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Methodology

The research is based on a combination of analytical, numerical and probabilistic methods, validated by laboratory tests, building on the achieved results, knowledge and experience of the research group using existing equipment, purposefully expanding the research of CWB carriers to new, unexplored applications. The research phases are:

  1. Review and analysis of the literature: Updating the latest knowledge on CWB girders, with special emphasis on their behavior under different support conditions and the possibility of application in frame systems.
  2. Analysis of existing laboratory test results: Detailed analysis of results obtained from previous projects involving testing of materials, components (spot welds) and steel composite beams with simple support. This phase includes identification of failure mechanisms.
  3. Development and calibration of preliminary numerical models: Development of nonlinear numerical models using the finite element method in ABAQUS for spot welds and CWB beams. The models will use planar elements for thin-walled components, and special connection types for spot welds independent of the finite element mesh that have already been used in previous studies. The behavior of the materials will be based on experimentally obtained data. The behavior of spot welds will be included in accordance with the analysis of experimentally obtained data. Calibration and validation of the model will be carried out based on the results of existing laboratory tests.
  4. Conduct of laboratory tests: The tests will focus on conditions that simulate the behavior of CWB beams as part of a frame system. The tests will include tests of the basic materials, components, and the entire beams. The aim of the study is to identify failure mechanisms and collect data for the calibration of numerical models.
  5. Numerical parametric analyses: Implementation of numerical parametric analyses based on calibrated models. These analyses will cover different ways of supporting a steel composite beam and different beam configurations in order to investigate the possibilities of using beams in the field of steel frame structures. Larger spans and variant solutions for connecting elements in the frame system will be analyzed.
  6. Development of numerical models of frame systems: Development of nonlinear numerical models using the finite element method in the ABAQUS program for the frame system and implementation of parametric analyses for different typologies. Calibration and validation of the models will be carried out based on the results of laboratory tests from the literature and partner organizations.
  7. Probabilistic and life cycle analyses: Probabilistic analyses in the STRUREL software package will be carried out to evaluate analytical models, assess the reliability of beams in different application conditions, and investigate the influence of individual base variables on reliability. Comparative life cycle analyses will also be conducted for comparison with classic frame solutions with rolled profiles.
  8. Development of guidelines for the application of CWB beams in frame systems: Based on the overall research (analytical, numerical, experimental and probabilistic results), a reliable analytical calculation procedure for composite steel beams with corrugated webs will be developed for their use as part of the load-bearing system of steel frames.