Warping behaviour of cantilever steel beam with openings

Abstract

This project presents a short study on warping behaviour of cantilever steel beam with openings subjected to coupled torsional force at the free end. Thus far there has not been any research regarding the relationship between warping and web’s openings. Finite element software, LUSAS 13.6, was used to perform analysis on seven groups of modelling. The analysis of the results showed that opening has a close relationship with warping since opening can reduce web stiffness. When warping resistance decrease, warping displacements and warping normal stress will increase. Opening with bigger size, installed at the free end and central of the web will induce greater warping and vice versa. Simple approximation of installing stiffeners is proposed in this study to provide section’s warping resistance effectively.