Optimization analysis for bolted steel I-beam: Considering various sizes of beam web with a focus on sustainability design

Abstract

Abstract Steel structural construction has consistently held a pivotal role in modern construction practices. Presently, a substantial portion of research efforts has been directed towards the examination of bolted connections, while the optimization of steel beam usage has not garnered equivalent attention. This research initiative is focused on determining the ideal dimensions for the beam web through the utilization of finite element analysis (FEA). This analysis specifically investigates bolted steel I-beams featuring varying beam web sizes under concentrated loads. To achieve this, a three-dimensional (3D) simulation model of a bolted beam-to-column structure has been meticulously constructed and executed within the ABAQUS software to derive optimization insights. The beam web sizes considered span a range from 200 mm, representing a smaller size, to 400 mm, signifying a medium size, and up to 600 mm, which represents a larger beam web size. Following the simulation, the results pertaining to beam displacement and bending stress have been tabulated and compared against manually calculated values to validate the accuracy of the simulation. Remarkably, the percentage disparity between the FEA and manual calculations remained below 5 %, signifying a high level of acceptability. From the post hoc test, the efficiency rate of the 400 mm beam web size stood at 76.67 %, rendering it the most favourable choice in terms of cost-effectiveness and sustainability among the three considered sizes.