Bending behaviour of thin-walled perforated channel beams with modified cross sectional shape – Part 2: analytical calculations and FEM

Abstract

This article is the second part of a comprehensive research program investigating the structural performance of thin-walled channels with modified cross-sectional geometries. The study involved testing six beams, three of which featured perforated webs, while the other three had flat, solid webs. The beams were subjected to four-point bending tests in order to evaluate their load-bearing capacity. The first part of the research presented the results of experimental tests and finite strip analysis. This article will focus on finite element analyses and analytical calculations conducted in accordance with Eurocode 3 guidelines and the principle of minimizing potential energy. The study provides several significant contributions: it integrates experimental, numerical and theoretical methods to deliver a thorough evaluation of beam performance. The finite element method (FEM) simulations offer precise modeling of complex stress and strain states, while analytical calculations supply a solid theoretical foundation for interpreting structural behavior. The research demonstrates that web perforation, while reducing critical and maximum forces, also results in considerable weight savings, enhancing material efficiency. Additionally, the division of the research into two articles ensures clarity and accessibility, with this second part being dedicated to detailed FEM and analytical results, thereby facilitating both academic understanding and practical engineering applications.