Parallel Steel Beam Connection

[BendingMoment123]

I have to join two steel beams together and they are both parallel to each other. It's a Channel and an I section of the same depth. The idea is to use plates between the two beams to join them,so that two beams behave as one composite beam.

Any idea on how many connections/joins between the two beams are needed for the beams to be considered as as one beam, or guidelines on connector spacing? Can't seem to find anything in the Canadian design code on this type of approach, but I could be mistaken.

Thanks

 

[HTURKAK]

You may combine the C section and I section with intermittent or staggered groove weld. Look to your applicable code for the requirements of compound section , for spacing ..

 

[jayrod12]

You now have a monosymmetric section, so keep that in mind for your analysis. In rare occasions, I've seen this reduce the capacity of the section instead of strengthen it.

 

[phamENG]

A lot of that will depend upon how the beams are loaded. Post a sketch of the beams, their spacing, and how the loads are applied.

 

[BendingMoment123]

Here is the sketch

 

[phamENG]

I don't think that channel is going to give you very much.

Since it's discreetly loaded (not a UDL), I'd try by placing a stiff connection at the load points. Determine the flexural stiffness of the channel at those points (spring constant) and place springs with that stiffness at those load points. You're introducing a lot of eccentricity into the system, so be sure you consider that in the analysis and especially in the connection detailing. That should at least get you started.

 

[BendingMoment123]

Yes, currently I have the stiff connections at the load points. Thank you for your advice