Inelastic response of wide flange steel beams curved by symmetrical weak axis bending using two-point loads

Abstract

Point bending is commonly used for cambering and curving steel girders to large radii. In this system, a hydraulic ram or press is used to apply concentrated loads at selected points to obtain the required vertical (cambering) or horizontal (curving) curved profile from induced permanent deformations. This paper derives closed form solutions that relate loads to permanent deformations for horizontally curving wide flange steel beams based on their post-yield response. These solutions are presented in a parametric form to identify the relationship between key variables and their impact on the accuracy of the curving operation. It is shown that point bending could yield parabolic curved profiles that are within 1% of a desired circular curve if the span length to radius of curvature ratio (L / R) is less than 1.5 and the point loads are spaced at one third the beam length. Safe limits are then established on loads, strains and curvatures to avoid damaging the steel section. This leads to optimization of the point bending operation for inducing a circular profile in wide flange steel beams of any size.