See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/363061824

Critical study of steel beams with web openings

Article in Australian Journal of Structural Engineering · August 2022

DOI: 10.1080/13287982.2022.2117319

CITATIONS READS

11 961

2 authors, including:

Samadhan Morkhade
Vidyapratishthan's Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute of Engineering and Technology Baramati Pune Maharashtra India
51 PUBLICATIONS 613 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Samadhan Morkhade on 31 August 2022.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Australian Journal of Structural Engineering

ISSN: (Print) (Online) Journal homepage: https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tsen20

Critical study of steel beams with web openings

Samadhan G. Morkhade & Laxmikant M. Gupta

To cite this article: Samadhan G. Morkhade & Laxmikant M. Gupta (2022): Critical study
of steel beams with web openings, Australian Journal of Structural Engineering, DOI:
10.1080/13287982.2022.2117319

To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/13287982.2022.2117319

Published online: 28 Aug 2022.

Submit your article to this journal

View related articles

View Crossmark data

Full Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at

https://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?journalCode=tsen20
AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
https://doi.org/10.1080/13287982.2022.2117319

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Critical study of steel beams with web openings

Samadhan G. Morkhadea and Laxmikant M. Guptab
a
Department of Civil Engineering, Vidya Pratishthan’s Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute of Engineering and Technology Baramati, Savitribai
Phule Pune University, Pune, India; bDepartment of Applied Mechanics, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur, India

ABSTRACT ARTICLE HISTORY

In this study, experimental and numerical approaches are adopted to comprehensively inves­ Received 14 June 2022
tigate the flexural strength capacity and failure modes of I-shaped steel members with various Revised 25 July 2022
web openings geometry. To validate the results, the finite element models are established Accepted 20 August 2022
using ABAQUS with the same configurations as the test specimens. Based on the experimental KEYWORDS
and numerical investigation it is observed that, the web openings not only weaken the Web opening ratio; moment-
practical section but also destroy its continuity. The common mode of failure observed in deflection curves; force flow
beams with web openings is excessive bending, Vierendeel mechanism and web post buckling. transmission; lateral
When the opening ratio exceeds 0.75, the openings greatly affect the stability of the compo­ torsional buckling; ABAQUS
nents, which results in reduction in strength capacity of perforated beams. In contrast, when
the opening ratio is less than 0.5, the openings have negligible impact on the stability and
strength component. The web openings also have a significant impact on the bearing strength
of the members when the provided web post width is less than 200 mm. In contrast, when the
web post width exceeded 200 mm, the web opening ratio had only a small effect on the
member bearing capacity. The response of the perforated beams was presented in terms of
load-deflection and moment-deflection curves. .

1. Introduction
moment and maximum deflection, respectively.
The castellated or cellular beams are widely used in The ratio of opening height to beam height mainly
the present commercial and industrial steel struc­ affects the deflection near the mid span of the
tures and have added extensive attention from the castellated beams is in the range of 0.5–0.7. The
designers and researchers since they considerably effect of web openings has been studied numeri­
reduce the self-weight, demonstrate excellent force cally by Ahmed Sayed (2022). The author intro­
transmission characteristics (Zirakian and Showkati duces perforations in corrugated web. Three types
2006). The uses of perforated beams make it pos­ of web corrugation patterns, i.e. triangular, rectan­
sible to have a unique shape, and meet the span gular and trapezoidal web with perforation, have
requirements of large opening systems without been investigated. The results showed that, the
reducing the flexural strength capacity. Moreover, dimension of corrugated web has a greater impact
the unique perforated beams with equal openings than the spacing between the openings. The
spacing, makes it easier to pass water pipes, sewage moment in an I beams is not constant and lateral
pipes, air pipes, and cables (Chung and Lawson torsional buckling moment is more than the same
2001; Chung, Liu, and Ko 2001, 2003). Figure 1 moment. The effect of slenderness ratio on the
shows the fabrication process of steel beam with moment-gradient factor (Cb) has been studied
cellular perforation. Figure 2 shows the concept of and an equation is suggested to calculate the
beam with web openings and notations used in the moment gradient factor for simply supported cas­
present study. The dynamic behaviour of castellated tellated beams (Mohebkhah 2004). The optimisa­
steel beams has been studied by the researchers by tion of geometry of the castellation has been
dropping weight impact tests and numerical model studied and the application of optimisation techni­
has been established using the nonlinear finite ele­ que on castellated steel beam design is proposed
ment method (Luo et al. 2022). The numerical (Kaveh and Shokohi 2014, 2015a, 2015b., 2016a,
simulation results were compared with the test 2016b, 2016c).
results of the impact to verify its validity and ana­ The behaviour of steel beams with web openings
lyse the buckling process of castellated beams has been studied by Morkhade and Gupta. The study
under impact load. The results depict that during consists of both experimental as well as numerical
the impact process, the maximum shear force was investigation. The steel beams with web openings are
achieved first, followed by maximum bending designed as per the BS5950 and SCI P355 documents.

CONTACT Samadhan G. Morkhade [email protected]

© 2022 Engineers Australia
2 S. G. MORKHADE AND L. M. GUPTA

and Martins 2019; Ferreira et al. 2021a, 2021b; Rossi

et al. 2020). It is found that the geometric parameters
Stage 1: flame cutting
that influence the web-post buckling resistance are
the opening depth, the web-post width and the web
thickness. The buckling resistance of perforated
beams with non-standard novel shapes perforation,
circular perforation with very close spacing and
Stage 2: separation of T-sections
strengthened with vertical stiffeners has been studied
by Tsavdaridis and D’Mello (2011), Tsavdaridis and
Galiatsatos (2015).
After studying the above literature survey, it has
Stage 3: re-assembly & welding
been understood that the impact of web opening
Figure 1. Fabrication process for cellular beams. ratio and web post width on the strength capacity of
perforated beams has not been discussed so far.
Therefore, in this paper it is intended to study the
It is found that S/Do 1.08 is very much critical influence of web opening ratio and web post width
because of very small web post width available. The on the load-carrying capacity of perforated steel beams
work also reported about the various failure modes using a finite element analysis. The results are pre­
observed during the experimental tests (Morkhade sented in terms of moment vs mid span deflection of
and Gupta 2014, 2015a, 2015b, 2017, 2019a, 2019b). the beams. The present study tries to bridge the gaps
The optimisation of openings size and shapes, loca­ between the existing available literatures on the perfo­
tion of neutral zone to place the openings along the rated beams. The main objective of this research work
span of the beam, behaviour of perforated beams is to study the effect of web perforation on load bear­
with eccentric openings and effect of web post ing capacity of beams and observe the various failure
width on strength capacity has been studied by modes. Therefore, both cellular and beams with web
Morkhade et al. (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021). Morkhade openings have been studied in the present
et al. also studied the impact of web post width on investigation.
strength of beams with web openings and effect of
strengthening of perofared beams (2022a, 2022b).
Even though perforated steel beams have a number 2. Test programme
of merits, they are more susceptible to web and flange
2.1. Test specimens
local buckling, web distortion, lateral-torsional and
web-post buckling modes. The problems of these In this study three steel I section specimens were
various buckling modes have been addressed by tested. The grade of steel S350 is used to manufac­
many researchers and suggested suitable remedies ture the test samples with nominal yield stress (fy)
to overcome such types of failure (Ferreira, Rossi, of 350 MPa (IS 2062 2011). Out of three specimens,

Figure 2. Concept of beam with web openings and notations used.

 AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING 3

the first specimen is of beam with parent section, i. Table 1. Geometrical details of tested beams.
e., no openings are created in the beam and a test Dimension (mm)
is performed to compare the load deflection Specimen h Ht tf tw bf ao e n
response of parent beam with other specimens of PB-100-0-1000 100 – 7 4.2 50 – – –
SBWO-100-6-1650 100 – 7 4.2 50 60 170 6
beam with web perforation. The second specimen CB-160-6-1150 – 160 7 4.2 50 150 192 6
is a beam with non-standard oval shape web open­
ings, which are directly cut from the parent beam i.
e., no increase in final height of the section as in recommended by IS 1608, (2005) specifications
case of cellular or castellated beam. The third speci­ (2005). The only one specimen from flange and web is
men is prepared by drawing the desired circular tested for tension test because all the three specimens
pattern line on the web of the parent beam which were fabricated from a single piece of ISMB100. Figure
is then cut along the guided lines using a wire 3 illustrated the measurement of gauge length; tension
cutting. Consequently, the final cellular beam (CB) test set up on UTM and the typical cup and cone failure
was obtained by carefully welding together the two- behaviour sample. Figure 4 shows the engineering and
half form by cutting the parent beam. Figure 1 the true stress–strain curve for both flange as well as
describes the fabrication procedure of cellular web of the beam. Table 2 shows the tension test results
beams. The test specimens with hole and castella­ in terms of the modulus of elasticity (E), yield stress
tion were decided based on Arcelor Mittal, ACB® (fy), ultimate tensile stress (fu) and the % of elongation.
and Angelina TM beams (2016). The categorisation
of the test specimens is such that the beam type,
2.3. Test procedure and instrumentation
overall depth of section, number of openings (n)
and length of each specimen (L) can be identified. The three-point bending tests were conducted to
For example, the label ‘PB-100-0-1000’ indicates a obtain the strength capacities of each beam specimen.
plain web beam with overall depth, number of The schematic view of test set-up under three-point
openings and length of the test specimen of 100, loading with simply supported end condition is shown
0 and 1000 mm, respectively. Table 1 sums up the in Figure 5. The hinge and roller supports were simu­
specimens’ measured details. lated by placing an inverted angle and a round bar in
between the inverted angle respectively as shown in
Figure 6. The utmost care has been taken while mak­
2.2. Material properties
ing the hinge and roller supports. The hinge support
Total two coupons from the specimen i.e., one from the offers only in plane rotation while roller support offers
web and one from the flange, were longitudinally cut in plane rotation as well as translation in longitudinal
and tested under axial tension by using the Universal direction. The monotonic loading was applied incre­
Testing Machine as per the standard procedure mentally by means of a hydraulic jack of 500 kN

Figure 3. Measurement of gauge length, tension test set up and breaking of specimen.
4 S. G. MORKHADE AND L. M. GUPTA

500.00
450.00
400.00
350.00

Stress (MPa)
300.00
250.00
Engg. stress strain
200.00
True stress strain
150.00
100.00
50.00
0.00
0.00 0.10 0.20 0.30
Strain (%)

a) Flange

500.00
450.00
400.00
350.00
Stress (MPa)

300.00
250.00
Engg. stress strain
200.00
True stress strain
150.00
100.00
50.00
0.00
0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20
Strain (%)

b) Web

Figure 4. Stress-strain relationship a) Flange b) Web.

Table 2. Material properties.

utmost care and precautions in order to prevent error
Young’s
Yield stress Ultimate stress modulus (E) % in the results. The consequence of this is that test and
Specimen (fy) MPa (fu) MPa GPa Elongation FE results are matched closely with each other. The
Flange 328 429 205 0.22 minimum and maximum percentage difference in
Web 342 405 201 0.23
results found are 3.16 and 7.50 respectively in case of
load and deflection. Figures 7, 8 and 9 show the
capacity at the centre of the top flange beam surface at response of tested parent and perforated beams.
a loading rate of 1 kN/min. The dial gauges have been Figures 8 and 9 show that amount of displacement
installed at all the locations of interest where the resulting from FE analysis is less than that resulting
deflection and stress concentration will be maximum. from the test at each load step for SBWO-100-6-1650
The load and deflection are monitored throughout the and CB-160-6-1150. While this is not occurred for PB-
loading history and the load vs deflection graphs were 100-0-1000 at all the load steps specially in nonlinear
plotted. At last, the failure modes have been observed zone. The reason for this may be due to the non-
for all three tested beams. A white wash is applied on convergence of solution and excessive distortion of
all the tested specimens for easy and clear identifica­ some of the elements in case of perforated beams.
tion of location of stress concentration. The failure modes are excessive bending failure in
case of parent beam, vierendeel mechanism in steel
beam with web openings and vierendeel mechanism as
3. Test results and discussion
well as compression flange local buckling in case of
The test results in terms of ultimate load, deflection cellular beam. The lateral torsional buckling failure is
and corresponding failure modes for the beams are not observed in the present study because, the beams
presented in Table 3. The test has been performed with are provided with sufficient lateral restrained in the FE
 AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING 5

Figure 5. Photographs during testing (a) beams with oval web openings (b) Cellular beam (c) Plain-webbed beam.

Figure 6. Details of instrumentation during test.

models as well as span of tested is small considering specimen modelled in ABAQUS. A mesh sensitivity
the limitations of experimental study. Figure 10 shows analysis is performed in order to arrive at the opti­
the failure modes during the test. After the validation mum size of mesh. After mesh convergence study,
of test results with FE analysis the comprehensive the 10 mm mesh size is adopted in all further FE
parametric study has been carried out which is dis­ models which provide the satisfactory results. The
cussed in the next section of the paper. steel used in the analyses is of grade E350, with a
yield stress (fy) of 350 MPa, ultimate stress (fu) of490
MPa, modulus of elasticity (E) of 200 GPa and per­
4. Finite element modelling centage elongation is of 22% as per (IS 2062 2011,
The numerical analysis is carried out using the 2011). The bilinear stress strain curve is used to
ABAQUS software (Abaqus 2014), a commercial model the materials. The imperfection plays an
package for finite element analysis. The four-noded important role in FE analysis of thin-walled steel
shell element (S4R) is used to discretise the FE mod­ structures. Therefore, an initial imperfection of
els. The element has six degrees of freedom i.e., three span/1000 (Carvalho, Rossi, and Martins 2022) is
translations and three rotations. The simply sup­ considered in the analysis. The effect of welding and
ported boundary condition is adopted in all the FE residual stresses is neglected while modelling the
models. Figure 11 shows the finite element model of perforated beam in ABAQUS. A concentrated load
6 S. G. MORKHADE AND L. M. GUPTA

Table 3. Summary of test and FE analysis results.

Test results FE results Percentage (%) difference
Designation of beams Load (kN) Deflection (mm) Load (kN) Deflection (mm) Load (kN) Deflection (mm) Failure mode
PB-100-0-1000 54.14 10.14 51.47 10.90 4.92 7.50 EBF
SBWO-100-6-1650 19.10 17.45 20.40 18.60 6.80 6.59 VM
CB-160-6-1150 37.65 12.80 38.84 13.40 3.16 4.68 VM+CFL
*EBF: Excessive bending failure, VM: Vierendeel mechanism; CFL: Compression flange local buckling,

60.00 5. Results and discussion

50.00 The response of perforated beams to static loading is
40.00 critically analysed by varying opening geometries. The
Load (kN)

30.00
analysis is carried out by finite element analysis software
ABAQUS. The accuracy of the FE analysis results was
20.00
evaluated by comparing the ultimate moment and the
10.00
corresponding mid-span deflection response with the
0.00 respective experimental values. The opening geometry
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00
Mid-span displacement (mm) consists of spacing, size and shape of openings, web post
width, etc. The objective of the study was to observe the
Test Results FE Results
performance of perforated beams in terms of moment
Figure 7. Load vs mid span deflection of PB-100-0-1000. vs deflection curves and failure modes subjected to
three-point loading. The ultimate moment, deflection
and observed failure modes obtained from the FE ana­
25.00
lysis for various opening geometries are as shown in
20.00 Tables 4, 5, 6 and 7. The designation of beam is SBWO-
C-200-4-150-2000 which indicates the steel beam with
Load (kN)

15.00
circular web openings of 200 mm section height, 4
10.00 numbers of openings of 150 mm diameter with
5.00
2000 mm span. Similar designations have been used
for hexagonal, octagonal and rectangular perforation.
0.00 From the obtained results it is concluded that opening
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00 30.00 35.00 40.00
Mid-span displacement (mm) geometry plays a governing role in the failure of perfo­
rated beams. The web openings not only weaken the
Test Results FE Results
beam section but also abolish its continuity. The web
Figure 8. Load vs mid span deflection of SBWO-100-6-1650. openings also have a significant impact on the bearing
strength of the members when the provided web post
width is less than 200 mm. The web post width is
45.00 defined as the clear distance between the consecutive
40.00
openings. In contrast, when the web post width
35.00
30.00
exceeded 200 mm, the web opening ratio have only a
Load (kN)

25.00 small effect on the member bearing capacity. As soon as

20.00 the web opening ratio increases, the bearing capacity of
15.00
members with web openings decreases. The bearing
10.00
5.00
capacity of members with web openings decreases not
0.00 only due to the increased in web opening ratio as well as
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00 30.00 35.00 40.00
decreased in web post width. The results obtained in the
Mid-span displacement (mm)
FE analysis for various web opening geometries are
Test Results FE Results presented in Figures 12–19 in terms of moment vs
Figure 9. Load vs mid span deflection of CB-160-6-1150.
deflection curves. The openings ratios considered in
the present analysis are 0.5 and 0.75. The opening
ratio is defined as the ratio of diameter or depth of
is applied at the mid span of beam and response is opening to the height of the section. When the opening
recorded in terms of moment vs deflection. The ratio is less than 0.5, the openings lead to a negligible
further section discusses the analysis results. effect on the strength capacity of the member, whereas
 AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING 7

Figure 10. Comparison of observed failure modes during test and FE analysis.

Figure 11. Finite element model perforated beam.

Table 4. Comparison of FE analysis results for beams with circular perforations.

Sr. No. Designation of beams Web opening ratio Web post width (mm) Ultimate Moment (kN-m) Mid span deflection (mm) Failure modes
1 PB-200-0-2000 – – 184.87 110.92 EBF
2 SBWO-C-200-4-150-2000 0.75 450 128.27 85.77 VM
3 SBWO-C-200-6-150-2000 0.75 300 106.99 69.89 VM
4 SBWO-C-200-8-150-2000 0.75 50 102.62 69.58 WPB+VM
5 SBWO-C-200-4-100-2000 0.50 500 182.53 130.16 VM
6 SBWO-C-200-6-100-2000 0.50 200 147.58 90.79 VM
7 SBWO-C-200-8-100-2000 0.50 100 135.35 78.68 WPB+VM

Table 5. Comparison of FE analysis results for beams with hexagonal perforations.

Sr. No. Designation of beams Web opening ratio Web post width (mm) Ultimate Moment (kN-m) Maximum deflection (mm) Failure modes
1 SBWO-H-200-4-150-2000 0.75 450 132.85 98.17 VM
2 SBWO-H-200-6-150-2000 0.75 150 111.95 73.68 WPB+VM
3 SBWO-H-200-8-150-2000 0.75 50 89.52 33.47 WPB+VM
4 SBWO-H-200-4-100-2000 0.50 500 163.43 78.01 VM
5 SBWO-H-200-6-100-2000 0.50 200 133.23 75.72 VM
6 SBWO-H-200-8-100-2000 0.50 100 106.96 66.11 WPB+VM
8 S. G. MORKHADE AND L. M. GUPTA

Table 6. Comparison of FE analysis results for beams with octagonal perforations.

Sr. No. Designation of beams Web opening ratio Web post width (mm) Ultimate Moment (kN-m) Maximum deflection (mm) Failure modes
1 SBWO-O-200-4-150-2000 0.75 450 142.72 98.82 VM
2 SBWO-O-200-6-150-2000 0.75 150 118.13 87.58 WPB+VM
3 SBWO-O-200-8-150-2000 0.75 50 80.97 78.20 WPB+VM
4 SBWO-O-200-4-100-2000 0.50 500 166.51 104.63 VM
5 SBWO-O-200-6-100-2000 0.50 200 90.50 93.14 VM
6 SBWO-O-200-8-100-2000 0.50 100 69.75 25.74 WPB+VM

Table 7. Comparison of FE analysis results for beams with rectangular perforations.

Sr. No. Designation of beams Web opening ratio Web post width (mm) Ultimate Moment (kN-m) Maximum deflection (mm) Failure modes
1 SBWO-R-200-4-150-2000 0.75 450 164.39 99.60 VM
2 SBWO-R-200-6-150-2000 0.75 150 125.35 103.57 WPB+VM
3 SBWO-R-200-8-150-2000 0.75 50 115.38 102.45 WPB+VM
4 SBWO-R-200-4-100-2000 0.50 500 158.47 87.14 VM
5 SBWO-R-200-6-100-2000 0.50 200 129.91 118.62 VM
6 SBWO-R-200-8-100-2000 0.50 100 106.43 63.12 WPB+VM

200.00 200.00
180.00 180.00
160.00 160.00

Moment (kN-m)
Moment (kN-m)

140.00 140.00
120.00 120.00
100.00 100.00
80.00 80.00
60.00 60.00
40.00 40.00
20.00 20.00
0.00 0.00
0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 80.00 100.00 120.00 140.00 160.00 0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 80.00 100.00 120.00 140.00 160.00 180.00
Mid span deflection (mm) Mid span deflection (mm)

Parent Beam Web Post Width = 450 mm Parent Beam Web Post Width = 500 mm
Web Post Width = 300 mm Web Post Width = 50 mm Web Post Width = 200 mm Web Post Width = 100 mm

Figure 12. Moment Vs deflection of beam with circular per­ Figure 13. Moment Vs deflection of beam with circular per­
foration of opening ratio 0.75. foration of opening ratio 0.5.

200.00
180.00
160.00
140.00
Moment (kN-m)

120.00
100.00
80.00
60.00
40.00
20.00
0.00
0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 80.00 100.00 120.00 140.00 160.00 180.00
Mid span deflection (mm)

Parent Beam Web Post Width = 450 mm

Web Post Width = 150 mm Web Post Width = 50 mm

Figure 14. Moment Vs deflection of beam with hexagonal perforation of opening ratio 0.75.

when opening ratio is more than 0.75, the openings 0.75 in the current study. In order to study the effect of
greatly affect the strength of the member. This is the web post width on bearing strength of members the web
main reason for considering the opening ratio as 0.5 and post has been varied from 50 mm to 500 mm. Figure 20
 AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING 9

200.00
180.00
160.00

Moment (kN-m)
140.00
120.00
100.00
80.00
60.00
40.00
20.00
0.00
0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 80.00 100.00 120.00 140.00 160.00
Mid span deflection (mm)

Parent Beam Web Post Width = 500 mm

Web Post Width = 200 mm Web Post Width = 100 mm

Figure 15. Moment Vs deflection of beam with hexagonal perforation of opening ratio 0.5.

200.00
180.00
160.00
Moment (kN-m)

140.00
120.00
100.00
80.00
60.00
40.00
20.00
0.00
0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 80.00 100.00 120.00 140.00 160.00
Mid span deflection (mm)

Parent Beam Web Post Width = 450 mm

Web Post Width = 150 mm Web Post Width = 50 mm

Figure 16. Moment Vs deflection of beam with octagonal perforation of opening ratio 0.75.

200.00
180.00
160.00
140.00
Moment (kN-m)

120.00
100.00
80.00
60.00
40.00
20.00
0.00
0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 80.00 100.00 120.00 140.00 160.00
Mid span deflection (mm)

Parent Beam Web Post Width = 500 mm

Web Post Width = 200 mm Web Post Width = 100 mm

Figure 17. Moment Vs deflection of beam with octagonal perforation of opening ratio 0.5.
10 S. G. MORKHADE AND L. M. GUPTA

200.00
180.00
160.00

Moment (kN-m)
140.00
120.00
100.00
80.00
60.00
40.00
20.00
0.00
0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 80.00 100.00 120.00 140.00 160.00
Mid span deflection (mm)

Parent Beam Web Post Width = 450 mm

Web Post Width = 150 mm Web Post Width = 50 mm

Figure 18. Moment Vs deflection of beam with rectangular perforation of opening ratio 0.75.

200.00
180.00
160.00
Moment (kN-m)

140.00
120.00
100.00
80.00
60.00
40.00
20.00
0.00
0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 80.00 100.00 120.00 140.00 160.00
Mid span deflection (mm)

Parent Beam Web Post Width = 500 mm

Web Post Width = 200 mm Web Post Width = 100 mm

Figure 19. Moment Vs deflection of beam with rectangular perforation of opening ratio 0.5.

Figure 20. Failure modes of perforated beams in FE analysis.

 AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING 11

shows the various failure modes obtained during the FE VM Vierendeel mechanism;
analysis. The failure modes are excessive bending, web CFL Compression flange local buckling
post buckling and Vierendeel mechanism. C Circular
H Hexagonal
R Rectangular
tw thickness of web
6. Conclusion
A total of three simply supported hot rolled steel
Disclosure statement
beams (with and without perforations) subjected to
three-point bending have been tested in this study. No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
The flexural behaviour of the perforated beams with
various opening ratio and web post width is presented
and discussed. Based on the experimental and FE Notes on contributors
parametric analysis results, the following conclusions Dr. Samadhan G. Morkhade is presently working as an
have been made: Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering
at Vidya Pratishthan’s Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute of
● From the obtained results it is concluded that Engineering and Technology, Baramati. The research area
of Dr. Samadhan is analysis of steel and composite struc­
opening geometry plays a governing role in the tures. Currently working on the project of ‘Development of
failure of perforated beams. The web openings design guidelines for steel castellated beams’. He is also
not only weaken the beam section but also abol­ recognised reviewer of 16 SCI and SCOPUS indexed jour­
ish its continuity. nals like Engineering Structures, Thin Walled Structures,
● When the opening ratio exceeds 0.75, the open­ Case Studies in Construction Materials, Steel and
Composite Structures and many more. Based on his exper­
ings greatly affect the stability of the components,
tise, he is nominated as Associate Editor, Practice Periodical
which results in reduction in strength capacity of on Structural Design and Construction, ASCE.
perforated beams.
Dr. Laxmikant M. Gupta is Professor and Head of Applied
● In contrast, when the opening ratio is less than Mechanics Department in Visvesvaraya National Institute
0.5, the openings have negligible impact on the of Technology, Nagpur, India. His current research interests
stability component. are steel and composite structures, and prestressed steel
● The web openings also have a significant impact structure. He has published more than 150 papers in
on the bearing strength of the members when the reputed journals/ international/national conferences.
provided web post width is less than 200 mm.
● The common mode of failure observed in beams References
with web openings is excessive bending,
Vierendeel mechanism and web post buckling. Abaqus. 2014. ABAQUS/Standard User’s Manual Volumes I-
III and ABAQUS CAE Manual Version 6.13. Providence,
The lateral torsional buckling failure is not
USA: Dassault Systemes Corp.
observed in the present study because, the beams Carvalho, A.S., A. Rossi, and C.H. Martins. 2022.
are provided with sufficient lateral restrained in “Assessment of lateral–torsional Buckling in Steel I-
the FE models as well span of tested is small. beams with Sinusoidal Web Openings.” Thin-Walled
Structures 175 109242.
Chung, K. F., and R. M. Lawson. 2001. “Simplified Design of
List of symbols Composite Beams with Large Web Openings to Euro
Code 4.” Journal of Constructional Steel Research 57 (2):
h Height of parent section 135–163. doi:10.1016/S0143-974X(00)00011-0.
Ht Final height of castellated/cellular beams Chung, K. F., T. C. H. Liu, and A. C. H. Ko. 2001.
e centre to centre spacing of openings “Investigation on Vierendeel Mechanism in Steel Beams
ao Diameter or height of openings with Circular Web Openings.” Journal of Constructional
Cb Moment gradient factor Steel Research 57 (5): 467–490. doi:10.1016/S0143-974X
fy Yield stress of material (00)00035-3.
Fu Ultimate tensile stress of material Chung, K. F., T. C. H. Liu, and A. C. H. Ko. 2003. “Steel
E Young’s modulus of elasticity Beams with Large Web Openings of Various Shapes and
PB Parent Beam Sizes: An Empirical Design Method Using a Generalized
CB Cellular beam Moment-Shear Interaction Curve.” Journal of
O Octagonal Constructional Steel Research 59 (9): 1177–1200. doi:10.
tf thickness of flange 1016/S0143-974X(03)00029-4.
ISMB Indian standard medium weight beam Ferreira, FPV, A. Rossi, and C.H. Martins. 2019. “Lateral–
CSB Castellated steel beam torsional Buckling of Cellular Beams according to the
PSB Perforated steel beam Possible Updating of EC3.” Journal of Constructional
SBWO Steel beam with web openings Steel Research 153: 222–242. doi:10.1016/j.jcsr.2018.10.011.
n number of openings Ferreira, FPV, KD Tsavdaridis, CH Martins, and S. De
L Effective span of beam Nardin. 2021a. “Composite Action on web-post
EBF Excessive bending failure Buckling Shear Resistance of Composite Cellular Beams
 12 S. G. MORKHADE AND L. M. GUPTA

with PCHCS and PCHCSCT.” Engineering Structures and Finite Element Investigation.” Engineering
246: 113065. doi:10.1016/j.engstruct.2021.113065. Structures and Technologies 7 (1): 13–23.
Ferreira, FPV, KD Tsavdaridis, CH Martins, and S. De Morkhade, S.G., and L.M. Gupta. 2017. “Experimental
Nardin. 2021b. “Buckling and Post Buckling Analyses of Investigation for Failure Analysis of Steel Beams with
Composite Cellular Beams.” Composite Structures 262: Web Openings.” Steel & Composite Structures 23 (6):
113616. doi:10.1016/j.compstruct.2021.113616. 647–656.
IS 1608. 2005. “Mechanical Testing of Metals - Tensile Morkhade, S.G., and L.M. Gupta. 2019a. “Behaviour of
Testing [MTD 3: Mechanical Testing of Metals. Castellated Steel Beams: State of the Art Review.”
IS 2062 .2011. “Specification of Steel for General Structural Electronic Journal of Structural Engineering 19 (1): 39–
Purposes.” 48. doi:10.56748/ejse.19234.
Kaveh, A., and F. Shokohi. 2014. “Cost Optimization of Morkhade, S.G., and L.M. Gupta. 2019b. “Ultimate Load
Castellated Beams Using Charged System Search Behaviour of Steel Beams with Web Openings.”
Algorithm.” Iranian Journal of Science and Technology Australian Journal of Structural Engineering 20 (2): 124–
Transactions of Civil Engineering 38 (C1): 235–249. 133. doi:10.1080/13287982.2019.1607448.
Kaveh, A., and F. Shokohi. 2015a. “Optimum Design of Morkhade, S.G., L.M. Gupta, and C. H. Martins. 2022a.
Castellated Beams Using Colliding Bodies Optimization “Effect of Web Post Width on Strength Capacity of Steel
Algorithm.” Steel and Composite Structures 2 (18): 305– Beams with Web Openings: Experimental and Analytical
324. doi:10.12989/scs.2015.18.2.305. Investigation.” Practice Periodical on Structural Design
Kaveh, A., and F. Shokohi. 2015b. “Cost Optimization of and Construction 27 (2): 04022010. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)
end-filled Castellated Beams Using meta-heuristic SC.1943-5576.0000688.
Algorithms.” Iran University of Science and Technology Morkhade, S.G., K.R. Jagtap, P.S. Ghorpade, D.D. Ahiwale,
5 (3): 333–354. and H.M. Najm. 2022b. “Buckling Performance
Kaveh, A., and F. Shokohi. 2016a. “Application of Grey Evaluation of Cellular Beams Strengthened with Flange
Wolf Optimizer in Design of Castellated Beams.” Asian Cover Plate.” Asian Journal of Civil Engineering. doi:10.
Journal of Civil Engineering (BHRC) 17 (5): 683–700. 1007/s42107-022-00483-3.
Kaveh, A., and F. Shokohi. 2016b. “Optimum Design of Morkhade, S.G., R.S. Lokhande, U.D. Gund, A.B. Divate, S.
Laterally Supported Castellated Beams Using Tug of S. Deosarkar, and M.U. Chavan. 2020. “Structural
War Optimization Algorithm.” Structural Engineering Behaviour of Castellated Steel Beams with Reinforced
and Mechanics 3 (58): 533–553. doi:10.12989/sem.2016. Web Openings.” Asian Journal of Civil Engineering
58.3.533. 21 (6): 1067–1078. doi:10.1007/s42107-020-00262-y.
Kaveh, A., and F. Shokohi. 2016c. “Optimum Design of Morkhade, S.G., S. Shaikh, A. Kumbhar, A. Shaikh, and R.
Laterally Supported Castellated Beams Using Natural Tiwari. 2018. “Comparative Study of Ultimate Load for
Forest Regeneration Algorithm.” Iranian Journal of Castellated and Plain Webbed Beam.” International
Science and Technology, Transactions of Civil Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology 9 (8): 1466–
Engineering 40 (3): 195–207. doi:10.1007/s40996-016- 1476.
0024-1. Morkhade, S.G., T. Shirke, A. Mansuke, M. U. Chavan, and
Luo, C., F. Wang, F. Chen, H. Chen, C. Fu, Y. Chen, and Q. L.M. Gupta. 2021. “Experimental and Analytical
Liao. 2022. “Castellated Steel Beams under Impact Load.” Investigation of Castellated Steel Beams with Varying
Journal of Constructional Steel Research 196 (9): 107394. Openings Eccentricity.” Journal of the Institution of
doi:10.1016/j.jcsr.2022.107394. Engineers (India): Series A 102 (2): 479–488. doi:10.
Mittal, Arcelor. 2016. “ACB® and Angelina TM Beams.” 1007/s40030-021-00516-1.
Mohebkhah, A. 2004. “The moment-gradient Factor in lat­ Rossi, A., FPV. Ferreira, C.H. Martins, and ECM. Júnior.
eral-torsional Buckling on Inelastic Castellated Beams.” 2020. “Assessment of Lateral Distortional Buckling
Journal of Constructional Steel Research 60 (10): 1481– Resistance in Welded I-beams.” Journal of
1494. doi:10.1016/j.jcsr.2004.02.002. Constructional Steel Research 166: 105924. doi:10.1016/j.
Morkhade, S.G., S.M. Baswaraj, and C.B. Nayak. 2019. jcsr.2019.105924.
“Comparative Study of Effect of Web Openings on Sayed, Ahmed M. 2022. “Numerical Study of the Effects of
the Strength Capacities of Steel Beam with Web Openings on the Load Capacity of Steel Beams with
Trapezoidally Corrugated Web.” Asian Journal of Civil Corrugated Webs.” Journal of Constructional Steel
Engineering 20 (8): 1089–1099. doi:10.1007/s42107-019- Research 196 (9): 107418. doi:10.1016/j.jcsr.2022.107418.
00166-6. Tsavdaridis, KD, and C. D’Mello. 2011. “Web Buckling
Morkhade, S. G., and L. M. Gupta. 2014. “Parametric Study Study of the Behaviour and Strength of Perforated Steel
of Steel Beam with Web Opening.” In Proc., Struct Eng. Beams with Different Novel Web Opening Shapes.”
Convention, an Int. Conference, 22-24 December 2014 Journal of Constructional Steel Research 67 (10): 1605–
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India. 1620. doi:10.1016/j.jcsr.2011.04.004.
Morkhade, S.G., and L.M. Gupta. 2015a. “An Experimental Tsavdaridis, KD, and G. Galiatsatos. 2015. “Assessment of
and Parametric Study of Steel Beams with Web Cellular Beams with Transverse Stiffeners and Closely
Openings.” International Journal of Advanced Structural Spaced Web Openings.” Thin-Walled Structures 94:
Engineering 7 (3): 249–260. doi:10.1007/s40091-015- 636–650. doi:10.1016/j.tws.2015.05.005.
0095-4. Zirakian, T., and H. Showkati. 2006. “Distortional Buckling
Morkhade, S.G., and L.M. Gupta. 2015b. “Analysis of Steel I- of Castellated Beams.” Journal of Constructional Steel
beams with Rectangular Web Openings: Experimental Research 62 (9): 863–871. doi:10.1016/j.jcsr.2006.01.004.

View publication stats