An Iterative Approach To Linear Torsion Analysis of Web-tapered I-beams Using A Uniform I-beam Element

Uniform I-beam elements are not suitable for simulating the torsional behavior of web-tapered I-beams since they fail to account for the torsional effect associated with web-tapering. To resolve this problem, an iterative approach is presented for computing the linear torsional response of web-tapered I-beams using an existing uniform I-beam element. An iterative procedure includes three phases: predictor, corrector, and error-checking. In this paper, the predictor is a solution of the structural displacements using the conventional uniform I-beam elements, and the corrector is concerned with recovery of internal forces, in which the element forces are computed in an analytical way, taking into account the torsional effect of a twisted I-beam considering web-tapering. The applicability and accuracy of the iterative approach presented herein are confirmed by comparing the computed responses for a torsionally loaded I-beam with varied web-tapering to the exact solutions.