Numerical analysis of castellated beams with oval openings

Abstract

The use of castellated beams has become more popular in the last two decades. The main idea for the use of these types of steel beams is to reduce their self-weight by providing openings in the web of wide flange (WF) or I sections. Numerous research on castellated beams has been conducted, the majority of the studies aimed to optimize the opening size and the shape configuration of the openings. A numerical analysis of castellated beams with oval openings was performed in this study. The sections under investigation had variations in the height-to-length ratios of the beam. The Do to D and b to Do ratios were kept at a constant. The D value was defined as the height of the beam, while Do is the height of the opening, and b is the width of the opening. The numerical analysis was performed by the finite element analysis using the STRAND7 software. The numerical model was further validated to the experimental data. The results showed that the developed finite element model resulted in a very good representation to the actual behavior of the sections.

Influence of the web opening shapes on the bending and free vibration responses of castellated steel beams

“…The total displacement values of castellated beams with circular web openings are approximated when hexagonal web opening geometry is used. Profil type and deflection curves for all support conditions of castellated beams are presented in Figures (2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10). The von Mises stress values are obtained as a result of the static analysis for all models considered within the scope of the study and are given in Figure 12 for the fixed-pinned boundary condition.…”

“…The failure mode of the structure is affected by modifications made to the castellated beam. The formation of a Vierendeel mechanism, lateral torsional buckling of the web post, rupture of a welded joint in a web post, lateral torsional buckling of the entire span, formation of a flexure mechanism, and buckling of the web post were all possible modes of failure [6]. The openings are typically hexagonal, square, or circular in shape.…”