Structures under Combined Loading

Example: The compressive force by the clamp on the wood shown below is 500 lb. Find
the maximum normal stress developed at section a-a in the clamp. The rectangular x-section
at section a-a is 0.5 in by 1.0 in.

Strategy: Construct a free body diagram at section a—a to determine the axial force and bending moment at that section (shown below). Then calculate the axial stress using P/A. Calculate the bending stress using σ = Mc/I. Plot the combined stress at section a-a. Combine the maximum bending stress with the axial stress to get the maximum normal stress.

Plot Mohr’s Circle to determine the maximum normal stresses (principal stresses) and maximum shearing stresses in the case of elements with combined shearing and normal stresses.

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