ABSTRACT
The unsymmetrical or asymmetrical bending of beams is a common feature in structural mechanics. Sometimes this feature occurs when a beam of a symmetrical cross-section, like, I beams or beams of rectangular cross-section, are subjected to unsymmetrical loads to their cross-sections, usually the loads being perpendicular to each other. Other forms of unsymmetrical or asymmetrical beams occur when beams of unsymmetrical cross-sections are transversely loaded. The cross-sections of asymmetrical beams are usually of the form of angle bars and channel bars. This chapter shows to: understand the most common forms of unsymmetrical bending of straight beams, determine stresses in beams of asymmetrical cross-sections, and determine deflections of asymmetrical section beams. It also shows to: determine stresses in symmetrical-section beams loaded asymmetrically, determine deflections of beams of symmetrical cross-sections, loaded asymmetrically. In order to understand the theory involved in the chapter, knowledge of the following mathematical topics is required: integration, double integrals, trigonometric identities and double angles.
