Web Hole Diameter Optimization for Enhancing Bending Capacity of Steel Beams: Experimental and Numerical Analysis

Abstract

This study examines the flexural behavior of cellular beams in the context of the size and placement of web openings. Cellular beams are widely used in construction due to their advantages such as weight reduction and versatility. However, the diameter and spacing of web openings significantly impact the flexural capacity of these beams. Therefore, the flexural behavior of steel beams with various web opening diameters and spacings was investigated using both experimental and numerical methods. In the experimental work, four-point bending tests were conducted on steel beams with three different web opening diameters (137 mm, 148 mm, and 160 mm) and various spacing configurations. The numerical analyses were performed using nonlinear finite element analysis in ABAQUS software. The numerical models were validated against experimental results and subsequently utilized in a parametric study. The results showed that increasing the web opening diameter reduced the flexural capacity by up to 64%, while wider spacing increased it by 10-20%. Additionally, when the ratio of beam height to web opening diameter is 1.75, the beam exhibits the highest load capacity and the lowest energy absorption loss. These findings underscore the importance of optimizing web opening configurations in the design of steel structures, both in practical and theoretical terms. The study highlights the need for future research to refine current design codes and integrate new technologies to achieve more efficient designs.