The structural efficiency of tapered steel section with perforation under lateral torsional buckling behaviour

Abstract

Purpose Tapered section can resist maximum stress at a single location while the stresses are considerably lower at the rest of the member; therefore, it could have higher structural efficiency compared to conventional section. It could also satisfy functional requirements while reducing weight and cost in many fields of civil construction. Perforation in the steel section also eases the integration of Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) services such as ventilation pipes and electrical cables within the structural depths of the beam. In this analysis, the structural efficiency of tapered steel section with perforation under lateral-torsional buckling behaviour is investigated. Design/methodology/approach A total of 81 models are analysed using LUSAS software and five variables are investigated which involved perforation sizes, perforation shapes, perforation layout, tapering ratio and flange and Web thickness. Buckling moment is obtained from the analysis results in LUSAS software, while self-weight and structural efficiency are manually calculated. Findings Perforation size of 0.75 D has the highest structural efficiency, although it can withstand a smaller buckling load. This is due to its lower self-weight compared to other perforation sizes. The square perforation shape also has the highest structural efficiency compared to circular perforation and diamond perforation. An increment of percentage in structural efficiency of the square perforation shape with 0.75 D is the highest at 3.07%. The circular perforation shape with 0.75 D (Open-Open-Open perforation layout) has the highest increment of percentage in structural efficiency which is 2.37%. The tapering ratio of 0.3 is the most efficient and an increment of percentage in structural efficiency is 114.36%. The flange thickness of 0.02 m and Web thickness of 0.015 m has the highest structural efficiency at 45.756 and 29.171, respectively. Originality/value In conclusion, a section should be able to resist the large buckling moment and has a lower self-weight to achieve high structural efficiency.