Numerical investigation on behaviour of castellated steel beam in lateral distortional buckling

Abstract

The construction sector makes extensive use of steel because of its flexibility, corrosion resistance, and lightweight. Castellated I-shaped steel beams have a more comprehensive range of applications than typical type steel beams. Castellation ensures that structural stability is improved and can be used in steel structures. Previous investigations have shown that lateral distortional buckling (LDB) is the primary cause of apparent failure in castellated steel beams. Here in this study, a numerical investigation was carried out using a finite element model developed in commercial software ABAQUS®. Then using a validated numerical model, parametric studies were conducted. The effect of eccentric loading, the partition of web castellation, and the effect on lateral distortional buckling (LDB) failure mode under vertical stiffener in the web are evaluated. The present study shows that LDB exists in the case of eccentric loading and web partitions. Eccentric loading led to a 5% decrease in ultimate load capacity. The addition of web partition enhanced the ultimate load-carry capacity by 7%. Higher load capacity was observed for specimens with vertical stiffeners, which helps mitigate lateral distortional buckling of castellated steel beams.