Abstract
Corrugated web steel beams (CWSBs) are widely applied in modern construction due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and enhanced shear stability. However, research on strengthening strategies to further improve their structural efficiency remains limited. This study addresses the existing research gap by presenting a validated finite element investigation of corrugated web steel beams (CWSBs) with different stiffening configurations. Five stiffening configurations (horizontal stiffeners, vertical doubler plates, inclined stiffeners, diagonal doubler plates, and bracing stiffeners) were examined under uniformly distributed loads to evaluate their effectiveness in enhancing load-carrying capacity and shear performance. Numerical models were developed and validated against previously published experimental and numerical data, demonstrating high accuracy. A parametric study was conducted to assess the influence of stiffener type, configuration, and inclination angle on the performance of CWSBs. Results reveal that horizontal stiffeners placed at one-fifth of the web height outperform mid-height placement in enhancing ultimate capacity. Inclined stiffeners achieve optimal performance at 45°, aligned with the principal stress direction. Bracing stiffeners provide the greatest overall enhancement by stabilizing multiple web folds and efficiently redistributing shear forces. Among all configurations, the 45° angle bracing delivered the highest strength-to-weight ratio of 5.52 ton/kg. These findings offer actionable insights for optimizing the performance of CWSBs in applications where both strength and material efficiency are critical.