Elastic Deflection of Steel and Composite Beams with Web Penetrations

Penetrations are commonly placed in the webs of steel beams (or steel joists for composite beams) to permit the passage of building services. Experimental investigations indicate that the differential deflection across a web penetration can be significant and that local yielding commences around the penetrations even at working loads. In Australia, neither the steel structures Code (AS 4100) nor the composite construction Code (AS2327) gives specific recommendations with regard to design for penetrations. This paper provides designers with a simplified, and yet rational, method to determine the elastic deflection of steel and composite beams with web penetrations.

P.H. Dayawansa