Geometrical Parametric Study on Steel Beams Exposed to Solar Radiation

A finite element thermal analysis was conducted in this study with the aim of evaluating the influence of the geometrical parameters of steel sections on their thermal response under solar radiation. Four W12 and W24 standard steel beams were investigated under the solar irradiation conditions of a sunny summer day. The finite element analysis was carried out using COMSOL Multiphysics considering the Sun's movement from sunrise to sunset, reflected radiation from the ground, surface convection of air and long wave radiation as the main boundary thermal loads. The temperature-time variation at different locations in the sections, vertical temperature distributions, temperature gradient distributions and thermal stress distributions were investigated. The results showed that the daily maximum temperatures, temperature variation, temperature and temperature gradient distributions and thermal stresses are influenced by the geometry of the steel section. The flange width and flange thickness were found to be the controlling parameters during the noon hours, while these parameters in addition to web depth control the shading effect during the afternoon. On the other hand, web thickness affects the temperature of webs at sunrise and sunset times. Geometrical ratios like W-f/H, W-f/t(f)(2) and 2W(f)/Ht(f) were the most influential parameters on temperatures, temperature gradients and thermal stresses of steel beams subjected to solar radiation. The investigated section with the maximum W-f/t(f)(2) value of 0.96 (W12 x 58) recorded the highest top-surface noon temperature, while section W24 x 84 with the lowest W-f/t(f)(2) value of 0.60 exhibited the lowest temperature.

Automated summary

This study conducted a finite element thermal analysis to evaluate the influence of geometrical parameters of steel sections on their thermal response under solar radiation. The results showed that the temperatures, temperature variations, and thermal stresses of the steel beams are affected by the geometry of the section, with flange width and flange thickness playing a significant role during noon hours.