Yielding Limit State of Tee Stems in Flexural Compression

The present paper outlines the results from a parametric study involving the finite element modeling of tee beams subjected to a constant moment loading resulting in stem compression and flange tension. The parameters varied as part of the study include: the flange width-to-cross-sectional depth ratio, bf/d; the unbraced length-to-cross-sectional depth ratio, Lb / d; the ratio of stem depth to stem thickness, h / tw; and the ratio of flange width to flange thickness, bf / 2tf. The present discussion focuses on how these parameters impact WT ultimate capacity and flexural ductility. Compactness limits for tee stems are subsequently proposed: currently such compactness limits are not prescribed by AISC for WT stems.