Behavior of steel beams with different web profiles along the beam length

Abstract

Previous research confirmed that a corrugated web beam (CWB) can sustain a higher shear stress than the conventional flat web beam (FWB), contrary to the case of pure bending. In this paper, a new steel beam (SB) is proposed using variable web geometry along the beam length to implement each web shape in a convenient zone along the beam length. Experimental, theoretical, and analytical investigations on the behavior of a SB with different web profiles along the beam length are presented. Accordingly, three specimens were fabricated, created, and tested (one specimen with a FW, one specimen with a CW, and the third with both web shapes). The effective width of the CWB compression flange was calculated theoretically, and the corresponding bending moment was determined using two standards and compared with the experimental results. Finally, a 3D-FEM was built using ANSYS software commercial program. By using the validated model, the flange and web thickness in both the M–V and M zones were analyzed in addition to the steel grade of the flange. This study's results revealed that the new beam model specimen with both CWB and FWB outperformed its FWB counterpart in terms of shear strength and ultimate capacity by 60%. The Eurocode design of steel structures recommends formulas that can safely predict the beam bending moment of the new model. The results of the parametric analysis showed that the most imperative parameters affecting the capacity and behavior of new beam model are the flange-to-web thickness ratio and flange steel grade.