An experimental and parametric study on steel beams with web openings

The use of steel beams with web openings (SBWOs) for structures such as industrial buildings and high-rise buildings has turned out to be extensive in recent times. There are numerous motives for which openings are kept. In this respect, an experimental investigation was planned and conducted on seven models of SBWOs. The initiative was to identify the maximum load behaviour, and deflection of steel beams with openings in the web. The performance of such beams has been considered only for vertical loads. Hot rolled steel beams of ISMB 100 with openings in the web were tested to failure. The beams were simply supported at the ends and subjected to a concentrated load applied at the mid-span. The openings considered in the experimental study are circular and rectangular only. All the beams were analysed by the finite element method by using general finite element analysis software ANSYS and the results were compared with those obtained experimentally. The test results found to be very useful for optimization of spacing-to-diameter ratio and aspect ratio of openings. The finite element results for deformation and ultimate strength shows good agreement with the corresponding values observed in the experiments. At last, a parametric study was carried out using finite element method to examine that which type of openings gives best performance during loading.