Nonlinear analyses of composite preflex steel beams encased in concrete

Abstract EN

In the present study, a nonlinear three-dimensional finite element analysis has been used to predict the load-deflection and moment-rotation behaviors of composite encased beams consisting of preflex steel sections using the finite element computer program (ANSYS V.

10).

Composite encased beams are analyzed and a comparison is made with available experimental moment-rotation curves, good agreement with the experimental results is observed.

Camber of steel section is introduced on the steel section of the composite beams encased in concrete.

It is found that using of preflex section can increase the ultimate load capacity of the composite encased beam by relatively (15 %) and also it is found that rotations are nearly (65 % to 80 %) the rotations of the same beam without preflex steel section.

Parametric studies have been carried out to study the increasing of the moment-carrying capacity due to the use of encased concrete for the laminated partially encased beams ; meanwhile the slip along the composite partially encased beams length is studied.

The strain distributions along the steel section and encased concrete depth are also examined.

Poisson’s ratio of concrete, the effect of cambering of steel-section and the effect of mesh refinement are also investigated.