Flexural Behavior and Rotation Capacity of Welded I-Beams Made from 690-MPa High-Strength Steel

Abstract

In this study, the flexural behavior and rotation capacity of welded I-beams made from 690-MPa high-strength steel were investigated through experimental tests and numerical simulations. In the experimental program, a total of 16 beams with different width-to-thickness ratios and spans were tested to failure under three- and four-point bending. The flexural strength and rotation capacity were studied in the test. Finite-element models with initial geometric imperfections and residual stresses were established and verified by the test results. A series of parametric studies on flange and web slenderness was conducted based on the verified numerical model. Comparisons were made between test results, numerical results, and design calculations obtained from three international design standards to investigate the applicability of the current design methods to high-strength (690-MPa) steel I-beams.