| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 285264 | Journal of Constructional Steel Research | 2012 | 14 Pages |
Recently developed cold-formed LiteSteel Beam (LSB) sections have found increasing popularity in residential, industrial and commercial buildings due to their light weight and cost-effectiveness. Another beneficial characteristic is that they allow torsionally rigid rectangular flanges to be combined with economical fabrication processes. Currently, there is significant interest in the use of LSB sections as flexural members in floor joist systems. When used as floor joists, these sections require openings in the web to provide access for inspection and other services. At present, however, there is no design method available that provides accurate predictions of the moment capacities of LSBs with web openings. This paper presents the results of an investigation of the buckling and ultimate strength behaviour of LSB flexural members with web openings. A detailed fine element analysis (FEA)-based parametric study was conducted with the aim of developing appropriate design rules and making recommendations for the safe design of LSB floor joists. The results include the required moment capacity curves for LSB sections with a range of web opening combinations and spans and the development of appropriate design rules for the prediction of the ultimate moment capacities of LSBs with web openings.
► Buckling behaviour of LiteSteel beams with web openings is investigated. ► Numerical studies were conducted to simulate the nonlinear ultimate strength behaviour. ► Effects of web hole size and spacing on the moment capacity of LSBs were investigated. ► Design rules were developed for LSBs with web openings.
