Beam Flange Research Articles

Structural performance of split orthogonal beam joints in continuous beam‐type circular concrete‐filled steel tubular beam‐to‐column connections

AbstractA continuous beam‐type connection has been proposed as a new type of concrete‐filled steel tubular beam‐to‐column connection without a diaphragm exhibits good seismic performance. However, in a 2‐way configuration, the performance of the connection in a direction orthogonal to the continuous beam may be suboptimal due to beam splitting. In this study, a new detail of a split orthogonal beam joint was proposed and 4 specimens were constructed and tested under quasi‐static conditions. All the specimens attained the full‐plastic flexural strength for the beams and exhibited a stable inelastic behavior. The specimen in which the depth of the orthogonal continuous beam was 100 mm greater than that of the split beam exhibited good inelastic cyclic behavior, whereas two other specimens with a split beam exhibited slipping and pinching. Minor fractures were observed in the tube wall; however, the strength and stiffness did not deteriorate significantly, though a slight pinched hysteresis was observed. In addition, a finite element analysis was conducted. The split beam was largely rotationally constrained by the bearing pressure of the concrete above and/or below the beam flange. If the split beam's flange was sufficiently inserted into the connection panel, the stiffness and strength were ensured.

Experimental and numerical investigation on composite beam–column joint connection behavior using different types of connection schemes

Abstract Over the past few decades, composite joints have been regarded as one of the most promising approaches. After reviewing the research articles dealing with composite beam-column joints, it can be withdrawn that few researchers studied and developed different types of composite beam-column joints. The objectives of this paper to study the effect and behavior of different connection types on the composite beam – column joint under repeated loading as well as to investigate new forms of slab connection with column flange in composite connection joints, aiming to enhance the behaviors of the joints and make the slab endure a part of the load in a more efficient way. Five specimens with various connection types were tested to failure; the composite model number two (CM2) was considered the control specimen. Regarding the ultimate moment, the result found that CM5 has moment 50.47% more than control specimen, the lowest rotation value was in CM5. The general behaviours of the FEM were in good accordance with the experiment results. According to the parametric a higher yield strength is more rigid stiffer, the effect of web thickness on the load is too small and increase in load resistance with an increase in beam flange thickness.

Study on bending performance of prefabricated glulam-cross laminated timber composite floor

Abstract The glulam-cross laminated timber (CLT) composite floor is a type of prefabricated composite floor that integrates glulam beams and CLT slab into a unified structure using shear connectors. To investigate the bending performance of the glulam-CLT composite floor, the bending test was conducted on a full-scale composite floor under static load. The study comprehensively analyzed the failure mechanism, load–deflection behavior, interface slip and strain distribution of the glulam-CLT composite floor. The test results of the composite floor indicated that the failure mode was tensile fracture of the wood beam at the bottom. As the load increased, the deflection deformation of the mid-span beam exceeded that of the edge beam. When the load reached its ultimate limit, the deflection deformation of the mid-span beam increased by 14.4% compared to the edge beam. In the early loading phase, the strain distribution of the composite section satisfied the assumption of a plane section. However, the strain distribution deviated from this assumption with the increased load due to the relative slips between the glulam beam and CLT flange. To calculate the bending performance of the composite floor, the M-shaped section of the glulam-CLT composite floor was simplified as T-section composite beams. The linear-elastic method for determining the flexural rigidity and ultimate bearing capacity of the glulam-CLT composite floors was proved to be accurate and reliable. The findings provided valuable insights into the bending behavior of the CLT flange under load and emphasized the non-uniform stress distribution caused by shear lag effects.

Analysis of Factors Affecting the Seismic Performance of Widened Flange Connections in Mid-Flange H-Beams and Box Columns

Following the Northridge and Kobe earthquakes, research has increasingly focused on achieving high ductility in beam-to-column connections. This study investigates the seismic performance of connections featuring widened beam-end flanges in mid-flange H-beams and box columns, an area with limited prior research compared to I-section columns and narrow-flange H-beams. Detailed finite element modeling using ABAQUS 6.1.4 demonstrates that widened beam-end flanges significantly improve bending capacity and ductility by relocating the plastic hinge away from the connection, thereby enhancing seismic resilience. Key findings include the identification of optimal design parameters: flange length ranging from 0.55 to 0.75 times the beam flange width, beam flange cutting length between 0.36 and 0.39 times the beam depth, and flange cutting depth from 0.19 to 0.23 times the beam flange width. These parameters ensure effective plastic hinge development and improved structural performance. This study introduces a novel approach that emphasizes geometric optimization over material-based enhancements, offering a cost-effective and practical solution for improving seismic performance and extending previous research insights.

Axial behavior variation of 72-story concrete-filled steel tubes with different joint connections due to interface debonding considering long-term deformation of concrete core

Long-term concrete deformation including shrinkage and creep occurring seriously threats the longevity, safety and serviceability of concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) structures. In this study, numerical simulation on the variation of axial behavior of 72-story CFST structures with different joint connection details due to interface debonding considering shrinkage and creep of concrete core is carried out. Three connection details including connections with inner horizonal diaphragms only, two-direction through-beams only, and inner horizontal diaphragms combined with two-direction through-beam, are considered, respectively. Vertical loading from floors is treated as centralized vertical force applied on steel tube directly. The shrinkage of concrete core is simulated by decreasing concrete temperature. A cohesive constitutive law and a Coulomb friction model are employed to describe the interface behavior in tangential direction before and after debonding, respectively. The interaction between concrete core and steel tube in normal direction is treated as a hard contact. The concrete plastic-damage (CPD) constitutive model is used for concrete core and a plastic constitutive law is employed for the steel tube. The initiation of the interface debonding between steel tube, H-shaped steel beam flanges, inner diaphragms and concrete, the variation of the force transfer path, stress redistribution, steel tube yielding and the final failure are described in detail. Results show that the axial load-carrying capacity of each CFST structure has a decrease of 26-28% when compared with that determined by the current design code where the confinement effect is considered, and a decrease of 9-10% when compared with that determined by the current design code where the confinement effect of steel tube is not considered. Moreover, the axial stiffness decreases to 76-78% of their theoretical values when debonding is not considered. Numerical results show that the interface debonding negatively affects the long-term axial load-carrying capacity and stiffness obviously, which has not been considered in current design codes. Some comments on the design of CFST members are proposed based on the numerical simulation results.

Seismic behavior of exterior joint of CFDST column to steel beam with RC slab

To investigate the seismic performance of an exterior joint connecting concrete-filled double-skin steel tubular (CFDST) column to steel beam with reinforced concrete (RC) slab, four scaled-down joint specimens were designed at a ratio of 1:2. Quasi-static tests were conducted with different axial compression ratios were performed, and the failure mode, hysteresis curve, skeleton curve, bearing capacity, energy dissipation capacity, strength and stiffness degradation, and strain analysis of the composite joint were analyzed. A finite element method (FEM) model of the joint was constructed and validated against the obtained experimental results. Additionally, a parametric study was carried out to investigate the influence of various factors, including the hollow ratio of the CFDST column, the concrete strength of the slab, the thickness of the slab, and the width-to-thickness ratio of the outer steel tube on joint. Based on experimental studies and finite element analysis (FEA), a theoretical calculation method was proposed to evaluate the flexural capacity of the composite joints. The test results showed that the composite exterior joint specimens with RC slab failed at the beam end. Typical failure phenomena of fracture at the steel beam and horizontal end plate interfaces, steel beam flange buckling, and concrete crushing at the RC slab were observed in the experiments. While the interior joint specimen experienced significant plastic deformation and buckling at the column flange. The hysteresis curve of the specimen is elliptical and full without pinching. The presence of RC slab can effectively improve the ultimate bearing capacity, initial stiffness and energy dissipation capacity of the specimen. The FEA results show that the bearing capacity of the composite joints was improved significantly with the increase of the thickness of the slab and the width-thickness ratio of the outer steel tube. The theoretical calculation results of the flexural capacity of the joint are 86 %–112 % of the results of the finite element calculation. The stability and accuracy of the calculation method are excellent and can be effectively applied to calculate the flexural capacity in CFDST composite structural systems.

Performance analysis and design method of strengthening beam-column welded connections against progressive collapse

To address the insufficient collapse resistance of the beam-column welded connection (BWC), this study proposes a strengthening beam-column welded connection with truss elements (BWCTE). A static test on a BWCTE specimen with a composite slab was conducted to investigate its failure pattern, final deflection, and the evolution of axial force, bending moment, and collapse resistance. The results indicate that the addition of truss elements increases the peak load and corresponding deformation of BWCTE by 108.6 % and 27.3 %, respectively, compared to BWC. Moreover, the axial force in the composite beam of the BWCTE specimen achieved the yield axial force, facilitating the complete development of catenary action and optimizing beam performance. Subsequently, primary parameters of the truss element were analyzed using refined numerical models. It is recommended that the projected length of the inside leaning limb is within 0.5 to 0.7 times the height of the steel beam, and the thickness of each limb is within 0.6 to 1.2 times the thickness of the beam flange. Then, the working mechanism of BWCTE was explored through theoretical analysis. The resistance process of BWCTE can be divided into elastic, elastic-plastic, plastic, transition, and catenary stages. The loading and deformation synergies between truss elements and composite beams enable the formation of double plastic zones and double strengthening zones at the beam root, effectively delaying the rupture of the stretched beam flange. Finally, a design method for BWCTE is proposed according to theoretical and numerical analysis.

Experimental investigation on shear behavior of double-row perforated GFRP rib connectors in FRP-concrete hybrid beams

Perforated GFRP rib (PFR) connectors have been used in FRP-concrete hybrid beams due to durability and ease of construction. PFR connectors are parallel FRP plates with predrilled holes positioned in the flange of FRP beams. The optimal plate spacing needs to be determined because it affects the shear performance of PFR connectors. 18 push-out tests were conducted to investigate the effect of plate spacing ( Sl), penetrating GFRP bar diameter ( d), and concrete strength ( fc) on the failure mode, capacity, and shear load-slip (P-S) curves of double-row PFR connectors. Results showed that PFR connectors suffered plate shear failure with the concrete dowel undamaged. Typical P-S curves consisted of micro-slipping and significant-slipping phases. The shear capacity and stiffness of PFR connectors were improved by 33.3% and 45.1%, respectively, by increasing the plate spacing from 1.2 h (where h denotes the plate height) to 3.2 h. The effect of plate spacing on shear capacity and stiffness could be neglected if the ratio ( Sl/ h) was more than 3.2. Specimens with a larger diameter of penetrating bar and higher concrete strength demonstrated higher capacity and stiffness. An empirical equation based on the maximum stress failure criterion was proposed to estimate the capacity of PFR connectors, considering the plate spacing effect, and verified by available data. Additionally, a description of the P-S curve was developed and calibrated by the experimental results.

Optimization study of strengthened T-shaped concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) column-steel beam joint

In this paper, a strengthened T-shaped concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) column-steel beam joint is proposed. The joint is strengthened in the core region of the column wall as well as the beam, to avoid buckling of the column wall and outward displacement of the plastic hinge at the beam end. To study the damage modes and seismic performance of the joint, low-cycle loading experiments on two full-scale specimens of the joint were carried out. The results show that each specimen was damaged by plastic hinging of the steel beam flanges, the column walls did not buckle, and all had a good seismic performance. In addition, Abaqus finite element software was utilized to optimize the joints by analyzing the effects of changing the dimensions of the strengthened column and modifying the structure of the beam-column connection. Simulation results show that increasing the thickness and height of the strengthened column wall enhances the joint's load capacity, stiffness, and energy dissipation. it is recommended that the width-to-thickness ratio of the strengthened columns should be at most 0.08 and the beam-to-column height ratio should be kept at least 1.3. Additionally, two optimization methods, reducing the wall thickness of the steel corbel and weakening the steel beam flange, can effectively reduce weld tearing at the beam-to-column connections, while guaranteeing a good seismic performance. It is suggested that the slope of the steel corbel is not less than 1:6.25, and the weakening ratio of the steel beam flange is not greater than 0.267.

Algorithm-Driven Extraction of Point Cloud Data Representing Bottom Flanges of Beams in a Complex Steel Frame Structure for Deformation Measurement

Laser scanning has become a popular technology for monitoring structural deformation due to its ability to rapidly obtain 3D point clouds that provide detailed information about structures. In this study, the deformation of a complex steel frame structure is estimated by comparing the associated point clouds captured at two epochs. To measure its deformations, it is essential to extract the bottom flanges of the steel beams in the captured point clouds. However, manual extraction of numerous bottom flanges is laborious and the separation of beam bottom flanges and webs is especially challenging. This study presents an algorithm-driven approach for extracting all beams’ bottom flanges of a complex steel frame. RANdom SAmple Consensus (RANSAC), Euclidean clustering, and an originally defined point feature is sequentially used to extract the beam bottom flanges. The beam bottom flanges extracted by the proposed method are used to estimate the deformation of the steel frame structure before and after the removal of temporary supports to beams. Compared to manual extraction, the proposed method achieved an accuracy of 0.89 in extracting the beam bottom flanges while saving hours of time. The maximum observed deformation of the steel beams is 100 mm at a location where the temporal support was unloaded. The proposed method significantly improves the efficiency of the deformation measurement of steel frame structures using laser scanning.

Experimental study on fatigue damage mitigation in welded beam-to-column connections with passive vibration control

To investigate the effectiveness of a viscous fluid damper (VFD) in mitigating fatigue damage in welded beam-to-column connections, six specimens were manufactured with the full penetration groove weld process. These specimens were divided into three groups: S1, S2, and S3, each containing two specimens. One specimen in each group was equipped with VFD, while the other was not. All specimens underwent the same elastic cyclic loading stage, but a different plastic cyclic loading stage for each group. The study results indicate that the presence of VFD can significantly enhance the load-bearing capacity of the welded beam-to-column connection by 10%–15% when subjected to the same displacement amplitude at the beam end. The primary cause of failure in the welded beam-to-column connection is the fatigue damage of the weld toe on the beam flange, which requires more attention during the welding process. Additionally, the VFD can effectively reduce stress concentration at the weld seam area, leading to a maximum of 50% decrease in the maximum stress near the weld toe of the beam flange center, as observed in our study.

The analysis for fatigue caused by vibration of railway composite beam considering time-dependent effect

The time-dependent effects in steel-concrete composite beam bridges can intensify track irregularities, subsequently leading to amplified train-bridge coupling vibrations. This phenomenon may increase the stress amplitudes in the bridge steel, thereby impacting the fatigue performance of the composite structures. This paper employs multiple rigid body dynamics to construct a high-speed train model and utilizes the finite element method to develop a steel-concrete composite beam element model that accounts for time-dependent effects, interfacial slip, and shear hysteresis. This approach enables the computational analysis of the train-bridge coupling system, facilitating an investigation into the influence of concrete’s time-dependent effects on the fatigue performance of railway steel-concrete composite bridges. Focusing on a 40-m simply supported composite bridge, the train-bridge coupling dynamic responses were computed for each operational year within a decade of the completion of construction. Applying the P-M linear fatigue damage accumulation theory, statistical analysis of stress history data across various operational periods was conducted to quantify the fatigue damage induced by a single eight-car high-speed train on the lower flange of the mid-span steel beam and the beam-end studs. The findings reveal that the beam-end studs sustain greater damage than the mid-span steel beam. Moreover, the detrimental impact of time-dependent effects diminishes with the increase of operational years. Notably, compared to the initial year, the fatigue damage to the lower flange of the mid-span steel beam by an eight-car train in the tenth year has surged by 39.3%. Conversely, the damage to the beam-end studs has decreased by 47.5%.

Experimental study on seismic behaviour of thick-flange steel beam to square CFST column joints with internal diaphragms

Composite structures made of concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns and steel beams have gained widespread usage in high-rise and long-span structures, and beam-to-column joints strengthened by an internal diaphragm (ID) are expected to be efficient joint patterns. However, the thickness ratio (ηbc) limit of beam-to-column flanges is not considered sufficiently in current design codes and existing studies. Moreover, the previous tests rarely included specimens with a beam flange thickness reaching 40 mm. Thus, three joint specimens were designed and tested under cyclic loadings to further investigate the mechanical properties of the ID-type joints and guide engineering applications. The effects of the thickness ratio of the beam-to-column flange were mainly considered in this study. All beam flange thicknesses were 40 mm. Two failure modes were observed, including excessive development of beam plasticity and failure of local connections. Specifically, as the thickness of column walls decreased, the seismic behaviour, such as the resistance, stiffness and ductility of the joints, deteriorated obviously. Two out of three joint specimens satisfied the AISC requirements for composite special moment frames (C-SMF). Based on the test results, the limit value of the thickness ratio of beam-to-column flange (ηbc) has been proposed for design purposes.

Numerical analysis of the seismic performance of existing steel frames with rigid connection with truss-beam-segments

Addressing the insufficient research on fully welded connection with truss-beam-segments (FWCT), this study conducts a comprehensive investigation into the seismic performance of FWCT and its associated steel frame. Primary parameters influencing the seismic performance of FWCT are examined through numerical analysis, and a design method for FWCT is provided. Subsequently, a time-history analysis of composite frames with FWCTs is proposed to investigate the effect of adding truss-beam-segments during rare earthquakes on the seismic performance of the structure as a whole, along with reinforcement recommendations. The study results show that the width of the truss-beam-segment (TS) should ideally be equal to the width of the beam flange, with a thickness equal to that of the beam flange. The net height should be less than or equal to 0.17 times the clear height of the steel beam. The horizontal angle of the external diagonal leg should be less than or equal to 40°, and the length of the horizontal short leg should be greater than the plastic deformation region length at the beam root. The axial compression ratio for the column should be less than 0.7 to prevent local buckling of the column. As the thickness of the composite slab increases, the initial stiffness and load-bearing capacity of the positive moment region gradually increase, while those of the negative moment region remain relatively constant. Time-history analysis indicates that the maximum story displacement and inter-story displacement of the composite frame with TSs are reduced by 4.7 %–5.3 % and 2.5 %–5.8 %, respectively, compared to the composite frame without TSs under seismic wave action. This implies an enhanced capacity of the composite frame with TSs to withstand lateral deformation. For a mid-to high-rise composite frame with n stories, the addition of TSs was recommended primarily for the first (n/2 + 1) floors where plastic regions occur, aiming for a more economically efficient retrofit design and enhanced seismic performance.

Seismic performance of high-strength steel octagonal double-sided plate joints in wall-type concrete-filled steel tubular columns connected to steel beams

This study explores the use of a novel octagonal double-sided plate joint made from high-strength steel for connecting steel beams to wall-type concrete-filled steel tubular (WCFST) columns, which is a new solution to the problem of traditional side plate extending from the wall and interfering with wall panel installation. Two full-scale test specimens were developed and assessed under cyclic loading. The results illustrate that the joint specimens exhibit considerable energy dissipation capacities. After experimental verification, a reliable finite element model was obtained and used for a parametric analysis of side plate dimensions. The results suggest that the height, thickness, and strength grade of the side plate should be 1.2 times the beam height, 1.0 times the beam flange thickness, and Q460C, respectively. Hence, the well-designed proposed joint can be employed with less steel and is superior to previous joints in terms of load capacity and energy consumption.

Experimental and analytical investigation of the shear behavior of steel-bamboo composite I-beams with composite connections

In steel-bamboo composite beams, the debonding failure and slip behavior of steel-bamboo pure bonding interfaces at the flanges often lead to premature failure of beams and underutilization of material strengths. Therefore, a novel steel-bamboo composite I-beam with composite connections was presented in this study, in which the pure bonding interfaces at the beam's flanges were reinforced by self-tapping screws (STSs). 13 beams were designed and fabricated with interface type, shear span-to-depth ratio, height-to-thickness ratios of bamboo and steel at the web, and width-to-thickness ratio of steel at the flange as main parameters. Then, shear tests and theoretical analysis were performed to evaluate the beam's shear behavior. The results indicated that the debonding failure and slip behavior of the beams were effectively limited, and the shear resistance, deformation capacity, and ductility were significantly improved. The shear resistance of beams was improved by reducing the shear span-to-depth ratio, height-to-thickness ratios of the bamboo and steel at the web, and steel flange width-to-thickness ratio. Finally, the developed analytical models can be concluded to be used to accurately predict the interfacial shear stress at the beam flanges in the serviceability limit state (SLS) and ultimate shear capacity of the beams.

Seismic performance of bolted middle joint for modular steel structure

A novel bolted connection for prefabricated modular structures is proposed. Five full-scale joint specimens were tested under cyclic loads, and finite element analysis was conducted to investigate the joint performance. The influences of the bolt diameter, the column flange thickness, the connecting plate thickness, and the connection forms between beam flanges of the upper and the lower box modules were analyzed, and the joint rotational stiffness was evaluated. According to the results, the bolted beam flanges can significantly improve the hysteretic performance, yield resistance, ultimate resistance and energy dissipation capacity of the joint. A thin connecting plate can effectively prevent the yielding of the ceiling beam web. The joint can be classified as a full-strength according to the Eurocode. Simplified formulas for the yield and ultimate resistances were proposed and evaluated to be accurate and practical for performance predictions and design of the proposed joint.

Local buckling of the bottom flange in steel-concrete composite beams with trapezoidal corrugated webs subjected to end restraint at high temperatures

Steel-concrete composite beams with trapezoidal corrugated webs (SCBCW) are prone to rapid failure at high temperatures due to local instability of the bottom flange. The failure mechanism of SCBCW, which is an integral part of the holistic structure and subject to axial and rotational restraints from adjacent members at elevated temperatures, differs from conventionally simply supported steel-concrete composite beams with straight webs. To investigate the evolution of local buckling in the compressed flange of SCBCW under high temperature conditions, a composite beam model with frame restraints was developed using ABAQUS finite element software. In this model, the composite beam is connected to restraint frame columns through high-strength bolts. The changes in axial stress, bending moment, and deflection of the compressed flange of SCBCW were analyzed as temperature increased. Results indicate that at elevated temperatures, additional bending moments occur in the flange plane due to axial restraints, section temperature gradients, section negative bending moments and accordion effect caused by corrugated web on compressed bottom flange of SCBCW. This leads to a gradual increase in axial compressive stress before local buckling occurs followed by a decrease due to internal force redistribution upon onset of buckling. Studies show that initial buckling of bottom flange occurs on one side of flat section of web where axial compressive stress is relatively high while restraint effect on web is low; Subsequent local buckling of the beam then appears on opposite side adjacent flat section of web after initial buckle occure on one side. After local buckling appears on both sides of web tension bands appear on both sides where bottom flange experiences localized bucking. The setting of longitudinal stiffeners (LS) can effectively improve the local stability of the bottom flange of the composite beam, while the setting of transverse stiffeners (TS) has no significant impact.

Aggregate interlock and effective strain of FRP-strengthened flanged RC members subjected to torsion: Experimental evaluation and analytical modeling

The effective strain of externally bonded FRP strengthening systems and the loss of concrete aggregate interlock are critical factors for predicting strength and developing design models for structural strengthening. Current research on FRP strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) members primarily focuses on flexural, shear, and axial loading, neglecting torsional systems. This study introduces an innovative analytical-experimental model/formulation predicting FRP effective strain and concrete strain, based on Digital Image Correlation (DIC) analysis outcomes of an experimental study on RC beams strengthened with FRP sheets under torsion. Eight flanged RC beams, strengthened with various FRP ratios, configurations, and installation methods were also systematically tested. The findings emphasize the need for reevaluation of strain limits in existing guidelines. It points out that the shear integrity of concrete is influenced by concrete compressive strength and strengthening scheme. The DIC results suggest that the strain limit for concrete surfaces between FRP strips should be in the range of 0.0055–0.008, as opposed to the limit of 0.004 set by ACI 440.2R-17. The use of the grooving method in certain systems also requires an increase factor of 1.65 and 1.45 for the effective strain of transverse and longitudinal FRP sheets.

Seismic Performance of Wall-Type Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Column to H-Beam Connections with Internal Diaphragms

This study introduces a new internal diaphragm joint to connect steel beams with wall-type concrete-filled steel tubular (WCFST) columns. This study combines experimental research with numerical simulations for analysis. Firstly, one full-scale test specimen was designed and subjected to cyclic loading. The obtained failure mode and hysteresis curves illustrate that the joint specimens exhibit ample energy dissipation capacities. Subsequently, a reliable FE model was obtained based on experimental verification, and parametric analysis was conducted. The findings indicate that axial compression ratios critically affect the load-carrying capacity and displacement at failure, with a 2% reduction in capacity for each 0.1 increment in the ratio. The thicknesses of the column web and flange in the joint area are recommended to be 0.85 to 1.2 times and 1 to 1.2 times the beam flange thickness, respectively. The length of the internal diaphragm is advised to be between 0.2 and 0.3 times the width of the cross-section. Overall, these results significantly enrich our understanding of WCFST systems and will inform future design and construction best practices.