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002383
2021-04-21

Temperature Loads on Composite Beam

How do I define temperature loads on a composite beam?


Answer:

The Temperature load case is very important in composite structures. It has to be distinguished between the load cases of warming from above (due to concreting) and warming from below. Since it is necessary to specify the temperature change here, the load is defined as Delta T. A composite beam is often modeled using an eccentric member coupled to a surface. In this case, the temperature difference between these two elements (a surface and a member) must be divided.

The load on the member is defined as the member load with the temperature difference times the member height divided by the total height of the composite cross-section ($\triangle T\times\frac{h_s}{h_g}$). If the top fibers of the member are colder than the bottom, the value must be defined as negative.

Finally, the remaining temperature difference is applied to the surface. It is important to define the temperature of the member as Tc on the surface, and to apply the missing temperature as delta T on the surface.