moment ) / ( Extreme Fibre in Bending )
or S = M / F
This section modulus formula takes three elements into consideration:
1) The size and shape of the beams cross-section (S).
2) The tendency of the load to cause rotation or bending (M). (determined by a formula for this loading condition concentrated load in the center of the span.)
3) The species and grade of the lumber used for the beam (F). (Determined by the American Lumber Association for
specific species and grades of lumber you intend to use.
NOTE:

S = M / F is used to determine the required (developed) section modules based on the loading condition and the species
and grade of lumber and S= b (d^2) / 6 is used to determine the actual section modules based on the width and depth of a
particular structural member.
Let's try to solve a structural problem using the six steps required' to determine the proper Section Modules for a
concentrated load; in the center of a span:
A) Compute the maximum bending moment. ( M = P ( L ) / 4 ) .
B) Determine the extreme fiber in bending for the species and grade of lumber that you intend to use. (American Lumber
Assoc.)
C) Substitute the values for .the variables (M and F) into the section modules formula.
D) Solve for the required section modulus.
E) Determine the proper size beam by using the section modulus formula, S = b ( d ^ 2 ) / 6, that takes into consideration
the cross-sectional area of the structural member rather than the loading condition or the species and grade of lumber.
F) Determine if the weight the chosen beam changes the required section modulus above the actual section modulus.
EXAMPLE:
Q: A simple beam has a span of 8'-0" and supports a 200# concentrated load (an actor) in the center of the span. What
size beam is needed to support the load if you use Southern Pine, No. 2 grade lumber?
A: 1) Compute the maximum bending moment (standard formula) for this loading condition. M = P ( L ) / 4 :
M = 200# / 8'-0" / 4
M = 400'# - (read 400 footpounds)
2) Determine the extreme fiber in bending for the species and grade of lumber to be used (standard factor established by
the American Lumber Association based on certified tests).
F = 1,400 psi.
3) Substitute these values into the section modules formula:
S = M / F or
S = 400'# ( 12 ) / 1,400 psi
NOTE: In the formula above, you will notice that the top part of the formula had to be multiplied by 12 inches because you
can't divide footpounds by pounds per inch. The value of M must be changed to inches because F is expressed in psi.
4) Solve for the required section modules:
S = 4,800"# / 1,400 psi
S = 3.428 inches 3.
The developed (required) section modules needed for this loading condition and this species and grade of lumber is 3.428
inches 3. Which means that you must select a piece of lumber that has a greater section modules in order for the
structural member to support the load.
5) Determine the proper size beam required to support the load - will a 20 work?
S=b(d^2)/6)

S = 1.5" ( 3.5 " ^ 2) / 6

S = 3.06 inches 3.
The actual section modulus of a 2x4 is 3.06 inches 3. That is less than the required section modulus created by loading
an 8'-0" span with 200#'s with the species and grade of lumber specified. Therefore, the 2x4 under this loading condition
and made of this material CAN NOT SUPPORT THE LOAD.
See, You did it?
OPTIONS?
1) Add legs to the structural member to shorten the span (try the formula by putting a leg in the center which will diminish
the span between legs from 8'-0" to 4'-0" with the 200 pound load in the center of the two legs.).
2) Choose a species or grade of lumber that has a higher F (Extreme Fiber in Bending) factor - Douglas Fir-Larch Dense
Select Structural has an F factor of 2100 pounds per square inch.
3) Choose a larger structural member (a 2x6 has a section modular of 7.56 inches 3.).
4) Remove weight from the load try the formula with a 175 pound load and see if the W's 3.06 inches 3 section modular is
now greater than the developed section modular.