Optimization Of Castellated Beam Configurations for Improved Structural Performance and Weight Reduction

ABSTRACT The increased use of castellated beams in contemporary steel construction is a result of a higher demand for lightweight, high-performance structural systems, affording greater depth-to-weight ratios and service integration. The current study examines the performance and improvement of castellated beams with regards to the web configurations, thicknesses and positions of stiffeners in an organized manner. A Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was performed with ETABS with results for various load scenarios; capacity, stress distribution, deflection and modes of failure. The simulation was verified by actual beam specimens being tested in the lab for real-world verification. There was also was consideration of the seismic performance analysis with a 22 story structural model with outrigger and belt truss systems integrated with castellated beams to evaluate displacement, drift and shear performance. Through the comparision a analysis of the geometries including web thickness, opening size and angle of cut it was possible to understand the impact on strength, stiffness and stability. It was concluded that modified designs of castellated beams will enhance the load-bearing capacity while using less material towards a more efficient structural capacity and economic benefit. The practice of sustainability in design was also provided by implementing less steel and improving seismic performance in order to find innovative economical construction solutions. Keywords: Castellated beams, Finite Element Analysis, ETABS, Structural optimization, Stiffeners, Seismic performance