Nonlinear finite element modeling of crack behavior in oriented strand board webbed wood I-beams with openings

Openings are necessary in oriented strand board webbed wood I-joists to allow electrical wires/service pipes pass through their webs. Sizes and locations of the opening are variable, which could be crucial in some circumstances. There is a high possibility that crack will grow in high stress/strain areas, especially in tension corners of large size openings with square or rectangular shapes. In this paper, nonlinear three-dimensional finite element models, incorporating with orthotropic elastic and perfectly elasto-plastic material behavior, were developed to simulate crack growth in a beam with openings until it collapses. Removal (model change) techniques in ABAQUS were used, by which elements were removed when they reached a critical level of stress (strain). Finite element simulations were compared with the corresponding experimental results in terms of failure modes and load-deflection relationships. Reasonably good correlation was obtained. Beams with different dimensions and opening sizes were studied and validated. Using validated finite element models, parametric studies were undertaken to cover both circular and square openings with different sizes. Critical opening sizes were discussed.