Abstract
Abstract Composite alveolar beams consist in the union of two structural systems largely employed in civil construction sector: the steel-concrete composite beams and the alveolar steel beams. Thus, its use allows their advantages to be enhanced, enabling to design even larger spans and to achieve more economical and sustainable solutions. Considering that Brazilian and international standards do not directly specify criteria for the analysis and design of these beams, in this paper it is presented the development and validation of an updated finite element model, using ANSYS software, capable of simulating different failure modes that may occur, such as web-post buckling, Vierendeel mechanism and flexural mechanism. The obtained results presented a good correlation with experimental results from previous works. After the model validation, the effect of the openings on the composite beam was investigated and discussed, and it was concluded that the web-post buckling may limit the structural gains on load capacity, so it is important to adopt opening patterns that enhance the resistance of the beam to this mode of failure.
Highlights
Steel-concrete composite beams represent an efficient solution to explore the best mechanical properties of these materials, especially in supported beams, where the concrete slab works basically under compression and the steel profile under tension
According to Hosain and Speirs (1973), the beginning of the failure process of beam A-1 occurred with the formation of a Vierendeel Mechanism, which started to develop, and, after the steel hardening, culminated in a local buckling around one of the central openings
A finite element model was developed in ANSYS software, version 19.2, using updated material models and element types
Summary
Steel-concrete composite beams represent an efficient solution to explore the best mechanical properties of these materials, especially in supported beams, where the concrete slab works basically under compression and the steel profile under tension. The joint work of these elements is ensured by shear connectors, which aim to restrict longitudinal slip and the vertical separation at the interface. This structural system provides an increase in the strength of the composite beam, when compared to the structural elements working independently, enabling the design of larger spans and the achievement of more economical solutions (Nie et al, 2004). The employment of alveolar steel beams, which consist of steel profiles with sequential openings in the web, can be an advantageous solution to overcome larger spans, especially when subjected to distributed loads with a low or medium magnitude (Cimadevila et al, 2000). According to Badke-Neto et al (2015), depending on the shape of the openings, the alveolar beams can be named as castellated beams (with hexagonal openings) or cellular beams (with circular openings)
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