By closing this message, you consent to our cookies on this device in accordance with our cookie policy unless you have disabled them. You can change your cookie settings at any time but parts of our site will not function correctly without them.
Sign up to receive ArcelorMittal Sections news alerts by email
Print
Bookmark
Share on
Contact us
ACB® and Angelina® beams
ACB® and Angelina® beams, with their circular and sinusoidal large web openings, elegantly combine function with flexibility. Alternatives to trusses and open-web joist systems, beams with large web openings are lightweight, long-spanning, structural elements that enable the design of vast column-free spaces. They can be used in composite or non-composite systems.
Their large web openings permit installation of mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) pipes and ducts within the depth of the beam, thereby allowing for compact ceiling systems and maximised floor-to-ceiling heights. In addition, the repetition of the perforations ensures that variations, during construction or throughout the life of the structure, in the layout of the MEP system can easily be accommodated.
Architecturally striking, ACB® and Angelina® beams are every year seeing increased use in the built environment. Today, with improvements that have been implemented in design standards, analysis tools, and manufacturing, it is easier than ever to incorporate them into a framing system.
Design standards
Eurocode 3 for steel structures and Eurocode 4 for composite structures provide guidance with respect to the design of beams with web openings. Information includes analysis recommendations for use of these elements in traditional applications, such as the support system for floors and roofs; assumptions to employ when considering how the sections will behave in response to fire events; and information about using beams fabricated from S460 high-strength steel.
Composite construction
The development of the various aspects of composite steel and concrete construction – connections, use of steel sheet decking, large floor areas without expansion joints (up to 80m and even more), fire resistance, user comfort and durability – has greatly contributed to the ACB® and Angelina® beams solution in floors.
Analysis tools
To facilitate easy analysis of beams with web openings, two software systems have been developed and made available to structural design firms and architects: ACB+ and ANGELINA. These tools take into account Eurocode design principles as well as results of full-scale tests and numerical simulations. With ACB+ and ANGELINA, users can determine optimal system weights, based on section size, opening depth, width and distance and determine the impact that varying steel grade will have on the solution. These systems are designed to assist engineers and architects in finding the most efficient, economical beam (with web openings) solutions.
Manufacturing
Optimised manufacturing methods, including flame cutting and bending, enable cost-effective production of ACB® and Angelina® beams, even as they are customised to meet individual project needs. In addition, efficiency of production leads to quick release of the sections for final fabrication.
Fabrication technique
ACB® and Angelina® beams are created from a standard hot-rolled steel section. The length of the beam is established based on the framing layout in the structure. Dimensions that define the shape and layout of the openings – i.e. a0 (diameter or height of opening), s (length of sinusoidal curve), and w (length of the intermediate web post) – are governed by strength and serviceability requirements and are verified by the designer.
Angelina® with composite slab
Cofraplus® 220 combines the outstanding resistance of the patented steel profile with the performance of a ribbed reinforced concrete slab. The total load bearing capacity results as the sum of the resistance of both elements as no composite action is taken into account. The high values of the moment of inertia and the bending moment guarantee large span without propping. Cofraplus® 220 sheets are available with thicknesses of 1.13 mm and 1.25 mm with a maximum length of 9 m.
® and Angelina®' width='150' >
® Beams' width='150' >
