EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF COMPOSITE COLD-FORMED

TRAPEZOIDAL STEEL BEAMS

Essam A. Amoush (i)

(i) Associate Professor, Civil Engineering Department, Higher Technological Institute, Tenth of
Ramadan City, Egypt

ABSTRACT

Trapezoidal shape beam is made of cut steel plates welded together at the
factory. It can be used with all common floor types such as hollow core slabs
and steel decking floors. The infill concrete and the steel beam form a
composite beam after the concrete has been hardened. The steel beam acts
like a non- composite beam before the infill concrete has reached the required
strength. In the present paper, a relatively new form of the cold-formed steel
beam has a trapezoidal shape section which connected with bottom plate by
self-drill screw, is studied. Simply supported beams with four-point loads are
experimentally studied. In total, six specimens with composite and non-
composite cross-sections are selected. Three samples of the tested beams are
chosen to simulate the non-composite beams as well as the other specimens
are chosen to simulate the composite beams. Different parameters such as
lower flange width-to-depth ratio, upper flange width-to-lower flange width ratio
and flange width-to-thickness ratio for the tested specimens are considered.
Different failure modes such as local buckling, concrete crushing, tilting and
separations of trapezoidal steel cage ledges and lower flange plate are
observed as well as capacities of the tested trapezoidal composite and non-
composite specimens are recorded and discussed. Eventually, the trapezoidal
beams capacities have reached the full flexural strength.

KEYWORDS: Steel beams, Trapezoidal composite beam, Cold-formed, Beam

failure modes, Flexural strength

INTRODUCTION

Trapezoidal shape beam is a slim-floor composite beam which is integrated into

the floor as shown in Figure 1. On site, the beam is filled with concrete. There
are two types of these beams, the first type has ledges on both sides of the
beam, and it can carry floor units on both sides of the beam. The second type
has a vertical web and ledge only on one side. The beam can be used as a
single-span beam or in multi-span beam, and it can be used for cantilever
beams. Composite beams cross-sections do not require temporary shoring to
infill concrete. Moreover, the steel acts as formwork in the erection stage and as
reinforcement in the service stage. The composite elements are simple to
fabricate, and construct when compared with the conventional reinforced
concrete. Kim K. and Yoo C.H., (2008), examined the ultimate strength
interaction of rectangular steel box beams by a numerical approach. They
compared the effects of the residual stresses and the initial imperfections and
compared their analysis results with the analytical and experimental results of
other researchers. In addition, they proposed simple forms of predicted
equations for the ultimate strengths. The major parameters of their study were
aspect ratios of the rectangular box members, width-to-thickness ratios, as well
as steel plates yielding stress. In addition, they suggested the ultimate strength
equations for interaction

Figure 1: Trapezoidal Beam (Delta-beam)

of bending-torsion & bending-shear–torsion. The equations represented the

lower bounds of ultimate strengths due to the combined bending, shear and
torsion. Leskela M.V, et al, (2014) presented an experimental campaign of
Peikko Group Corporation on the shear resistance of trapezoidal beam. Their
tests were carried out in the Technical Research Center of Finland (VTT). In
addition, they developed a three-dimension finite element analysis model and
material non-linearity. It concluded that, the failure due to the vertical shear was
very ductile, and the strut resistance can be maintained until the effective tie
action by the steel webs between the openings has been developed. Han L.H.
et. al. (2014), reviewed the development of concrete-filled steel tubular
members. They were presented and compared some typical applications of the
concrete-filled steel tubular members in different structures at different
countries. The concrete-filled steel tubular structure could be treated as an
alternative system to the steel or the reinforced concrete system. They
recommended that, through comparison of the features of the CFST system
with other systems and sustainable materials should be conducted in the future.
Javed M.F., et. al. (2017) carried out a numerical investigation of the behavior of
concrete filled square or rectangular cross-sections of steel tube beams. They
verified the finite element model by using about 50 experimental results. It was
found, the different studied parameters such as the depth-thickness ratio, yield
strength of steel and height-width ratio had significant effects on the ultimate
capacity of CFST beams. However, the effect of shear span-to-depth ratio,
strength of infilled concrete and yield strength of steel tube was marginal.

In this study, an experimental study is carried out for six composite and non-
composite trapezoidal cross section beams. Distinctive parameters such as
lower flange width-to-depth ratio, upper flange width-to-lower flange width ratio
and flange width-to-thickness ratio for the tested specimens are considered.
Different failure modes such as local buckling, concrete crushing, tilting of
screws and separations of trapezoidal steel cage ledges and lower flange plate
are illustrated. Eventually, the lateral-displacement relationships and capacities
of composite and non- composite tested beams is discussed.

EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM
Section Size
Cold-formed steel beam cross-section consists of trapezoidal hat section and
lower flange plate, are connected by fasteners (screws) to form the steel beam
shape as shown in Figures 2 & 3.

Figure 2: Beam cross section dimensions

From the trapezoidal shape characteristics, the lower flange width is larger than
the upper flange width and equipped with ledges to support various un-propped
floor slabs. The double webs of the trapezoidal steel beam have circular holes
with diameter 30 mm each 300 mm to easy casting in site process. The cross-
section width-to-depth ratios, (b2/H= 0.25 & 0.5), and the upper flange width- to-
lower flange width ratios, (b2/B = 0.25 & 0.50), are chosen as listed in Table 1.
In addition, the studied cold-formed cross-section thickness (t) equals 1.25 mm.
Moreover, the beam has a ledge equal to 50 mm on each side.
 Figure 3: Trapezoidal steel cage with stiffeners at the point loads

Specimens labelling

The specimens are labelled according to their cross-section shape, cross-

section depth/lower flange width, (H/B) ratio and beams type (composite or non-
composite). For example, the label TB-0.5-C defines the following specimen:
the first two letters “TB” indicates that the specimen cross-section shape is
trapezoidal beam. The decimal number 0.5 means the depth-to-lower flange
ratio equals 0.5. Eventually, the letter C indicate that the specimen is
composite.

Table 1: Specimens Dimensions

Specimen Lower Flange Width Depth b2/B b2/H H/B

B (mm) H (mm)
TB-0.5-NC 200 100 0.25 0.50 0.50
TB-0.5-C 200 100 0.25 0.50 0.50
TB-1.0-NC 200 200 0.25 0.25 1.00
TB-1.0-C 200 200 0.25 0.25 1.00
TB-2.0-NC 100 200 0.50 0.25 2.00
TB-2.0-C 100 200 0.50 0.25 2.00
* Thickness t=1.25 mm, b2=50 mm, ledge distance=50 mm

Test setup
Simply supported six specimens with a total length equal to 2000 mm, were
prepared. The specimens were classified into two types, the first one is the
composite beam and the second is the non-composite beam. A 2000 kN
loading machine was used to test these specimens. The specimens were
installed in the loading machine as shown in Figure 4. The specimens were
tested under two-point loads applied at the two thirds points along the beam
length with a very rigid plate to distribute the load. Deflections of the beam
specimens were measured by Four linear variable displacement transducers
(LVDTs).

Figure 4: Testing arrangement of specimen

One was placed at the mid span of the specimen, the other two LVDTs were
placed under the applied concentrated loads. While the fourth one was placed
horizontally at the mid span of the beam web. The specimens were
instrumented to measure the response of loads and deformations. At the
beginning of the test, load interval of less than 1/10 of the estimated ultimate
load capacity was applied as an initial load. Each load interval was maintained
for about one minute at each load increment to achieve full contact between the
load and the specimen bearing plates. All specimens were loaded up to failure.

MATERIAL PROPERTIES

Concrete Material
The concrete mix components (cement: sand: aggregate) ratios was taken as
1:1.25:2.5 and the water-cement ratio of 0.50 to give a compressive strength
fcu=25 MPa. Quantity of cement, sand, 15 mm aggregates and water are 30 kg,
37.5 kg, 75 kg and 15 liters respectively. Concrete is transported in trolleys to
cast in trapezoidal part and six standard control cubes are intended. Their
compressive strengths are recorded as listed in Table 2. It is clear from the
characteristic strength of the 6 tested cubes that the average of cube strength is
approximately equals 25 MPa.
Table 2: Cube characteristic compressive strength (MPa)
Concrete Cube 1 2 3 4 5 6
Fcu (MPa) 23 26 22 27 26 28

Steel Material
A tensile coupon test was used to determine the material properties of the used
steel for the tested specimens. The tensile coupon specimens were taken from
the depth of the untested fabricated specimens cross-section. The dimensions
of tensile coupon tested specimens (width, gauge length and thickness) were
taken as 10 mm, 50 mm and 1.25 mm; respectively. The coupon specimens
were tested using a 100 kN capacity tensile testing machine with friction grips.
An extensometer with sensitivity of 0.05 mm was used to measure the occurred
strain in the tested specimens. A data acquisition system was used to collect
the readings of extensometer at regular automated load steps. Figure 5
represented the average stress-strain relationships which obtained from the
tensile coupon tests to indicate the behavior of the material through the
thickness. The measured average yield and ultimate stresses for the four tested
specimens were approximately equal 300 MPa and 400 MPa; respectively,
while the average Young's modulus equals 215 GPa as listed in Table 3.

a) Average stress-strain curve b) Initial part of the average stress-strain curve

Figure 5: Stress-Strain relationship

Table 3: Tensile Coupon

Specimen Dimensions Area Strain Stresses (MPa) Ultimate/Yielding Modulus
Bxt mm2 ν% Yielding Ultimate (GPa)
1 12 x 1.5 18 0.138 300 410 1.37 217
2 10 x 1.5 15 0.140 302 405 1.34 216
3 11 x 1.5 16.5 0.142 298 400 1.34 210
4 12 x 1.5 18 0.139 305 398 1.30 219
Average 16.88 0.1397 301.25 403.25 1.3375 215.5
EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS DISCUSSION

The experimental tests results are listed in Table 4. In this table, Pu is the
maximum applied load, Mu is the ultimate bending moment. After reaching
ultimate load, the stiffness of the specimen became negative, while the vertical
displacement increased very fast as shown in Figure 6 for specimen TB-2-C.
from the test results, the beams strengths were recorded. One of the most
features of the trapezoidal beam is that, there is not any lateral movement of the
cross-section or any other instability form. Therefore, the trapezoidal beams
capacities have reached the full flexural strength.

Table 4: Test Results

Specimen Ultimate Load Ultimate bending Moment Failure Mode
kN kN.m
TB-0.5-NC 22 7.33 LB
TB-0.5-C 33 11 LB + Ccr + ST
TB-1.0-NC 26 8.71 LB
TB-1.0-C 68 22.78 LB + Ccr + ST
TB-2.0-NC 27 9 LB
TB-2.0-C 50 16.75 LB + Ccr + ST
* LB (Local Buckling), Ccr (Concrete Crushing), ST (Screw Tilting)

Figure 6 indicated that, the load-deflection relationships for the composite

versus the non-composite trapezoidal beams. Generally, the composite
trapezoidal beam is stiffer than the equivalent non-composite beam, so that, the
deflection of the composite beam would be less than that occurred in the non-
composite beam.

Figure 6: comparison between composite and non-composite tested specimens

An increase in the capacity of the trapezoidal composite beams is observed.

The major effect of the composite action forces the steel and the concrete to
work together. The results show that, the strength ratio of the composite beam -
to-the non-composite beam, PC / PNC, for specimens having depth-to-width
ratios, H/B, equal 0.5, 1, 2 are 1.50, 2.60, 1.86; respectively. To add on, the
trapezoidal shape aspect ratios H/B is very important. Close observation of the
results shows that, there is a certain increase in the ultimate loads by kept the
depth-to-width ratio, H/B, equals 1.0.

Failure Mode
The experimental results of this study demonstrated the predominant failure
mechanism of the beam specimens to be excessive deflection accompanied
with some local distortions near the applied load points at a failure load.
Moreover, the local buckling of the compression flange with consistent
deformation at the web is observed. The tested composite beams failed in a
very ductile manner. No tension fracture was observed on the tension flange.
Failure modes of the composite and non-composite specimens are shown in
Figures 7 & 8; respectively.

Figure 7. Failure modes and deformed shape of the cross-section of composite

specimen TB-0.5-C

Figure 8: Failure modes and deformed shape of the cross-section of non-

composite specimen TB-2-NC
Tilting action occurred because of inherent eccentricity associated with the
separation occurred between the hat section ledge and the lower flange plate.
Tilting failure mode is categorized into screw failure type in the tension side.
The tilting and subsequent pull-out of the screw, hole bearing of the joined
materials and tensile fracture at the net section of the connected part elements
are occurred for most tested specimens. For composite specimens, the
compression flange of the trapezoidal cross-section between loading points is
buckled outward at the ultimate state, while in the non-composite specimens the
compression flange may be buckled inward or outward.

Load - Displacement
Load versus displacement in points P1, P2, P3 & H is plotted as shown in
Figures 9, 10 & 11. The relations show that, all composite beam specimens
established similar behavior to that the non-composite beam sections but with
an increasing ductility. Thus, we have observed that, the capacity of the
composite beam is increased when compared by non-composite beam.
However, the composite specimens demonstrated favorable post-yield behavior
with a good ductility performance. The loading is increased gradually with
automated load steps. For the tested specimens, especially for TB-2-C, at the
last loading steps, the load reached a plateau, while the vertical displacement
increased rapidly. The results clear that, the initial stiffness of the composed
specimens, TB-1-C & TB-2-C is higher than initial stiffness of the non-composite
beams TB-1-NC & TB-2-NC.

Figure 9: load versus deflections of composite and non-composite specimens

TB-0.5-NC & TB-0.5-C
Figure 10: load versus deflections of composite and non-composite specimens
TB-1-NC & TB-1-C

Figure 11: load versus deflections of composite and non-composite specimens

TB-2-NC & TB-2-C

CONCLUSIONS

In this paper, an experimental study is carried out for a relatively new form of
cold-formed steel beam which having a trapezoidal shape section connected
with bottom plate by using self-drill screw. A total of six composite and non-
composite trapezoidal cross-section beams are tested. Distinctive parameters
such as lower flange width-to-depth ratio, upper flange width-to-lower flange
width ratio and flange width-to-thickness ratio for the tested specimens are
considered. From the results, we concluded that, all composite beam
specimens established similar behavior to that the non-composite beam
sections but with an increasing ductility. Composite trapezoidal demonstrated
favorable post-yield behavior with a good ductility performance. for composite
specimens, the compression flange of the trapezoidal cross-section between
loading points is buckled outward at the ultimate state, while in the non-
composite specimens the compression flange may be buckled inward or
outward. the failure mechanism of the beam sections results in an excessive
deflection with no lateral disturbances or any other form of instability. Therefore,
the trapezoidal beams capacities have been reached the full flexural strength.
the initial stiffness of the composed specimens is higher than initial stiffness of
the non-composite beams. The ultimate moment capacity of the trapezoidal
beams increased by filling the void of the hollow section.

REFERENCES

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