Analytical and experimental investigation on the flexural behavior of partially encased composite beams

Abstract

Using a bending test with enhanced measurement accuracy, this experimental study involved testing partially sheathed composite steel beams with and without prestressing and without openings on the vertical plate. The bending strength and behavior patterns were also analyzed. The new technique for these composite beams proved to be an effective bending system. The steel-constructed structure significantly increased the bending capacity of the sheathed beam, while the prestressing of the cables was dependent on the steel's stress ratio. An infinite-scale analysis was conducted to study the behavior up to failure of a partially supported and partially covered composite beam subjected to a constant symmetrical load. Three-dimensional models were then analyzed using finite-element software to assess the beam's behavior under load deflection and failure conditions. The methodology employed was nonlinear gear and nonlinear geometric analysis based on repeated load incrementing. Twelve models were analyzed using this method to verify their potential and effectiveness. The results obtained using finite element models and failure methods were compared with experimental results. Good correlations were found between finite element analysis and experimental results.