Experimental and Numerical Study of Cold-Formed Steel Beams with Web Perforations

Abstract

This study focuses on the experimental and numerical investigation of cold-formed steel (CFS) beams with web perforations to assess their shear performance. Twelve samples were tested, all processed from high-strength, cold-formed steel sheets of grade S235 with a thickness of 1.5 mm. The specimens, designated as CC, were formed by interlocking two C-sections and welded together. Various parameters were analyzed, such as the shear-span ratio, hole depth-to-web height ratio (dh/h), and web height-to-thickness ratio. The experimental setup involved mid-span single-point loading conditions to evaluate the mechanical behavior of the beams. Circular holes with different diameters were strategically placed at the mid-height of the webs in two shear zones. The experimental results were validated using finite element analysis (FEA) conducted in ANSYS, ensuring the accuracy of the finite element model. The findings indicate that the ultimate bearing capacity of the specimens decreases as the hole depth-to-web height ratio increases. When the hole depth-to-web height ratio was small (dh/h ≤ 0.4), the load-deflection curves declined rapidly after reaching the peak. Conversely, for a ratio of 0.5, the curves declined more gradually. Additionally, mid-span deflection decreased as dh/h increased, with significant variation observed for smaller ratios and stabilization for a ratio of 0.5. This research provides a comprehensive understanding of the shear behavior of cold-formed steel beams with web openings. It offers valuable insights into the design and optimization of these structures, contributing to the safe and efficient application of CFS beams in various engineering contexts.