Analysis of shear deflections of deep composite box-type of beams using different shear deformation models

The deflection of deep box-type elements due to shear deformations is treated. A closed-form expression for the shear correction factor is derived by using an energy approach. The high accuracy and reliability of the developed procedure is demonstrated by comparing its results with accurate 3-D finite element results and also with the results of the conventional theories of Timoshenko with constant shear coefficient and of Reddy–Bickford applied to this kind of cross-section. A comprehensive and comparative parametric study is presented to investigate the effects of various mechanical properties and geometric dimensions for the different models. Unlike the higher-order shear deformation theories, which are accurate only for beams with rectangular cross-sections, there is a very good agreement between the results of the proposed method and the 3-D FE model. Clearly, the proposed energy method is applicable to more complicated cross-sections, including those with abrupt changes in the geometry, e.g. due to holes.