Assessing The Configuration and Structural Behavior of Web-Opening Steel Beams: A Comprehensive Review

International Journal of Industrial Engineering

© 2026 by SSRG - IJIE Journal

Volume 13 Issue 1

Year of Publication : 2026

Authors : Mohammad Naseer Sharifi, Mohammad Haroon Sarwary, Abdulhai Kaiwaan, Sayed Javid Azimi

10.14445/23499362/IJIE-V13I1P101

How to Cite?

Mohammad Naseer Sharifi, Mohammad Haroon Sarwary, Abdulhai Kaiwaan, Sayed Javid Azimi, "Assessing The Configuration and Structural Behavior of Web-Opening Steel Beams: A Comprehensive Review," SSRG International Journal of Industrial Engineering, vol. 13,  no. 1, pp. 1-15, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23499362/IJIE-V13I1P101

Abstract:

This paper comprehensively reviews the various configurations of web-opening steel beams and their impact on load bearing capacity, safety, economy, and failure modes. This review encompasses the seismic performance, fire resistance, the role of stiffeners, and the composite behavior of web-opening beams. The findings show that circular openings often display lower stress concentrations than rectangular ones. In contrast, in terms of load-carrying capacity, hexagonal openings perform better than both circular and rectangular openings. Additionally, Sinusoidal openings in castellated beams perform better than hexagonal openings, and diamond-shaped openings offer more strength than circular ones. Furthermore, the study indicates that the main failure modes, such as web post buckling, lateral torsional buckling, and Vierendeel, negatively influence the load bearing capacity, but integrating stiffeners and using composite beams helps control these failure modes. The findings suggest that while more common opening shapes have been widely investigated, studying and utilizing innovative and unconventional shapes offers new opportunities for advancement. Additionally, the behavior and the performance of composite open-web steel beams with shallow depths in masonry and traditional mud structures remain unexplored, highlighting an opportunity for further research.

Keywords:

Web-Opening Steel Beam, Failure Modes, Stiffeners, Composite Behavior, Cellular Beam.

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