Dynamic Response and Shear Carrying Capacity of Web‐Opening High‐Strength Steel Beams Under Impact Loads

To investigate the dynamic response of web‐hexagonal‐opening high‐strength steel beams (WHOSSBs) under impact loads, drop‐hammer impact tests were conducted on 18 WHOSSBs. A numerical model was established and compared with the impact test results to verify the validity of the model. The study analyzed the effects of varying parameters like flange width‐to‐thickness ratio, web height‐to‐thickness ratio, web‐opening shape, and opening‐height ratio on the dynamic response of web‐opening high‐strength steel beams (WOHSSBs). The results indicated that increasing the steel strength had a certain effect on improving the local indentation depth at the impact location and the Vierendeel shear deformation of WHOHSSBs. With increasing flange thickness, the average specific energy absorption of WHOHSSBs decreased by 5.36%, whereas impact efficiency increased gradually; with increasing web thickness, the energy absorbed by these beams increased progressively, and the specific energy absorption and average impact efficiency rose by 1.94% and 12.39%, respectively. When the web openings were circular, the specific energy absorption of high‐strength steel beams with circular web openings was less than that of the web hexagonal, rectangular, and octagonal openings. Based on the dynamic response ratio and energy absorption ratio, a formula for calculating the shear carrying capacity of WHOHSSBs under impact loads was proposed.