A Numerical Investigation of Composite Beams Incorporating ‎Rectangular and Circular Web Openings with Multiple Shear Connector ‎Types

Abstract

The present research provides a numerical evaluation of composite beams with openings constructed with various shear connections under four-point loading conditions. A series of composite steel-concrete beams with varying opening shapes, numbers of openings, and various types of shear connectors have been analyzed numerically. Four variables were examined: connection ratios of 100%, 70%, and 50%; types of shear connectors (studs and Y-rib connectors); shapes of web openings (rectangular and circular); and the number of openings. The conclusion of the research includes the mid-span beam deflection, cracking load, crack pattern, and failure mode. These results indicate that the Y-rib shear connections performed better than all other connectors. They enhanced the ultimate shear capacity by roughly 1.88%, 2.28%, and 3.21% for connection ratios of 50%, 70%, and 100%, respectively. Further, the incorporation of web openings reduces the stiffness and strength of composite steel-concrete beams while increasing their load-bearing capacity and deformation capability. Web opening influences the composite steel-concrete beams and reduces the stiffness and strength of simply supported composite steel-concrete beams. On the other hand, it has been demonstrated that circular web openings perform effectively in all aspects, including keeping stress low at the web openings and simplifying construction. Nevertheless, shear failure was the most common kind of failure in all composite beam samples.