Progressive collapse behavior of beam–column structures with corrugated web openings

The use of corrugated web beams in civil buildings is gradually increasing. Therefore, the effects of web openings on the collapse resistance of corrugated web beam–column structures must be investigated. This study conducts static loading tests on standard corrugated web (SCW) and open corrugated web (OCW) specimens with a failed middle column. The web openings have minimal effect on the preliminary bearing capacity of the OCW specimen compared to that of the SCW specimen. The specimens show similar internal force development trends, deformation zones in the webs at 45° to the flange, and tensile flange ruptures near the failed column. The deformation of the web openings delays the formation of the deformation zone in the connection area. The maximum load-bearing capacity and failure displacement of the OCW specimen are 46.5% and 32% larger than those of the SCW specimen, respectively, which indicates that openings in the corrugated web can improve the collapse resistance of the substructure. A finite element model is used to analyze the effects of various opening parameters, such as the diameter-to-height ratio, margin, and opening eccentricity on the collapse resistance of the structure. The reasonableness of the numerical model is verified by comparing the results of numerical simulations and practical experiments. The diameter-to-height ratio is positively correlated with the collapse resistance of the substructure. To optimize the shear capacity of the beam, the diameter-to-height ratio should be <0.5. When the margin is <1.8 times the height of the beam, the collapse resistance of the structure increases with the increase of the distance between the opening edges. Therefore, a suitable margin is 1.3–1.8 times the beam height. Openings in the pressure zone negatively affect the collapse performance of the substructure. Therefore, openings should be eccentricity-free or located in the tensile zones. The results of this study can be used as a reference for future projects.