Nonlinear finite element analysis of optimally designed steel cellular beams

Cellular beams became increasingly popular as an efficient structural form in steel construction since their introduction. Their sophisticated design and profiling process provides greater flexibility in beam proportioning for strength, depth, size and location of circular holes. The purpose of manufacturing these beams is to increase the overall beam depth, the moment of inertia and section modulus, which results in greater strength and rigidity. The objective of this study is to carry out non-linear finite element (FE) analysis of the cellular beams that were considered in the experimental study in order to determine their ultimate load carrying capacity for comparison. The finite element method has been used to predict their entire response to increasing values of external loading until they lose their load carrying capacity. FE model of each specimen that is utilized in the experimental studies is carried out. FE models of steel cellular beams are used to simulate the experimental work to verify of test results and to investigate the non-linear behavior of failure modes such as web-post buckling, shear buckling and vierendeel bending of beams.