Experimental investigation on shear capacity of lipped channel beams with non-circular web openings

Abstract

Cold-formed steel members are increasingly used around the world due to the availability of thin and high strength steel and advanced steel technologies. Sri Lanka as a fast growing economy in Asia requires new technologies to suit the rapid construction. Cold-formed steel is a viable material for fast and easy construction. This paper presents the results of an experimental study on shear behaviour and strength of cold-formed steel Lipped Channel Beams (LCB) having non-circular web openings. The study included fifty three (53) full scale shear tests of LCBs including square, rectangular, and elliptical web openings tested under simply supported end conditions. The grades of steel are G350 and G450 with thickness 2 mm. The test results were compared with the predictions from the current design rules given in the Australian cold-formed steel design standards AS/NZS 4600 to verify its applicability to LCBs with non-circular web openings. The results show that the predictions of shear capacity reduction due to non-circular web opening by AS/NZS 4600 are conservative in general. The comparison was also done with the other existing shear design equations. The predictions given by Shan et. al. are too conservative and the predictions given by Keerthan and Mahendran are un-conservative in general.