Design of composite beams with large steel web penetrations

Methods for designing simply-supported composite beams incorporating large steel web penetrations for both strength and deflection are proposed which suit Australian practice. A penetration may be either circular or rectangular, unreinforced or reinforced, and possibly eccentric to the steel beam centroid. The methods can also be used to design the steel beam prior to composite action. Four methods of strength design have been reviewed with regard to their accuracy and simplicity of use, and one of these methods has been suitably modified to conform with the latest Australian composite beam design requirements. Two methods for calculating deflection have also been reviewed, and a method suitable for use in a wide range of practical situations is proposed. Both design methods are validated using test results from overseas and Australia.