Figure (a) shows a steel I-beam cross section (note, not symmetric about the y axis). Two steel plates with cross section 10 mm × 200 mm are welded to the beam. Figure (b) and the 3D inset show the configuration of the composite I-beam, plates, and welds. All welds have the same geometry and are continuous in the longitudinal (x)- direction along the beam. The welds bond to the plates only in the area shown in the inset (from the edge of the original I-beam out to the edge of the plate). What is the average shear stress in a weld/plate interface at the bottom flange if we consider a section where the shear force is 40 kN?
