Numerical modeling of composite beams with web openings

Although current design codes include detailed methodology for the design of beams, no provisions for the design of composite beams with web openings are incorporated. In this research, an elaborate finite element model for composite beams with web opening is developed. The model is verified by comparing its behavior with available experimental tests. The finite element model is used to conduct a parametric study to investigate the effect of opening location, depth, width, and vertical eccentricity on the behavior of the beam. The model is extended to take into consideration the material non-linearity, the shear connector non-linearity, and the geometric non-linearity. The extended model is used to determine the failure load for beams with different web opening geometry. Simplified approaches for modeling composite beams with web openings are presented and results are compared with available experimental tests and finite element model and limitations are investigated.