Green's Theorem Part 2:
Calculating Normal Stress for
Asymmetric Cross-Sections
Table of Contents
2. Normal stress for Asymmetric section
(1) Vertical Stress of an Asymmetric Cross Section
(2) Example
(3) Conclusion
Sources and References
2. Normal stress for Asymmetric section
We have discussed the process of calculating cross-sectional properties using
"Green's theorem."
So what are some useful ways to apply this knowledge?
Green's Theorem Part 2: Calculating Normal Stress for Asymmetric Cross-Sections 1
Figure 8. An Image from Sample Calculation Sheet (Green’s theorem)
Sure. It is the calculation of normal stress for an asymmetric cross-section.
Green's Theorem Part 2: Calculating Normal Stress for Asymmetric Cross-Sections 2
(1) Vertical Stress of an Asymmetric Cross Section
Let's express the symmetric cross-section that we commonly refer to with a
number. The fact is that the bending moment at the neutral axis of such a cross-
section is zero (0). If only one of the two axes is symmetric, the bending moment at
the neutral axis will still be zero (0).
Does this mean that all asymmetric cross-sections have non-zero bending
moments at the neutral axis? Not necessarily. We can still find an axis where the
bending moment is zero (0) in asymmetric cross-sections (refer to Mohr's circle).
For the cross-sections where the bending moment at the neutral axis is not zero
(0), the mechanics of materials textbook explains the vertical stress as follows."
Green's Theorem Part 2: Calculating Normal Stress for Asymmetric Cross-Sections 3
Figure 9. Asymmetric section
Let's convert the formulas according to our needs to calculate the stress.
Green's Theorem Part 2: Calculating Normal Stress for Asymmetric Cross-Sections 4
Coordinate axis change for using the sectional force of MIDAS Civil
Consideration of stress for axial force
Let's verify the converted formulas through example calculations.
Figure 10. MIDAS Civil - Beam Coordinates System
(2) Example
We modeled a 30m simply supported beam using the given example section and
applied an arbitrary load that caused both axial force and bending moments around
Green's Theorem Part 2: Calculating Normal Stress for Asymmetric Cross-Sections 5
both axes.
Figure 11. Section Example
Green's Theorem Part 2: Calculating Normal Stress for Asymmetric Cross-Sections 6
Figure 12. Example of MIDAS Civil Model
The vertical stress at each corner of the perimeter was calculated using the simple
beam's central cross-sectional force and the calculated sectional properties using
Green's theorem, and the results are shown below.
Green's Theorem Part 2: Calculating Normal Stress for Asymmetric Cross-Sections 7
Figure 13. Result of Stress Calculation
The results were verified using Sofistik, which showed completely identical values.
Figure 14. Sofistik Verification Result
Green's Theorem Part 2: Calculating Normal Stress for Asymmetric Cross-Sections 8
(3) Conclusion
In civil engineering design, the use of asymmetric sections is not common, and
even if they are used, the degree of asymmetry is usually negligible and can be
ignored.
However, there are cases where asymmetric sections need to be used for various
reasons, and having a calculation tool like the one presented in this article could be
useful in such cases.
Figure 14. An image from Calculation Sheet
Sources and References
Green’s theorem and section properties - All this (leancrew.com)
Green's theorem - Wikipedia
Barray J. Goodno, James M. Gere, Mechanics of materials, Ninth
Edition, SI, CENGAGE Learning, 2016
Green's Theorem Part 2: Calculating Normal Stress for Asymmetric Cross-Sections 9
