Experimental investigation of cellular steel beams at ambient and elevated temperatures

Cellular steel beams, commonly used in modern construction, exhibit complex failure mechanisms that have not been thoroughly explored, especially under fire conditions. This research investigates the structural behaviour of cellular beams under both ambient and elevated temperatures, with a focus on load-bearing capacity and failure modes. Experimental tests were conducted on a solid beam and six cellular beams with varying hole spacings and diameters at different temperatures. All beams were tested under three-point bending, subjecting the openings and the web posts to different combinations of bending moments and shear forces. Experimental maximum loads and failure modes are compared with the design method of EN1993-1-13 and EN1993-1-2. At ambient temperature, failure modes varied with beam design: specimens with smaller opening spacings failed by web-post buckling, while larger openings resulted in a Vierendeel mechanism. While the Eurocode predictions for load capacity were conservative under ambient conditions, the design model did not accurately predict the correct failure mode. Elevated temperatures significantly reduced the load capacity and, in some cases, changed the collapse mechanism. These results highlight that current design rules are unreliable in predicting the failure mode and may not ensure safety at higher temperatures, stressing the need for specific design rules for cellular beams in fire conditions.