Numerical Study on the Impact Response of Steel Beams with Large Web Openings: Investigating Key Parameters

The absence of specific guidelines to enhance the integrity of structural members to resist accidental loading such as impact, explosion and fire highly motivated the researchers to cover such a knowledge gap.In the current study, one of the most common structural members that used widely in structural frames named steel beams with large web openings (SBLWOs) was numerically investigated under impact load.Non-linear finite element (FE) models were created using ABAQUS software and validated against existing experimental data from the literature.The FE models developed considered the dynamic material properties in the elastic, plastic, and damage stage.Strain rate effect was also taking into account in the models.Afterwards, intensive parametric analyses of the parameters that affect the behavior of SBLWOs were performed including impact energy, impact location, and opening strengthening.The correlation outcomes of the FE and the experimental tests were in a good agreement in terms of force and displacement time histories and failure modes.The results showed that the SBLWOs were able to resist the impact with higher velocity rather than higher mass.Regarding the effect of impact location, the worst case was found to be when a cellular steel beam impacted close to the supports.Finally, the contribution of providing steel stiffeners in the impact zone resulted in a significant improvement in the shear and web buckling resistance.