THE INTERACTION BETWEEN OPENINGS IN THE WEB OF STEEL BEAMS

The interaction between adjacent rectangular openings in the webs of steel I-Beams is investigated. The perforated section is considered in terms of its equivalent line structure, and from an analysis of elastic deformations a design curve is developed for determining the critical width of the web post between openings. The transition in failure modes of the perforated section occurs at this width, viz from independent failure (involving only one opening) to interactive failure (involving both of the openings and the intervening web post). The reduction in the ultimate strength of a beam section due to the presence of adjacent web openings will be minimized if the designer can ensure that independent failure occurs. The practical significance of the critical width is thus that it defines the minimum width of web post that must be used if the perforated section is not be be unduly weakened. The validity of the design curve is verified by an independent determination (using plastic analysis) of the critical widths of web posts for a range of practical beams. It is also shown to predict correctly the modes of failure of a number of experimental beams. (Author/TRRL)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00097845
• Corporate Authors:

  South African Institute of Civil Engineers

  9 St Davids Place, Parktown, P.O. Box 62129
  Marshalltown,   South Africa 
• Authors:
  • DOUGHERTY, B K
• Publication Date: 1988-5

Language

• Undetermined

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 243-249
• Serial:
  • CIVIL ENGINEER IN SOUTH AFRICA
  • Volume: 30
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: South African Institution of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0009-7845

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Charts; Deformation; Elasticity (Mechanics); Failure; Forecasting; I beams; Mathematical models; Steel; Strength of materials; Webbing; Width
• ITRD Terms: 3472: Beam; 6486: Chart; 5595: Deformation; 5912: Elasticity; 5520: Failure; 132: Forecast; 3315: I beam; 6473: Mathematical model; 4542: Steel; 5544: Strength (mater); 6479: Width
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Geotechnology; Highways; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00493092
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: May 31 1990 12:00AM