Question $3$

How would you orient the cross$-$section shown below in constructing the continuous beam in Question $1($a$)$ such that the material is least stressed? Would you choose the line of action of the external loads to be along $Y-Y$ or along $x-x?$

All dimensions in $mm$

Answer: The largest maximum absolute stress develops when loading acts along the $x-x$ axis. Thus, it is more efficient to rotate the beam such that external loading acts along the $Y-Y$ axis.