Problem 10.21 - Shear Flow

Problem Statement

A beam is constructed from two boards nailed together as shown, with dimensions b = 3 in., h1 = 1 in., and h2 = 2 in. The nails can withstand a shear load of 850 lb and the beam is subjected to a maximum shear force V = 2 kips. Determine the maximum permissible spacing between the nails.

A beam has a rectangular cross section consisting of two rectangles nailed together. The top rectangle has height h2 and base b. The bottom rectangle has height h1 and base b.

Figure 1: A beam is constructed from two pieces nailed together.

[Problem adapted from © Kurt Gramoll CC BY NC-SA 4.0]