Validated Finite Element Model of Build-Up I-Beam using Triangular Element under 4-Point Bending Load

For heavy industries such as automotive, oil and gas industries and construction, I-beam is widely used as the main structure to support the weight caused by static and dynamic loads. The selection of this type of beam is due to itsability to offer high strength and stiffness to weight ratioandindirectly will reduce the cost for material and handling time. However, in a specific condition, the shape of flange and web for I-beam is designed with uniform or non-standard size that will require built-up method using a welding technique to meet the design requirement proposed by the customer. Since the built-up I-beam is used welding technique by joining thin-walled plates, it will expose this I-beam to joint flexibility and buckling effects that can cause failure to the beam at lower than design load. In this study, a validated finite element model to predict the stress of built-up I-beam willbe carried out using the finite element model by comparing with experimental data. To improve the accuracy of the FEA model, the welding area between flanges and web is replaced with a triangular element and manages to produce 94.8% accuracy.