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Simulation and cross-section design of steel beams under moment gradients

Yang, Z; Meng, X; Walport, F; Gardner, L; (2025) Simulation and cross-section design of steel beams under moment gradients. Thin-Walled Structures , 209 , Article 112786. 10.1016/j.tws.2024.112786.

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Abstract

A systematic study into the effect of moment gradients on the cross-section resistance of hot-rolled steel square hollow section (SHS), rectangular hollow section (RHS) and I-section beams has been conducted and is presented in this paper. Finite element (FE) models were first developed and validated against test results from the literature; parametric studies covering different steel grades, cross-section geometries and moment distributions were then carried out. It was found that cross-section bending resistances increase with increasing moment gradient in the low to intermediate range, despite the necessary rise in the level of co-existent shear. Under high moment gradients, the negative impact of the high co-existent shear outweighs the positive influence of the moment gradient, and cross-section bending resistances fall. It was found that the benefits from moment gradients vary with the cross-section slenderness and the aspect ratio of the cross-section, and increase when intermediate web stiffeners are present. A new design method that captures the observed behaviour is devised, featuring a new parameter to describe the local moment gradient in beams under different loading conditions. The proposed design equations are shown to be more accurate than existing provisions in EC3 and to meet the reliability requirements set out in EN 1990. The new method is therefore deemed to be suitable for implementation within the EC3 framework.

Type: Article
Title: Simulation and cross-section design of steel beams under moment gradients
DOI: 10.1016/j.tws.2024.112786
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tws.2024.112786
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
Keywords: Beam; Design; EN 1993-1-1; Local buckling; Moment gradient; Numerical simulation; Reliability analysis
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science > Dept of Civil, Environ and Geomatic Eng
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10204244
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