Output details

Equivalent representations of beams with periodically variable cross-sections

Composite floors consist of a trapezoidal steel sheet and lightweight concrete and lead to difficulties in finite element modelling because of the two different materials and variable cross-sections. This practical problem initiated this analytical study for representing a beam with periodically variable cross-section with an equivalent uniform beam. The outcome led to a significant simplification of modelling and removed practical difficulties in modelling. The study demonstrated that the equivalent representation of a beam with periodical steps was accurate and simple to be applied into engineering practice. Zheng was a PhD student on the project.