TECHNO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF CASTELLATED AND SOLID "I"- PROFILED STEEL BEAMS IN TERMS OF LOAD CAPACITY AND SERVICEABILITY

Abstract

Advantages of castellated beams compared to solid steel beams can be significant. They can have up to 50% increase of cross section height compared to its original beam from which they were made of, i.e. greater bending capacity. Aim of this paper is to show the economic justification of castellated beams compared to solid beams in terms of load capacity and serviceability. The spans and loads on simple beam are varied and for a regulated pair (span, load), one solid and one castellated beam are determined, whose load capacity and serviceability are satisfied, and then their price was compared. Castellated beams are more economical in terms of total weight, but their production demands additional costs. Also in this paper, particularities of castellated beams design will be presented, since current European regulations (Eurocode 3) do not cover mentioned design methods.