THE EFFECT OF STIFFENERS ON ASYMMETRIC (UPN) BEAMS UNDER ECCENTRIC LOADS

Abstract

Stiffeners are crucial in enhancing the resistance of steel elements to both point and distributed vertical loads. However, one of the main challenges is the vertical and horizontal deflection experienced by steel beams under asymmetric loading conditions. This study investigates, using IDEA StatiCa software, the effect of stiffeners on the performance of European UPN steel beams subjected to eccentric point loads. A total of 12 beam models stiffened and unstiffened were studied, varying in height and yield strength. Finite element analysis was conducted using the Component-Based Finite Element Method (CBFEM) to accurately capture stress distribution and deflection behavior. The results show that stiffeners significantly reduce both vertical and lateral deflections and improve torsional stability. Furthermore, stiffened and unstiffened beams reached yield strength at similar load levels, but the presence of stiffeners limited post-yield deformations. The findings align with previous studies and confirm the value of stiffeners in enhancing the structural performance of asymmetric beams. This highlights the practical importance of stiffeners in UPN steel beam design, especially under eccentric loading where stability and local deformation are critical concerns.