BS en 1993 1-13-2024 Eurocode 3 - Design of Steel Structures Part

BS EN 1993‑1‑13:2024
BSI Standards Publication
Eurocode 3 — Design of steel structures
Part 1-13: Beams with large web openings

BS EN 1993‑1‑13:2024 BRITISH STANDARD
National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 1993‑1‑13:2024.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee CB/203, Design & execution of steel structures.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on
request to its committee manager.
Contractual and legal considerations
This publication has been prepared in good faith, however no
representation, warranty, assurance or undertaking (express or
implied) is or will be made, and no responsibility or liability is or will be
accepted by BSI in relation to the adequacy, accuracy, completeness or
reasonableness of this publication. All and any such responsibility and
liability is expressly disclaimed to the full extent permitted by the law.
This publication is provided as is, and is to be used at the
recipient’s own risk.
The recipient is advised to consider seeking professional guidance with
respect to its use of this publication.
This publication is not intended to constitute a contract. Users are
responsible for its correct application.
National choice is allowed in this standard where explicitly stated
within notes. The National Annex to this standard contains the
national choices to be used for buildings and civil engineering works
constructed in the UK.
The first generation of EN Eurocodes was published between 2002
and 2007, with conflicting British Standards withdrawn in 2010. This
document forms part of the second generation of EN Eurocodes.
The second generation of EN Eurocodes is expected to be published
between 2023 and 2026. These documents are being published as soon
as they are available. This is being done to enable users to prepare
for the transition from the first generation to second generation of
EN Eurocodes.
UK adoptions of the first generation of EN Eurocodes will be withdrawn
by BSI on 30 March 2028. Until that date, the first generation documents
should be considered as the applicable standards for buildings and civil
engineering works constructed in the UK unless otherwise specified by
the relevant authority or in the specification for a particular project.
This standard is intended to be used with its National Annex and other
referenced documents, including other second generation Eurocodes, as
an interdependent suite of documents.
While the use of provisions in this standard in conjunction with first
generation Eurocodes is not precluded, it should be undertaken with
care and should only be done when users are satisfied that it will not
result in a lower level of reliability than the minimum level set in the first
generation Eurocodes and associated UK National Annexes.
© The British Standards Institution 2024
Published by BSI Standards Limited 2024
ISBN 978 0 580 93644 9
BRITISH STANDARD BS EN 1993‑1‑13:2024
ICS 91.010.30; 91.080.13

Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.
This British Standard was published under the authority of the
Standards Policy and Strategy Committee on 31 March 2024.
Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication

Date Text affected
BS EN 1993‑1‑13:2024
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 1993-1-13

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM March 2024
ICS 91.010.30; 91.080.13
English Version
Eurocode 3 - Design of steel structures - Part 1-13: Beams

with large web openings
Eurocode 3 - Calcul des structures en acier - Partie 1- Eurocode 3 - Bemessung und Konstruktion von
13 : Poutres avec grandes ouvertures d'âme Stahlbauten - Teil 1-13: Träger mit großen
Stegöffnungen
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 1 January 2024.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2024 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 1993-1-13:2024 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
BS EN 1993‑1‑13:2024
EN 1993-1-13:2024 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword ............................................................................................................................................ 4

0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 5
1 Scope.......................................................................................................................................................... 8
2 Normative references........................................................................................................................ 10
3 Terms, definitions and symbols .................................................................................................... 11
3.1 Terms and definitions ....................................................................................................................... 11
3.2 List of symbols...................................................................................................................................... 12
4 Basis of design ...................................................................................................................................... 17
4.1 General.................................................................................................................................................... 17
4.2 Verifications.......................................................................................................................................... 17
4.3 Methods of design for Vierendeel bending ................................................................................. 18
4.3.1 Equivalent rectangular opening method.................................................................................... 18
4.3.2 Alternative methods .......................................................................................................................... 18
4.4 Tolerances and manufacture .......................................................................................................... 18
5 Materials ................................................................................................................................................ 18
5.1 General.................................................................................................................................................... 18
5.2 Welding................................................................................................................................................... 18
6 Durability ............................................................................................................................................... 19
7 Structural Analysis ............................................................................................................................. 19
7.1 Methods of analysis ............................................................................................................................ 19
7.2 Member stiffness for global structural analysis ...................................................................... 19
7.3 Serviceability ........................................................................................................................................ 21
7.4 Classification for global bending. .................................................................................................. 21
7.5 Section classification of Tees subject to Vierendeel bending .............................................. 21
7.6 Section classification of longitudinal stiffeners ....................................................................... 22
8 Ultimate Limit States ......................................................................................................................... 22
8.1 General Requirements for all openings ...................................................................................... 22
8.1.1 General.................................................................................................................................................... 22
8.1.2 Geometric limits for unstiffened web openings....................................................................... 23
8.1.3 Geometric limits for web openings with stiffeners ................................................................ 23
8.2 Shear resistance at web opening positions ............................................................................... 24
8.3 Bending resistance of a beam with web openings .................................................................. 25
8.3.1 General.................................................................................................................................................... 25
8.3.2 Buckling resistance of the compressed Tee for long openings .......................................... 25
8.4 Resistance of the Tee sections in Vierendeel bending ........................................................... 26
8.5 Web buckling next to widely spaced openings ........................................................................ 28
8.5.1 General.................................................................................................................................................... 28
8.5.2 Web buckling ........................................................................................................................................ 29
8.6 Rules for closely spaced openings ................................................................................................ 30
8.6.1 General.................................................................................................................................................... 30
8.6.2 Web-post bending ............................................................................................................................... 30
8.6.3 Web-post buckling.............................................................................................................................. 32
8.6.4 Web-post shear .................................................................................................................................... 33
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8.7 Longitudinally stiffened openings ................................................................................................ 34

8.7.1 Scope of the rules for openings with longitudinal stiffeners .............................................. 34
8.7.2 Additional verifications for stiffened openings ....................................................................... 34
8.7.3 Global bending resistance for stiffened openings .................................................................. 34
8.7.4 Vierendeel bending resistance for stiffened openings .......................................................... 35
8.7.5 Web buckling for widely spaced stiffened openings ............................................................. 35
8.7.6 Web-post buckling for closely spaced stiffened openings ................................................... 35
8.7.7 Openings with transverse stiffeners............................................................................................ 36
8.8 Additional requirements for other cases ................................................................................... 36
8.8.1 End-posts ............................................................................................................................................... 36
8.8.2 Loads applied over or close to the openings............................................................................. 38
8.9 Alternative method for Vierendeel bending for circular openings ................................... 39
8.10 Alternative method for stability of web-post between circular openings ..................... 40
8.11 Alternative method for sinusoidal openings ............................................................................ 43
8.11.1 General ................................................................................................................................................... 43
8.11.2 Vierendeel bending ............................................................................................................................. 43
8.12 Lateral torsional buckling ............................................................................................................... 44
9 Serviceability limit states ................................................................................................................ 45
Bibliography ....................................................................................................................................................... 47
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EN 1993-1-13:2024 (E)
European foreword
This document (EN 1993-1-13:2024) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 250
“Structural Eurocodes”, the secretariat of which is held by BSI. CEN/TC 250 is responsible for all
Structural Eurocodes and has been assigned responsibility for structural and geotechnical design matters
by CEN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by September 2027, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by March 2028.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
The first generation of EN Eurocodes was published between 2002 and 2007. This document forms part
of the second generation of the Eurocodes, which have been prepared under Mandate M/515 issued to
CEN by the European Commission and the European Free Trade Association.
The Eurocodes have been drafted to be used in conjunction with relevant execution, material, product
and test standards, and to identify requirements for execution, materials, products and testing that are
relied upon by the Eurocodes.
The Eurocodes recognize the responsibility of each Member State and have safeguarded their right to
determine values related to regulatory safety matters at national level through the use of National
Annexes.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North
Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United
Kingdom.
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0 Introduction
0.1 Introduction to the Eurocodes
The Structural Eurocodes comprise the following standards generally consisting of a number of Parts:
— EN 1990 Eurocode: Basis of structural and geotechnical design
— EN 1991 Eurocode 1: Actions on structures
— EN 1992 Eurocode 2: Design of concrete structures
— EN 1993 Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures
— EN 1994 Eurocode 4: Design of composite steel and concrete structures
— EN 1995 Eurocode 5: Design of timber structures
— EN 1996 Eurocode 6: Design of masonry structures
— EN 1997 Eurocode 7: Geotechnical design
— EN 1998 Eurocode 8: Design of structures for earthquake resistance
— EN 1999 Eurocode 9: Design of aluminium structures
— New parts are under development, e.g. Eurocode for design of structural glass.
The Eurocodes are intended for use by designers, clients, manufacturers, constructors, relevant
authorities (in exercising their duties in accordance with national or international regulations),
educators, software developers, and committees drafting standards for related product, testing and
execution standards.
NOTE Some aspects of design are most appropriately specified by relevant authorities or, where not specified,
can be agreed on a project-specific basis between relevant parties such as designers and clients. The Eurocodes
identify such aspects making explicit reference to relevant authorities and relevant parties.
0.2 Introduction to the EN 1993 series
The EN 1993 series applies to the design of buildings and civil engineering works in steel. It complies
with the principles and requirements for the safety and serviceability of structures, the basis of their
design and verification that are given in EN 1990 – Basis of structural and geotechnical design.
The EN 1993 series is concerned only with requirements for resistance, serviceability, durability and fire
resistance of steel structures. Other requirements, e.g. concerning thermal or sound insulation, are not
covered.
EN 1993 is subdivided in various parts:
EN 1993-1, Design of Steel Structures — Part 1: General rules and rules for buildings;
EN 1993-2, Design of Steel Structures — Part 2: Bridges;
EN 1993-3, Design of Steel Structures — Part 3: Towers, masts and chimneys;
EN 1993-4, Design of Steel Structures — Part 4: Silos and tanks;
EN 1993-5, Design of Steel Structures — Part 5: Piling;
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EN 1993-6, Design of Steel Structures — Part 6: Crane supporting structures;

EN 1993-7, Design of steel structures — Part 7: Sandwich panels.
EN 1993-1 in itself does not exist as a physical document, but comprises the following 14 separate parts,
the basic part being EN 1993-1-1:
EN 1993-1-1, Design of Steel Structures — Part 1-1: General rules and rules for buildings;
EN 1993-1-2, Design of Steel Structures — Part 1-2: Structural fire design;
EN 1993-1-3, Design of Steel Structures — Part 1-3: Cold-formed members and sheeting;
NOTE Cold formed hollow sections supplied according to EN 10219 are covered in EN 1993-1-1.
EN 1993-1-4, Design of Steel Structures — Part 1-4: Stainless steel structures;

EN 1993-1-5, Design of Steel Structures — Part 1-5: Plated structural elements;
EN 1993-1-6, Design of Steel Structures — Part 1-6: Strength and stability of shell structures;
EN 1993-1-7, Design of Steel Structures — Part 1-7: Plate assemblies with elements under transverse loads;
EN 1993-1-8, Design of Steel Structures — Part 1-8: Joints;
EN 1993-1-9, Design of Steel Structures — Part 1-9: Fatigue;
EN 1993-1-10, Design of Steel Structures — Part 1-10: Material toughness and through-thickness
properties;
EN 1993-1-11, Design of Steel Structures — Part 1-11: Tension components;
EN 1993-1-12, Design of Steel Structures — Part 1-12: Additional rules for steel grades up to S960;
EN 1993-1-13, Design of Steel Structures — Part 1-13: Beams with large web openings;
EN 1993-1-14, Design of Steel Structures — Part 1-14: Design assisted by finite element analysis.
All subsequent parts EN 1993-1-2 to EN 1993-1-14 treat general topics that are independent from the
structural type like structural fire design, cold-formed members and sheeting, stainless steels, plated
structural elements, etc.
All subsequent parts numbered EN 1993-2 to EN 1993-7 treat topics relevant for a specific structural
type like steel bridges, towers, masts and chimneys, silos and tanks, piling, crane supporting structures,
etc. EN 1993-2 to EN 1993-7 refer to the generic rules in EN 1993-1 and supplement, modify or supersede
them.
0.3 Introduction to EN 1993-1-13
EN 1993-1-13 gives guidance and recommendations for the design of beams with large web openings.
0.4 Verbal forms used in the Eurocodes
The verb “shall” expresses a requirement strictly to be followed and from which no deviation is permitted
in order to comply with the Eurocodes.
The verb “should” expresses a highly recommended choice or course of action. Subject to national regu-
lation and/or any relevant contractual provisions, alternative approaches could be used/adopted where
technically justified.
The verb “may” expresses a course of action permissible within the limits of the Eurocodes.
The verb “can” expresses possibility and capability; it is used for statements of fact and clarification of
concepts.
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0.5 National Annex for EN 1993-1-13
National choice is allowed in this standard where explicitly stated within notes. National choice includes
the selection of values for Nationally Determined Parameters (NDPs).
The national standard implementing EN 1993-1-13 can have a National Annex containing all national
choices to be used for the design of buildings and civil engineering works to be constructed in the relevant
country.
When no national choice is given, the default choice given in this standard is to be used.
When no national choice is made and no default is given in this standard, the choice can be specified by a
relevant authority or, where not specified, agreed for a specific project by appropriate parties.
National choice is allowed in EN 1993-1-13 through notes to the following clauses:
1.1.3(1) 8.1.2(1) 8.1.3(2) 9(5)
The National Annex can contain, directly or by reference, non-contradictory complementary information
for ease of implementation, provided it does not alter any provisions of the Eurocodes.
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1 Scope
1.1 Scope of EN 1993-1-13
1.1.1 General
(1) This document gives supplementary provisions that extend the application of EN 1993-1-1 and
EN 1993-1-5 to the design of rolled and welded steel sections with various shapes of web openings. The
following cases are considered:
— rolled or welded beams with single or widely spaced web openings;
— rolled or welded beams with closely spaced web openings;
— cellular beams with circular openings made by cutting and re-welding two parts of steel sections that
may be different in dimensions;
— beams with hexagonal and sinusoidal openings made by cutting and re-welding two parts of steel
sections that may be different in dimensions.
(2) This document applies to uniform members with I or H profiles, which are symmetric about the weak
axis. It does not apply to non-prismatic or curved beams although the same principles can apply.
(3) This document applies to steel beams with web openings that are subjected to sagging (positive) or
to hogging (negative) bending moments.
(4) This document covers the verification of the resistance at the openings and their effects on the global
behaviour of the beam, including lateral torsional buckling.
(5) Alternative methods are presented for beams with circular openings and with sinusoidal openings in
which the forces and resistances are calculated by increments around or along the openings and which
are suitable for computer methods.
(6) This document applies to web slenderness, hw/tw, not exceeding 121ε. The local checks at and
between adjacent openings apply to web slenderness up to this limit. The material parameter ε is defined
in EN 1993-1-1:2022, 5.2.5(2).
NOTE The limit of 121ε is the limit of a Class 4 web for a steel section with equal flanges. It is used as a
convenient limit for the application of this document, including mono-symmetric sections.
(7) This document does not cover fatigue. In case of fatigue, EN 1993-1-9 applies.
(8) This document does not cover fire design. For the design in case of fire, EN 1993-1-2 applies.
(9) This document does not cover the buckling verification of members with web openings under axial
force.
1.1.2 Shapes of web openings
(1) The different shapes of web openings that are considered in this document are shown in Figure 1.1.
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a) Circular opening b) Rectangular opening
c) Elongated opening d) Closely spaced circular openings
e) Closely spaced hexagonal openings f) Closely spaced sinusoidal shaped openings

(s0=b0) (s0=b0)
Figure 1.1 — Different shapes of web openings in steel beams
1.1.3 Stiffened openings
(1) This document also covers openings in the web of beams that are reinforced by longitudinal stiffeners
and/or transverse stiffeners on one or both sides of the web, see Figure 1.2.
NOTE The National Annex can give rules for alternative types of stiffener.
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Single-sided Double-sided
a) Longitudinal stiffeners on one or
both sides of the web
b) Transverse stiffeners combined with longitudinal stiffeners on opposite sides of the web
Key
1 transverse stiffener
Figure 1.2 — Stiffening of openings in beam webs
1.2 Assumptions
(1) Unless specifically stated, EN 1990, the EN 1991 series and EN 1993-1-1 apply.
(2) The design methods given in EN 1993-1-13 are applicable if:
— the execution quality is as specified in EN 1090-2, and
— the construction materials and products used are as specified in the relevant parts of the EN 1993
series, or in the relevant material and product specifications.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
NOTE See the Bibliography for a list of other documents cited that are not normative references, including
those referenced as recommendations (i.e. in ‘should’ clauses), permissions (‘may’ clauses), possibilities ('can'
clauses) and in notes.
EN 1090-2, Execution of steel structures and aluminium structures — Part 2: Technical requirements for
steel structures
EN 1990, Eurocode — Basis of structural and geotechnical design
EN 1991 (all parts), Eurocode 1 — Actions on structures
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EN 1993-1-1:2022, Eurocode 3 — Design of steel structures — Part 1-1: General rules and rules for
buildings
3 Terms, definitions and symbols

3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1.1
asymmetric section
steel section with different dimensions of the top and bottom Tees
3.1.2
eccentricity of opening
distance eo of the centre of the opening from the mid-height of the steel section
Note 1 to entry: eo is positive when the mid-height of the opening is above the mid-height of the section and is
negative below the mid-height of the section, see Figure 3.1.
Key
1 mid-height of the opening
2 mid-height of the section
Figure 3.1 — Definition of eccentricity of a web opening
3.1.3
Tee
cross-section composed of the flange and the part of the web above or below the opening
3.1.4
Vierendeel bending
local bending of Tees caused by the transfer of shear force across the opening
3.1.5
web-post
part of the web between adjacent openings, as shown in Figure 3.2
3.1.6
end-post
part of the web located between the opening and the beam end or adjacent support, as shown in
Figure 3.2
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3.1.7
widely spaced web openings
openings where web buckling next to the openings is not influenced by adjacent openings
3.1.8
closely spaced web openings
openings where web buckling is influenced by the adjacent openings, as defined in 8.6.1
3.1.9
stiffened Tee
Tees with longitudinal stiffeners welded to the web and with suitable anchorage on both sides of the
opening
Key
1 end plate
2 end-post
3 web-post
4 top Tee
5 bottom Tee
Figure 3.2 — Definition of web-post and end-post for the case of circular openings
3.2 List of symbols
aeff Effective length of an opening for buckling and deflection calculations

aeq Equivalent length of an opening for Vierendeel bending
ao Overall length of an opening
av Anchorage length of stiffener past an opening end
AbT Cross-sectional area of bottom Tee
As Cross-sectional area of stiffener
AtT Cross-sectional area of top Tee
AV,bT Shear area of bottom Tee
AV,tT Shear area of top Tee
bo Width of the horizontal part of a hexagonal or sinusoidal opening, see Figure 1.1
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bs Length of sinusoidal part of opening, see Figure 1.1

bw Effective width of web next to an opening for web buckling
dt Depth of web outstand of Tee section. For rolled profiles, the outstand dt is measured from
the root radius. For welded sections, dt is measured from the weld toe
dwp Height of critical cross-section of web-post above the centre-line of the opening (subscripts
b and t refer to the bottom and top parts of the web-post)
eo Eccentricity of centre-line of opening (taken as positive above the centre-line of beam and
negative below the centre-line), see Figure 3.1
E Modulus of elasticity of steel
fy Yield strength
fys Yield strength of the stiffeners
fy,bT Yield strength of the bottom Tee
fy,tT Yield strength of the top Tee
fy,red Reduced yield strength considering shear effect
h Depth of steel section
hbT Depth of bottom Tee
heff Effective depth of steel section between the centroids of the Tees
ho Depth of opening (or diameter of circular opening)
htT Depth of top Tee
hT Depth of Tee
heq Equivalent rectangular opening height
hw Depth of web of solid web section
Ia Second moment of area of the solid web section
IbT Second moment of area of bottom Tee with or without longitudinal stiffeners as appropriate
Ieff,a,o Effective second moment of area of the section at an opening used for global analysis
ItT Second moment of area of top Tee with or without longitudinal stiffeners as appropriate
ko Factor on the shear deflection in Vierendeel bending due to the effect of longitudinal
stiffeners
L Span length of beam
Madd,Ed Design value of the bending moment due to the uniform loads applied to the compressed
Tee at an opening, assuming that both chord ends are fixed and considering the chord
length aeff”
MbT,Rd Design value of bending resistance of bottom Tee
MEd Design value of the global bending moment at the centre-line of the opening
MEd,i Applied bending moment in the Tee cross-section of index i
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Mel,wp,Rd Design value of elastic bending resistance of web-post

MN,bT,Rd Design value of reduced bending resistance of bottom Tee due to axial force
MNV,T,Rd Design value of reduced bending resistance of Tee due to axial force and shear
MNV,bT,Rd Design value of reduced bending resistance of bottom Tee due to axial force and shear
MNV,tT,Rd Design value of reduced bending resistance of top Tee due to axial force and shear
Mpl,Rd Design value of plastic bending resistance of Tee
MV,pl,Rd,i, Design of plastic bending resistance of the Tee cross-sections of index i, reduced due to the
presence of shear force
Mo,Rd Design value of bending resistance of beam at the opening position
Mo,pl,Rd Design value of plastic bending resistance of beam at the opening position
Mo,el,Rd Design value of elastic bending resistance of beam at the opening position
Mwp,Ed Design value of the in-plane moment acting on the web-post
MtT,Rd Design value of bending resistance of top Tee
Μϕ,Ed Design value of the bending moment acting on the inclined Tee cross-section, with an
inclination angle ϕ to the vertical
Μϕ,Rd Design value of the bending resistance of the inclined Tee cross-section, with an inclination
angle ϕ to the vertical
MT,el,Rd Design value of elastic bending resistance of the Tee
MT,pl,Rd Design value of plastic bending resistance of the Tee

MT,Rd Design value of bending resistance of the compressed Tee section in the plane of the web
Mwp,Rd Design value of elastic bending resistance of the web-post
NEd Design value of the axial force
NEd,i Applied axial force in the Tee cross-section of index i
Nb,Ed Design value of the axial force in a cross-section of the bottom Tee
NT,Ed Design value of the axial force applied to the compressed Tee due to global bending and
additional axial forces.
Nep,Rd Design value of buckling resistance of the end-post
NbT,Rd Design value of axial resistance of bottom Tee
Nb,Rd Design value of buckling resistance of the compressed Tee for buckling in the plane of the
web and is determined for a buckling length of 0,5aeff
Nm,Ed Design value of the axial force in a cross-section of a Tee due to the global bending at mid-
length of an opening and/or due to the global axial force
No,pl,Rd Design value of the plastic axial resistance of a steel section with opening
Npl,Rd Design value of axial resistance
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Nt, Ed Design value of the axial force in a cross-section of the top Tee
NT,el,Rd Compression elastic resistance of the Tee
NT,pl,Rd Compression plastic resistance of the Tee
NtT,Rd Design value of axial resistance of top Tee
NV,pl,Rd,i Design value of plastic axial resistance of the Tee cross-section of index i, reduced due to the
presence of shear force
Nw,Ed Design value of the compression force in the web next to an opening
Nw,Rd Design value of buckling resistance of web next to an opening
Nwp,Ed Design value of the compression force in a web-post between adjacent openings
Nwp,Rd Design value of buckling resistance of a web-post between adjacent openings
Νϕ,Ed Design value of the axial force acting on the inclined Tee cross-section, with an inclination
Νϕ,Rd Design value of the axial resistance of the inclined Tee cross-section, with an inclination
no Number of regularly spaced openings along the beam
r Root radius of rolled section
ro Radius at the corners of rectangular openings
s Centre to centre spacing of adjacent openings
se Width of end post between the connection and the nearer edge of the first opening
se,eff Effective width of the end-post
so Width of a web-post (= s - ao), i.e. edge-to-edge spacing of adjacent openings
so,eff Effective width of the web-post for slenderness in web-post buckling
swp Width of the critical section of the web-post
tf Thickness of flange (subscripts b and t refer to bottom and top flanges)
tw Thickness of web (subscripts b and t refer to bottom and top webs)
tw,min Minimum value of the web thickness for beams with webs of different thicknesses
tw,tT Thickness of the web of the top Tee
tw,bT Thickness of the web of the bottom Tee
Vϕ,Ed Design value of the force applied parallel to the plane at angle ϕ to the vertical around an
opening
Vb,Ed Design value of the shear force in a cross-section of the bottom Tee
Vb,Rd Design value of the shear resistance of the bottom Tee limited by pure shear or Vierendeel
bending
VEd Design value of the shear force acting on the beam at the centre-line of opening
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VEd,i Applied shear force in the Tee cross-section of index i

Vm,Ed Design value of the shear force acting on a Tee due to the global bending at mid length of an
opening
Vpl,Rd,b Design value of plastic shear resistance of the bottom Tee
Vpl,Rd,t Design value of plastic shear resistance of the top Tee
Vo,pl,Rd Design value of plastic shear resistance at the opening
Vpl,Rd Design value of plastic shear resistance of the solid web beam
Vser, Ed Shear force acting at mid length of an opening at the serviceability limit state
Vt,Ed Design value of the shear force in a cross-section of the top Tee
Vt,Rd Design value of the shear resistance of the top Tee limited by pure shear or Vierendeel
bending
VVier,Rd Design value of shear resistance due to Vierendeel bending across the opening
Vw,Rd Design value of the buckling resistance of the web
Vbw,Rd Design shear buckling resistance of the solid web from 7.3 of EN 1993-1-5:2024
Vwp,Ed Design value of the shear force in the horizontal cross-section of the web-post
Vwp,Rd Design value of horizontal shear resistance of the web-post
wVier,add Additional deflection between opening ends due to Vierendeel bending
wVier,max Shear deflection limit due to Vierendeel bending
wadd Additional deflection at mid-span due to the web openings
wb Mid-span deflection of solid web beam
xo Distance of centre of opening from nearer support
zb, zt Distance of the centroid of the T-section from outer edge of flange (subscripts b and t refer
to bottom and top flange)
α Ratio of the centre to centre spacing of circular openings to the opening diameter; α = s/ho
αV Interaction factor for Vierendeel bending resistance of beams with sinusoidal openings
ε Material parameter depending on fy; ε = (235/fy)0,5 where fy is in [MPa]
λw Relative slenderness of web next to opening
λ Relative slenderness
λep Relative slenderness of end-post
λ wp Relative slenderness of web-post between closely spaced openings
λ1 Reference slenderness
γM0, γM1 Partial factors for steel
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ΓMNV Moment, shear and axial force interaction criterion for a Tee (subscripts bT and tT refer to
bottom and top Tee respectively)
ΓMNVo Moment, shear and axial force interaction criterion at an opening
κ Post-critical factor for web-post buckling
ψ Moment ratio
ϕ Angle of a cross-section to the vertical at an opening axis
σw,cr Critical principal stress in web
χep Reduction factor due to end-post buckling
χw Reduction factor due to web buckling
χwp Reduction factor due to web-post buckling
ξ Shape factor
4 Basis of design
4.1 General
(1) The design of beams with large web openings shall be in accordance with the general rules given in
EN 1990 and the EN 1991 series and the specific design provisions for steel structures given in
EN 1993-1-1.
(2) Steel structures designed according to this document shall be executed according to EN 1090-2 with
construction materials and products used as specified in the relevant parts of the EN 1993 series; or in
the relevant material and product specifications.
4.2 Verifications
(1) The steel beam should be verified according to EN 1993-1-1 and EN 1993-1-5.
(2) The following additional verifications, which are covered by this document, are required at each web
opening position:
a) global bending resistance,
b) shear resistance,
c) combined Vierendeel bending resistance of the Tees reduced for axial forces and shear,
d) stability of the Tee in compression at long openings,
e) resistance to web-post shear, bending and buckling.
(3) The following additional verifications are required for beams with web openings:
a) resistance to lateral torsional buckling, which is included in this document,
b) deflection of the beam, including additional deflections caused by the openings, which are included
in this document,
c) checks on connections and load introduction points at or near the openings, which are not covered
by this document.
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(4) For steel beams made by welding two Tees, the resistance of the welds between the upper and lower
tees should be checked according to EN 1993-1-8.
(5) For widely spaced openings with maximum dimension less than 30 % of the section depth and with
eccentricity of its centre-line not exceeding 10 % of the section depth, the shear verification in 8.2 may
be considered as sufficient to satisfy the other checks in (2) provided that the web slenderness does not
exceed 72 ε. For circular opening, the maximum diameter may be increased to 40 % of the section depth.
4.3 Methods of design for Vierendeel bending
4.3.1 Equivalent rectangular opening method
(1) The principle of design of the Tee sections for Vierendeel bending is to represent an opening of any
shape by an equivalent rectangular opening in order to determine the applied moments and the bending
resistances of the Tee sections.
(2) For the opening shapes illustrated in Figure 1.1, the dimensions of the equivalent rectangular
openings that may be used for the verification of Vierendeel bending are presented in 8.4.
4.3.2 Alternative methods
(1) For circular openings, the alternative method presented in 8.9 may be used, which is based on the
verification of the resistance of inclined tee cross-section around the opening. This method may be
combined with alternative methods for web-post buckling in 8.10 within a defined range of application.
(2) For sinusoidal openings, the alternative method presented in 8.11 may be used.
4.4 Tolerances and manufacture
(1) For sections with web openings, the tolerances in EN 1090-2 should be adopted.
(2) Opening dimensions should not exceed the nominal dimensions by more than 5 mm.
(3) To avoid over-cutting of rectangular openings at the corners of the openings, the corners should be
profiled, or holes should be pre-drilled at the corners of the openings to which the horizontal and vertical
cuts are made. The minimum radius at the corners of the openings is 10 mm.
5 Materials
5.1 General
(1) This document covers the design of steel beams with web openings in which the steel conforms to the
grades listed in EN 1993-1-1:2022, Table 5.1 and Table 5.2.
(2) For the verifications around the web openings that rely on plastic resistances, the maximum steel
grade is S460.
(3) For steel grades above S460 and up to S700, elastic resistances should be used.
(4) Different steel grades may be used for the flanges and webs or for the top and bottom Tees, provided
the relevant steel strength is used in the verification in this document.
(5) Material properties should be adopted as defined in EN 1993-1-1:2022, 5.2.
5.2 Welding
(1) For welded sections and for welding of the web-post between the rolled sections, the weld should be
designed according to EN 1993-1-8 for the applied forces.
(2) The web-post welds should be continuous.
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(3) For welded sections, the welds between the web and the flanges should be continuous, on both sides
of the web, along the openings.
(4) Distortion of the web due to welding should be controlled within the stated manufacturing tolerances.
6 Durability
(1) The basic requirements for durability are set out in EN 1993-1-1.
7 Structural Analysis
7.1 Methods of analysis
(1) Elastic global analysis should be used for beams with large web openings, except as stated in (2).
(2) Plastic global analysis may be applied according to EN 1993-1-1 provided it can be demonstrated that
any plastic hinge forms at a distance exceeding twice the beam depth from the edge of an opening
position.
7.2 Member stiffness for global structural analysis
(1) For global analysis of frames consisting of members with single or multiple web openings, the effect
of the openings on the flexural stiffness of the members should be taken into account. For openings with
maximum dimension not exceeding 50 % of the section depth, this effect may be ignored for global
analysis.
(2) For beams with L/h ≥18, the loss of shear stiffness of a series of regularly spaced circular or hexagonal
openings may generally be ignored in terms of their effect on the stiffness of the members for structural
analysis. In this case, the effective second moment of area of the beam with multiple openings may be
taken as:
 aeff  ho3t w
I eff ,a,=
o I a − n 
o
 (7.1)
 12
 L 
where
Ia is the second moment of area of the gross cross-section, at
mid-width of web-post;
no is the number of regularly spaced openings;
aeff is the effective opening length given in 7.5(4).
(3) For beams with L/h <18, the additional flexibility due to the effects of shear on a series of regularly
spaced circular or hexagonal openings should be taken into account. The effective bending stiffness of the
beam due to bending and shear at the openings may be reduced and the corresponding effective second
moment of area is given by:
−1
 3 
 n a  ho3t w a  Ia 
I a 1 + o  eff
I eff ,a,o =  + 0, 8 no  eff  (7.2)

12  L  I
 a
 L


 ( ) 
I bT + I tT 

where
IbT and ItT are the second moments of area of the bottom and top Tee sections respectively.
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(4) For beams with non-regularly spaced openings or for beams with regularly spaced openings and more
complex loading, more advanced methods should be used for structural analysis. In these methods, the
beam may be modelled as a Vierendeel beam at the openings positions.
(5) A beam with multiple openings and with L/h ≥ 8 may be modelled for global analysis as a Vierendeel
girder using equivalent rectangular openings with dimensions according to Table 8.3. The chords may be
modelled using beam elements at the centroid of the Tee sections of the equivalent rectangular opening.
The chord at the opening (key 2 in Figure 7.1) is the Tee corresponding to the equivalent rectangular
opening. The web-posts (key 3 in Figure 7.1) may be modelled using beam elements positioned at their
axis with cross-section properties corresponding to the web area between the equivalent rectangular
openings. The part (key 6 in Figure 7.1) of the chords between adjacent openings with a length equal to
the centre spacing of the openings minus the width of the equivalent rectangular opening should have
cross-sectional properties corresponding to the flange area plus one half of the web area. The web remote
from an opening may be modelled as a truss (key 5 in Figure 7.1) with diagonal members of cross-
sectional area equal to 50 % of the area of the full depth of the web.
Key
1 beam with regularly spaced circular openings
2 chord
3 post
4 equivalent opening
5 panel without opening (diagonal area = 0,5 hw tw)
6 chord with increased stiffness
Figure 7.1 — Modelling of a beam with regularly spaced circular openings
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7.3 Serviceability
(1) The increased deflection of beams due to the openings should be considered at the serviceability
limit state.
(2) The additional deflection due to bending and shear deformation of single openings and multiple
openings may be calculated according to the simplified rules given in Clause 9.
7.4 Classification for global bending.
(1) For global bending resistance, the cross-sections should be classified at each web opening and web-
post. At the opening, the flanges or the web outstand, treated as an “outstand flange”, should be classified
according to EN 1993-1-1:2022, Table 7.3 and assuming pure compression.
(2) Where the flange is Class 1 or 2, the Class 3 web outstand at the opening may be classified as Class 2
by taking the depth as equal to Class 2 limit in uniform compression.
(3) Where the flange is Class 1 to 3, the Class 4 web outstand at the opening may be classified as Class 3
by taking the depth as equal to the Class 3 limit in uniform compression.
(4) Where the flange is Class 4, the Class 4 flange outstand at the opening may be classified as Class 3 by
taking the width as equal to the Class 3 limit in uniform compression.
7.5 Section classification of Tees subject to Vierendeel bending
(1) The bending properties of Tee sections in Vierendeel bending should be determined from the section
Class of the flange and the web.
(2) The class of the flange should be determined according to EN 1993-1-1.
(3) The web outstand should be classified depending on the effective length of the Tee at the opening, aeff,
and the outstand depth dt. For rolled profiles, the outstand dt is measured by excluding the root fillet. For
welded sections, dt is measured from the weld toe.
(4) The effective opening length, aeff, used to assess the stability of the web outstand for the different
shapes of opening should be taken as:
aeff = ao - rectangular openings
aeff = 0,7ho - circular and hexagonal openings
aeff = ao – 0,3ho - elongated openings
aeff = bo + 0,5bs - sinusoidal openings
t w ε , a web outstand of depth dt should be treated as Class 2 for Vierendeel bending
(5) When aeff > 32
when Formula (7.3) is fulfilled.
tw ε
10
dt ≤ (7.3)
2
 32
tw ε 
1− 
 a 
 eff 
t w ε , a web outstand of depth dt should be treated as Class 2 for Vierendeel bending.

(6) When aeff ≤ 32
(7) Any Class 3 web outstand, according to (8) or (9), may be treated as Class 2 provided that its depth is
taken equal to the limiting value of dt defined by Formula (7.3) but not greater than the actual value of dt
t w ε , a web outstand of depth dt should be treated as Class 3 for Vierendeel bending
(8) When aeff > 36
when Formula (7.4) is fulfilled.
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tw ε
14
dt ≤ (7.4)
2
 36
tw ε 
1− 
 a 
 eff 
t w ε , a web outstand should be treated as Class 3 for Vierendeel bending.

(9) When aeff ≤ 36
(10) Any Class 4 web outstand may be treated as Class 3 provided that its depth is taken equal to the
limiting value of dt defined by Formula (7.4).
(11) Where the flange is Class 4, the Class 4 flange outstand in Vierendeel bending may be classified as
Class 3 by taking the width as equal to the Class 3 limit in uniform compression.
(12) Tension in the Tee can modify the web outstand classification in Vierendeel bending and this effect
may be taken into account according to EN 1993-1-1:2022, Table 7.3.
7.6 Section classification of longitudinal stiffeners
(1) The section of the longitudinal stiffener should be classified according to EN 1993-1-1:2022,
Table 7.3.
(2) For Vierendeel bending resistance, Class 3 longitudinal stiffeners may be considered as Class 2
provided that their effective width is reduced to the limits of a Class 2 section.
8 Ultimate Limit States

8.1 General Requirements for all openings
8.1.1 General
(1) At the ultimate limit state, verifications at each web opening and also in the region affected by the
openings should be made. The following Clauses of this document should be used in these verifications:
a) global shear resistance – 8.2,
b) global bending resistance and the stability of the compressed Tee– 8.3,
c) resistance to shear by Vierendeel bending of the Tees – 8.4,
d) web buckling resistance next to widely spaced openings – 8.5,
e) web-post buckling, shear and bending resistance between closely spaced openings – 8.6,
f) influence of stiffeners on web-post buckling – 8.7,
g) end-post buckling and shear resistance next to the connections – 8.8.1,
h) where loads or forces are applied that might require the use of transverse stiffeners – 8.8.2,
i) alternative method for Vierendeel bending at circular openings using radial stresses– 8.9,
j) alternative method for web-post buckling between circular openings – 8.10,
k) alternative method for Vierendeel bending of sinusoidal–shaped web openings – 8.11.
(2) The lateral-torsional buckling stability of the beam should be verified according to 8.12.
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(3) The design methods of this document apply to beams subject to axial forces not exceeding No,pl,Rd/50,
where No,pl,Rd is the axial resistance of the steel section at the largest opening. For higher axial forces, more
refined methods should be used.
(4) The axial forces should be distributed between the Tees in proportion to their cross-section areas and
combined with the local forces due to global bending and shear when checking the resistance of the Tees
and lateral torsional buckling of the beam.
8.1.2 Geometric limits for unstiffened web openings
(1) For application of the method given in Clause 8, limits on the maximum dimensions of openings
without longitudinal stiffeners and the minimum depths of the Tees should fulfil the conditions given in
Table 8.1, where aeff is defined in 7.5(4).
NOTE The National Annex can give the possibility that limits can be exceeded if justified by more advanced
calculations.
Table 8.1— Limiting dimensions for different shapes of unstiffened openings
Shape of Maximum Maximum Minimum edge to Minimum depth of Tee

opening opening opening edge spacing, so
Tee in Tee in tension
height, ho length, ao
compression
Circular 0,8 h - 0,1 ho Max(tf+r+10mm; Max(tf+r+10mm;
tf+30mm) tf+30mm)
Hexagonal 0,75 h 1,5 ho 0,25 ho
Rectangular 0,75 h 2,5 ho Max(0,5ao;ho) Max(ao/12;0,1h) 0,1h
Elongated 0,8 h 3 ho Max(0,25aeff;0,5ho) aeff /12 Max(tf+r+10mm;

tf+30mm)
Sinusoidal 0,8 h 5 ho 0,25 ho aeff/12
(2) For adjacent openings of different shapes or dimensions, the average of the minimum edge to edge
spacing, so in Table 8.1 may be taken.
8.1.3 Geometric limits for web openings with stiffeners
(1) The cross-sectional area of a longitudinal stiffener above or below an opening should be at least equal
to half the shear area of the web of the Tee section to which it is connected in order for an opening to be
considered as stiffened. In case of double-sided longitudinal stiffeners, the minimum area refers to
combined area of both stiffeners.
(2) Dimensions of rectangular, elongated and sinusoidal openings with longitudinal stiffeners and the
associated dimensions of the tees should fulfil the conditions given in Table 8.2, where aeff is defined in
7.5(4).
For stiffened circular and hexagonal openings, the dimensions should fulfil the conditions given in Table
8.1.
NOTE The National Annex can give the possibility that limits can be exceeded if justified by more advanced
calculations.
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Table 8.2 — Limiting dimensions for different shapes of stiffened openings
Shape of Maximum Maximum Minimum Edge to Minimum depth of Tee

opening opening opening edge spacing, so
Tee in Tee in
height, ho length, ao
compression tension
Rectangular 0,75h 3,2 ho Max(0,5ao;ho) Max(ao/14;0,1h) 0,1h
Elongated 0,8h 3,5 ho Max(0,25aeff;0,5ho) Max(aeff/14; tf + tf + 50 mm
50 mm)
Sinusoidal 0,8h 5 ho 0,25 ho
(3) For adjacent stiffened openings of different dimensions or shapes, the average of minimum edge to
edge spacing, so in Table 8.2 may be used.
(4) For adjacent unstiffened and stiffened openings, the average of the minimum edge to edge spacing,
so in Tables 8.1 and 8.2 may be used.
8.2 Shear resistance at web opening positions
(1) For local checks at each web opening, the plastic shear resistances of the Tees may be used. The design
value of the shear force, VEd, at mid-length of the opening should satisfy:
VEd / Vo,pl,Rd ≤ 1,0 (8.1)
where
Vo,pl,Rd = Vpl,Rd,b + Vpl,Rd,t (8.2)
where
Vpl,Rd,b and Vpl,Rd,t are the shear resistance of the bottom and top Tees respectively as defined in
8.2.6(2) and (3) of EN 1993-1-1:2022.
In case of symmetric sections, Formula (8.3) may be used;

 ho t w f y 
Vo,pl,Rd = V pl,Rd −  < Vbw,Rd (8.3)
 3 γ M0 

where
Vpl,Rd is the plastic shear resistance of the solid web from 8.2.6 of EN 1993-1-1:2022;
Vbw,Rd is the shear buckling resistance of the solid web from 7.3 of EN 1993-1-5:2024.
(2) When VEd > 0,5 Vo,pl,Rd, the effect of shear force on the resistance to bending moment and axial force
should be taken into account by reducing the yield strength of the shear area of the Tees according to
EN 1993-1-1:2022, 8.2.10(3) as follows:
fy,red = fy (1 – ρ) (8.4)
where
ρ = (2 VEd / Vo,pl,Rd – 1)2 (8.5)
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NOTE In the case of Tees with different steel grades, the value of ρ for the section at the opening position is
obtained by applying Formula (8.5) and the reduced yield strength considering the shear effect fy,red is calculated
separately for the top and bottom Tees with Formula (8.4). VEd values for each Tee in Formula (8.5) can be taken
from Formulae (8.17) and (8.18). Then these reduced yield strengths are considered for the corresponding web
shear area when calculating the plastic bending resistance of the section at the opening position.
(3) As an alternative, the effective thickness of the web may be taken as equal to the thickness reduced in
proportion to f y , red / f y . For hot rolled profiles, this alternative may be applied only if Formula (8.6) is
fulfilled:
t w , tT + ( hbT − t f , bT ) t w , bT ≥ , 7 ( Av, bT + Av, tT )

( htT − t f ,tT ) 0 (8.6)
For Av, bT and Av, tT see 8.5.2(2).
NOTE The alternative method of the reduced web thickness is relevant only when the area of the web is
significantly higher than the areas of fillet and flange included in the shear area of hot rolled profiles.
8.3 Bending resistance of a beam with web openings

8.3.1 General
(1) The bending resistance of the steel beam at the opening position, Mo,Rd, shall satisfy the criterion (8.7):
M Ed
≤ 1,0 (8.7)
M o,Rd
(2) As a simplification, the plastic bending resistance of the steel beam at the opening position, Mo,pl,,Rd,
may be calculated according to Formula (8.8):
M o, pl,Rd
=
1
γ M0
( h − z b − z t ) min { AbT ;
f y , bT AtT f y , tT } (8.8)
(3) For asymmetric cross-sections, the plastic bending resistance may be calculated from the position of
the neutral axis of the cross-section.
(4) The bending resistance in Formulae (8.8) should take into account the interaction with the shear force
according to 8.2(2) or (3).
(5) For Class 3 sections, the plastic bending resistance of the beam cross-section should be calculated
from its effective plastic properties at the centre-line of the opening using the effective depth of the
compressed web outstand reduced to the Class 2 limit.
(6) For Class 4 sections, the elastic bending resistance of the beam cross-section should be calculated
from its effective elastic properties at the centre-line of the opening using the effective width of the
compressed elements reduced to the Class 3 limits.
8.3.2 Buckling resistance of the compressed Tee for long openings
(1) An opening is considered as a long opening if aeff > 6 hT ε (Mo,Rd/ MEd)0,5, where hT is the depth of the
compressed Tee and MEd/ Mo,Rd is given in 8.3.1(1) and aeff is given by 7.5(4).
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(2) For long openings, the buckling resistance of the compressed Tee should be verified according to
EN 1993-1-1, considering the bending moments due to Vierendeel bending effects, the global bending and
axial force applied to the member and the uniform loads applied to the Tee, and it should satisfy:
N T,Ed 0, 4 M T,Ed + M add,Ed
+ ≤ 1, 0 (8.9)
N b,Rd M T,Rd
where
VEd aeff
M T,Ed
= + N T,Ed w Vier,add (8.10)
4
M add,Ed is the design value of the bending moment due to the uniform loads applied to the
compressed Tee at an opening, assuming that both chord ends are fixed and
considering the chord length aeff
M T,Rd is the bending resistance of cross-section of the compressed Tee section in the plane of
the web at mid-length of the opening.
NT,Ed is the design value of the internal axial force in a cross-section of the compressed Tee,
due to global bending and global axial forces
N b,Rd is the design value of the buckling resistance of the compressed Tee for buckling in the
plane of the web, determined for a buckling length of 0,5 aeff
(3) In Formula (8.10), the eccentricity of the axial force across the opening at the ultimate limit state is
taken as 2w Vier,add , where wVier,add is the relative deflection across the opening at the serviceability limit
state, which may calculated according to Clause 9(6) or may be taken conservatively as wVier,max given in
Clause 9(5).
8.4 Resistance of the Tee sections in Vierendeel bending
(1) The shear resistance to Vierendeel bending should be obtained from the sum of the bending
resistances of the top and bottom Tees divided by the equivalent opening length, aeq given in Table 8.3 in
(5).
(2) The equivalent rectangular opening height, heq given in Table 8.3 and the eccentricity of the opening
position, eo, relative to the centre-line of the beam should be used to determine the dimensions of the
Tees to obtain their bending and axial resistances in (5).
(3) If the bending resistances of the top and bottom Tees are different, the effect on the development of
a web-post moment for closely spaced openings in 8.6.2(4) should be taken into account.
(4) The shear resistance to Vierendeel bending at the opening position should satisfy:
VEd / VVier,Rd ≤ 1,0 (8.11)
(5) The shear resistance to Vierendeel bending is:

VVier,Rd = (2MNV,bT,Rd + 2MNV,tT,Rd)/ aeq (8.12)
where
MNV,bT,Rd and MNV,tT,Rd are the bending resistances of the bottom and top Tees reduced for the effects
of tension or compression according to (6) and for the effects of shear according to 8.2(2) or 8.2(3).
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Table 8.3 — Equivalent rectangular opening dimensions of different opening shapes for
verification of Vierendeel bending
Shape of opening Equivalent opening Equivalent opening height,

length, aeq heq
Rectangular ao ho
Circular 0,45 ho 0,9 ho
Elongated ao – 0,55 ho 0,9 ho
Hexagonal bo + 0,25 ho ho
Sinusoidal For ho ≤ 2bs: ho
aeq = bo + 2bs − 0,5 ho
For ho > 2bs: aeq = bo + bs ho
(6) The bending resistances of the Tees should be reduced to take into account the interaction with axial
tension and compression, according to the following approximate formulae:
Plastic resistance (Class 1 and 2 sections according to 7.5):
MNV,T,Rd = MT,pl,Rd (1 – (Nm,Ed/NT,pl,Rd)2) (8.13)
Elastic resistance (Class 3 and 4 sections according to 7.5):

MNV, T,Rd = MT,el,Rd (1 – Nm,Ed/NT,el,Rd) (8.14)
where
MNV,T,Rd is the bending resistance of the Tee section reduced to take into account the
interaction with axial force and shear force.
MT,el,Rd is the elastic bending resistance of the Tee section including the reduced yield strength
according to 8.2(2) or the reduced web thickness according to 8.2(3) with the depth of
its web taken as the lesser of the actual depth and the limit for a Class 3 web outstand
determined in 7.5(6). In case of a Class 4 flange, the flange width should be reduced to
the Class 3 limit.
MT,pl,Rd is the plastic bending resistance of the Tee section including the reduced yield
strength according to 8.2(2) or the reduced web thickness according to 8.2(3) with the
depth of its web taken as the lesser of the actual depth and the limit for a Class 2 web
outstand determined in 7.5(5).
NT,el,Rd is the compression elastic resistance of the Tee including the reduced yield strength
determined in 7.4(3).
NT,pl,Rd is the compression plastic resistance of the Tee including the reduced yield strength
determined in 7.4(2).
Nm,Ed is the design value of the axial force acting on a Tee due to the global bending at the
centre-line of the opening and/or due to the global axial force according to 8.1.1(3).
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(7) In cases where the beam is subject to non-quasi-static loading, openings with aeff > 2ho should be
designed for Vierendeel bending by taking the plastic bending resistance of a Class 1 or 2 Tee section as
not exceeding 1.5x elastic bending resistance of the Tee.
(8) For circular openings, an alternative method of verifying the Vierendeel bending resistance is given in
8.9.
(9) For sinusoidal openings, an alternative method of verifying the Vierendeel bending resistance is given
in 8.11.2.
8.5 Web buckling next to widely spaced openings
8.5.1 General
(1) Circular or hexagonal openings may be considered to be widely spaced when their edge to edge
spacing is greater than ho.
(2) Rectangular, elongated or sinusoidal openings may be considered widely spaced when their edge to
edge spacing so exceeds the larger of (ao,1 + ao,2)/2 and (ho,1 + ho,2), where the subscripts refer to the
dimensions of the adjacent openings, as shown in Figure 8.1.
Figure 8.1 — Dimensions of widely spaced adjacent openings
(3) When the slenderness of the web conforms to the condition given in 8.2.6(6) of EN 1993-1-1:2022,
the resistance of a web next to a widely spaced opening should be verified using the method given in
8.5.2.
NOTE Web buckling can be prevented by use of transverse stiffeners, as given in 8.7.7.
(4) The verification of the resistance to web-buckling next to the opening may be omitted if:
ho ≤ 25 tw ε for circular, hexagonal, sinusoidal and elongated openings (8.15)
ho≤ 15 tw ε for rectangular openings (8.16)
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8.5.2 Web buckling
(1) The resistance to web buckling next to widely spaced openings should be checked by satisfying:
N w,Ed
≤ 1,0 (8.17)
N w,Rd
where
Nw,Rd is the buckling resistance of the compressed web next to the opening, shown in Figure 8.2.
Figure 8.2 — Model for web buckling next to widely spaced rectangular openings
(2) The compressive force, Nw,Ed, acting on the web next to an opening should be taken as the larger of the
shear force in the top Tee, Vt,Ed, and the shear force in the bottom Tee, Vb,Ed. The shear forces in the Tees
may be obtained by Formulae (8.18) and (8.19):
 Av,bT 
Vb,Ed = VEd   (8.18)
 
A + Av,tT 
 v,bT 
 Av,tT 
Vt,Ed = VEd   (8.19)
 
A + Av,tT 
 v,bT 
where
Av,bT and Av,tT are the shear areas of the bottom and top Tees respectively defined in 8.2.6(3) of
EN 1993-1-1:2022.
(3) The web buckling resistance should be taken equal to:

Nw,Rd = χwp bw tw fy/γM1 (8.20)
where
bw is the effective width of the compressed web, which for an unstiffened opening should be taken
equal to bw = 0,5 ho.
(4) χwp should be determined from buckling curve a in 8.3.1.3 of EN 1993-1-1:2022 for all steel grades
with the relative slenderness of web, λ w , determined in (5).
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(5) The relative slenderness of a web next to an opening should be determined as:
— For circular, hexagonal or elongated
2, 4 ho 1
λw = (8.21)
t w λ1
— For rectangular openings:
3, 5ho 1
λw = (8.22)
t w λ1
where
E
=λ1 π= 93, 9 ε (8.23)
fy
8.6 Rules for closely spaced openings

8.6.1 General
(1) The rules given here are supplementary to the general rules for web openings given in 8.2, 8.3 and
8.4.
(2) Openings should be considered as closely spaced when they do not satisfy the geometric limits for
widely spaced openings in 8.5.1(1) and (2).
(3) Rules of 8.6 are valid for closely spaced opening with the same height and same eccentricity.
Otherwise, fictitious openings with conservative height and eccentricity should be considered.
8.6.2 Web-post bending
(1) For mono-symmetric sections or for eccentric openings, whose centre is not at mid-height of the web,
it should be taken into account that the distribution of shear force acting on the Tees, Vt,Ed and Vb,Ed, may
lead to development of an web-post moment, Mwp,Ed at mid-height of closely spaced openings, as shown
in Figure 8.3.
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Key
1 compression force in the web-post
Figure 8.3 — Shear and moment acting in web-post for equilibrium of forces between
rectangular openings
(2) Web-post bending between adjacent circular, hexagonal or elongated openings should satisfy:
M wp,Ed
≤ 1, 0 (8.24)
M wp,Rd
(3) Web-post bending between adjacent rectangular openings acting in the presence of web-post shear,
Vwp,Ed, should satisfy:
M wp,Ed
≤ 1, 0 (8.25)
M wp,Rd
For adjacent rectangular openings of different heights, ho may be taken as the average height of the
openings.
(4) The web-post moment at mid-length of the opening should be determined as:
Mwp,Ed = 0,5(Vt,Ed –Vb,Ed) s + Vwp,Ed eo (8.26)
where
Vt,Ed and Vb,Ed are defined in Formulae (8.19) and (8.18) respectively
Vwp,Ed is the horizontal shear force acting in the web-post, defined in Figure 8.3;
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eo is measured as positive if the centre of the opening is above the centre-line of

the section.
The absolute value of Mwp,Ed should be used.
(5) As an alternative to 8.5.2(2), the shear force may be distributed between the top and bottom Tees to
minimize the web-post moment, provided the resistances of the web-post and Tees are verified for
this modified distribution of internal forces.
(6) The elastic bending resistance of the web-post should be calculated using Formula (8.27):
s o 2
tw fy
M wp,Rd = (8.27)
6 γ M0
For beams made from two different Tee sections, the minimum multiple of the web thickness and yield
strength of the top and bottom Tees considered separately min{tw,tT fy,tT; tw,bT fy,bT} should be used in
Formula (8.27).
8.6.3 Web-post buckling
(1) The resistance to web-post buckling between closely spaced openings is calculated from an effective
length of the compressed web-post, illustrated in Figure 8.4, that is dependent on the shape of the
opening. The axial force, Nwp,Ed, in the web-post should satisfy:
N wp,Ed
≤ 1, 0 (8.28)
N wp,Rd
where Nwp,Rd is the web-post buckling resistance defined in (4).
Figure 8.4 — Model for buckling of web-post between closely spaced circular openings
(2) For this verification, the compressive force acting on the web-post, Nwp,Ed should be taken equal to the
horizontal shear force, given by:
Nwp,Ed= Vwp,Ed (8.29)
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(3) For web-posts subject to an in-plane moment, Mwp,Ed, the resistance to web-post buckling should be
verified by considering a compression force in the web-post, Nwp,Ed, which is obtained from
Formula (8.30):
M wp,Ed
N
= wp, Ed V wp,Ed + 2 (8.30)
ho
where Mwp,Ed is determined from 8.6.2(4).
For adjacent openings of different heights, the average value of ho may be used in Formula (8.30).
(4) The web-post buckling resistance should be taken as:
Nwp,Rd = χwp so min{tw,tT fy,tT; tw,bT fy,bT} /γM1 (8.31)
where min{tw,tT fy,tT; tw,bT fy,bT} is the minimum multiple of the web thickness and yield strength of the top
and bottom Tees considered separately.
(5) χwp should be obtained from buckling curve a in 8.3.1.3 of EN 1993-1-1:2022 for all steel grades, using
the relative slenderness of the web-post in (6).
(6) For unstiffened openings, the relative slenderness of the web-post, λ wp should be obtained for:
Circular openings and elongated openings, as:
1, 75 s o 2 + ho 2 1 2, 4 ho 1
λ wp but λ wp ≤
(8.32)
tw λ1 t w λ1
Hexagonal and sinusoidal openings, as:
1, 75 2 s o 2 + ho 2 1 2, 7 ho 1
λ wp but λ wp ≤
(8.33)
tw λ1 t w λ1
Rectangular openings, as:
2, 5 s o 2 + ho 2 1 3, 5 ho 1
λ wp but λ wp ≤
(8.34)
tw λ1 t w λ1
(7) Where a beam with a series of circular openings is made from two different Tee sections and/or steel
grades, the effective web thickness for the calculation of the web-post relative slenderness in (6) should
be obtained from the average of the web thicknesses above and below the centre-line of the opening and
λ1 is determined from the average yield strength.
(8) For adjacent openings of different shapes and depths, the average relative slenderness of the relevant
cases in (6) may be used.
8.6.4 Web-post shear
(1) The horizontal shear force in the web-post should satisfy:

V wp,Ed
≤1 (8.35)
V wp,Rd
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(2) The shear resistance of the web-post should be determined as:

Vwp,Rd = so min{tw,tT fy,tT; tw,bT fy,bT} /( 3 γM0) (8.36)
8.7 Longitudinally stiffened openings

8.7.1 Scope of the rules for openings with longitudinal stiffeners
(1) 8.7 applies to beams with class 1, 2 or 3 flanges and with class 1, 2 or 3 longitudinal stiffeners.
(2) Longitudinal stiffeners may be single-sided or double-sided and should extend to a suitable anchorage
length beyond the ends of the opening in order that they are fully effective at the edges of the opening.
(3) As single-sided longitudinal stiffeners develop transverse bending of the web, they should not be used
without transverse stiffeners on the opposite side when the web depth, hw > 72twε. Double sided stiffeners
may be used in all cases.
(4) The minimum cross-sectional area of the stiffener that defines a stiffened opening should be taken
according to 8.1.3(1).
8.7.2 Additional verifications for stiffened openings
(1) The adjacent full-depth web should be verified that it can resist the force transferred from the
stiffener. The stiffener force may be taken equal to its tensile resistance, i.e. for one stiffener: Fs.Rd = As
fys/γM0. The anchorage length, av of the stiffener past each end of the equivalent opening should satisfy
the following criteria (see Figure 8.5):
a) shear resistance of the fillet welds,
b) shear resistance of the stiffeners,
c) shear resistance of the beam web.
The design shear resistance of a fillet weld should be taken from EN 1993-1-8.
Single sided Double

stiffeners sided
stiffeners
Figure 8.5 — Criteria for anchorage of longitudinal stiffeners
8.7.3 Global bending resistance for stiffened openings
(1) The longitudinal stiffeners may be included in the resistance to global bending of the steel beam at
mid-length of the openings provided that:
— they are double-sided,
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— they are Class 1 or 2,
— the cross-sectional area of the longitudinal stiffeners above or below an opening that is included in
the global bending resistance and Vierendeel bending resistance does not exceed 0,5hotw,
— the minimum anchorage length, av, is sufficient to develop the tensile resistance of the stiffener at the
edge of the opening according to 8.7.2(1).
(2) The loaded stiffened Tee should be designed according to 8.3.2.

(3) The stability of the compressed stiffened Tee may be assumed to be fulfilled when its effective length
satisfies:
aeff ≤ 8 hT ε (Mo,Rd/ MEd)0,5 (8.37)
where MEd/ Mo,Rd is given in 8.3.1(1).

8.7.4 Vierendeel bending resistance for stiffened openings
(1) For Vierendeel bending, the plastic bending resistances of the longitudinally single-sided or double-
sided stiffened Tees depends also on the class of the stiffeners in uniform compression according to 7.6.
(2) The resistance to Vierendeel bending should be checked according to Formula (8.11). For use of clause
8.4(6), a linear interaction between bending moment and axial force in the stiffened tee should be used
in all cases, which leads to the following formula:
MNV,Rd = Mpl,Rd (1 – NEd/Npl,Rd) (8.38)
where
NEd is the design value of the axial force due to the global bending acting on a stiffened Tee at
the centre-line of the opening;
Mpl,Rd is the design plastic bending resistance of the stiffened Tee including the reduced yield
strength according to 8.2(2) or the effective web thickness according to 8.2(3). For beam
with class 3 flange or class 3 stiffener, the flange or stiffener width should be reduced to
the class 2 limit;
Npl,Rd is the design axial resistance of the stiffened Tee including the reduced yield strength
according to 8.2(2) or the effective web thickness according to 8.2(3).
8.7.5 Web buckling for widely spaced stiffened openings
(1) For widely spaced openings with longitudinal stiffeners above and below the openings, the effective
width of the web for buckling checks in 8.5.2(3) may be increased by considering the projection of the
stiffener past the opening end, av, according to:
bw = 0,5ho + av ≤ 0,75 ho (8.39)
The web slenderness is given in 8.5.2(5).

8.7.6 Web-post buckling for closely spaced stiffened openings
(1) For closely spaced openings that both have double-sided horizontal stiffeners above and below the
openings, the effective width of the web-post for slenderness calculation may be reduced by considering
the projection of the stiffener, av, past the ends of the opening. For horizontal stiffeners above and below
the openings, so,eff = so – 2av but so,eff ≥ 0,5 so.
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(2) The relative slenderness of the web-post using an effective width, so,eff,of the web-post should be taken
as:
For circular and elongated openings:
1, 75 s o,eff 2 + ho 2 1 2, 4 ho 1
λ wp but λ wp ≤
(8.40)
tw λ1 t w λ1
For hexagonal and sinusoidal openings:
1, 75 2 s o,eff 2 + ho 2 1 2, 7 ho 1
λ wp but λ wp ≤
(8.41)
tw λ1 t w λ1
For rectangular openings:
2, 5 s o,eff 2 + ho 2 1 3, 5 ho 1
λ wp but λ wp ≤
(8.42)
tw λ1 t w λ1
(3) The verification for web–post buckling resistance should be made as in 8.6.3(4), (7) and (8) using the
buckling curve in 8.6.3(5).
8.7.7 Openings with transverse stiffeners
(1) Web buckling and web-post buckling can be prevented next to or between the openings by use of full
height transverse stiffeners next to the openings.
(2) The transverse stiffeners should be designed for a compression force transferred by the larger of the
shear forces in the Tees in 8.5.2(2) according to EN 1993-1-5.
(3) Where the transverse stiffeners are used in combination with longitudinal stiffeners, the longitudinal
stiffeners should be anchored past the opening. The longitudinal and transverse stiffeners may be placed
on opposite sides of the beam, as shown in Figure 1.2.
8.8 Additional requirements for other cases
8.8.1 End-posts
(1) The end-post next to the connection should be checked for the forces acting on it. Where there is a
notch or cut-away at the ends of the beam, the local conditions at and next to the notch should be checked.
(2) For simply supported beams, the minimum width of the end-post, se (see Figure 3.2), should be 0,25ho
for circular and hexagonal openings and 0,5aeff for other shapes of openings.
(3) For beams with rigid or semi-rigid connections, the minimum end-post width should be ho (see Figure
1.1) for circular and hexagonal openings and aeff (see 7.5(4))for other shapes of openings.
(4) For cases where the end-post width, se, is less than ho for circular and hexagonal openings and aeff for
other shapes of openings, the end-post should be checked for buckling due to vertical shear. The web of
the end-post should be laterally supported by the end connection over a web height of not less than 0,8h
in order for the following formulae for end-post buckling to apply. Where se > ho for circular and
hexagonal openings and se > aeff for other shapes of openings, the web next to the opening should be
verified for web buckling according to 8.5.2.
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The vertical shear force in the end-post should satisfy:

VEd
≤ 1, 0 (8.43)
N ep,Rd
where the end-post buckling resistance should be taken as equal to:

Nep,Rd = χep se min{tw,tT fy,tT; tw,bT fy,bT} /γM1 (8.44)
where χep is the reduction factor due to end-post buckling determined from the relative slenderness of
the end-post and using buckling curve ‘a’.
For openings with se > ho, the end-post buckling resistance should be taken as equal to:
Nep,Rd = χep ho min{tw,tT fy,tT; tw,bT fy,bT} /γM1 (8.45)
(5) The relative slenderness of the end-post should be taken as:

For circular and elongated openings:
2
1, 75 s e,eff + ho2 1
λep = (8.46)
tw λ1
For hexagonal and sinusoidal openings:

2
1, 75 2 s e,eff + ho2 1
λep = (8.47)
tw λ1
For rectangular openings:

2
2, 5 s e,eff + ho2 1
λep = (8.48)
tw λ1
Where the effective width of the end-post, se,eff, is taken in Formulae (8.45) to (8.48) as:
se,eff = 0,7se ≤ 0,7ho for full depth end plates welded to the end-post and to both flanges;
se,eff = se ≤ ho for end plate connections to beams with a single notch to the compressed
flange where the length of the notch does not exceed the smaller of 0,5se
and 0,5ho and where the depth of the notch does not exceed 0,1h;
se,eff = 1,2se ≤ 1,2ho for end plate connections to beams with a notch to both flanges
conforming to the above limits;
se,eff = 1,5se ≤ 1,5ho for bolted fin plate connections and angle connections where the web is
connected over a length not less than 0,8h, where se is taken as from the
line of action of the bolt group.
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a) Full depth end plate connection b) End plate connection with notch to one flange
c) Fin plate or angle connection to beam web d) End plate connection with notch to both flanges
Figure 8.6 — Types of end connections
8.8.2 Loads applied over or close to the openings
(1) Where a local load is applied to a Tee section, the local resistance of the loaded Tee should be verified
if this local load exceeds 15% of the shear resistance of the loaded Tee and if aeff > 6hT for an unstiffened
Tee or if aeff > 8hT for a stiffened Tee, where hT is the depth of the loaded Tee.
(2) Where a local load is applied adjacent to an opening, the buckling resistance of the web in combined
compression and shear should be verified when this local load exceeds 0,15 Vo,pl,Rd. The buckling
resistance may be checked according to 8.5.2 where Nw,Ed is equal to the local load applied to the web plus
the larger of the shear forces acting in the Tees according to 8.5.2(2). A local load may be considered as
adjacent to an opening, when it is applied at a distance to the edge of the opening less than:
• For circular and hexagonal openings: 0,5ho.
• For rectangular or elongated openings, the smaller of 0,5 aeff and ho.
NOTE The case of a local load applied to an unstiffened web-post between two closely spaced openings is not
covered.
(3) When a transverse stiffener is used to transfer loads to the web, the transverse stiffener and its welds
should be designed to resist a compression force equal to the local load applied to the web plus the larger
of the shear forces acting in the Tees.
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8.9 Alternative method for Vierendeel bending for circular openings
(1) This alternative method applies to steel beams with circular openings in which the verifications are
performed on radial planes around the opening.
(2) The resistance of the beam to overall bending and shear resistance of the beam should be checked at
mid-length of the opening (section a-a in Figure 8.7).
(3) The effects of Vierendeel moments should be checked on radial planes around the opening (see section
b-b in Figure 8.7) at both sides of the opening from a minimum angle ϕmax up to a maximum angle ϕmax
where ϕmax is equal to arctan(s/h) considering an increment of the angle, ϕ, that does not exceed 5°.
(4) The internal forces and moments on section b-b should be determined for the top and bottom Tee by
considering the equilibrium of the segment between sections a-a and b-b. The axial force may be shared
between the flange and the web at section a-a and may be used to establish equilibrium on b-b.
(5) For each inclined Tee cross-section, with an inclination angle ϕ to the vertical, the internal force, Νϕ,Ed,
and moment, Μϕ,Ed, on section b-b should satisfy the following criterion:
Nφ ,Ed M φ ,Ed
+ ≤ 1, 0 (8.49)
Nφ ,Rd M φ ,Rd
where
Νϕ,Ed is the axial force perpendicular to the section b-b;
Νϕ,Rd is the resistance to axial force of the section b-b;
Μϕ.Ed is the bending moment in the section b-b;
Μϕ.Rd is the moment resistance of the section b-b.

(6) The design resistances, Νϕ,Rd and Μϕ.Rd should be determined for the inclined tee cross-section and
should include the effects of the shear force Vϕ.Ed according to 8.2.10 of EN 1993-1-1:2022.
Figure 8.7 — Internal forces and moments at the inclined cross-section with an inclination
angle ϕ
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(7) The class of the compressed flange should be determined according to Table 7.3 of EN 1993-1-1:2022.
The class of the web outstand at an un-stiffened opening should be determined as in 7.5(5) and (6). The
class of the Tees should be taken as the higher of that of the flange and the web. The same class is used
for the verification of all the inclined sections of an opening.
8.10 Alternative method for stability of web-post between circular openings
(1) This alternative method to check the resistance to buckling of the web-post between equal diameter
circular openings may be applied to beams fabricated from rolled sections or from welded plates
provided that:
0,1 ≤ so/ho ≤ 0,5 and so ≥ 50 mm
ho ≤ 60 tw ε
1,3 ≤ tf / tw ≤ 2
The steel grade should not exceed S460 in using these formulae.
For beams fabricated from welded plates, the flange and web should be of the same steel grade and
quality. They should be continuously welded on both sides of the web with a minimum thickness of 6 mm
or half of the web thickness, whichever of the two values is higher.
(2) For web-posts between circular openings in Figure 8.8, the buckling resistance of the upper and lower
part of the web-post should be verified separately:
N w,Ed
≤ 1, 0 (8.50)
κ N w,Rd
where
Nw,Ed is the equivalent design force for web-post buckling either in the upper part or the lower
part of the web-post according to (5);
Nw.Rd is the buckling resistance of the part of the web-post under consideration calculated
according to (7);
κ is the post-critical factor calculated in (9).
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Figure 8.8 — Internal forces and moments in the web-post between circular openings
(3) The critical section should be taken at a vertical distance dwp from the centre-line of the openings, as
follows:
h α 4 + 8α 2 − 2 − α 2
d wp = o (8.51)
2 2
where
α = s/ho
(4) The width, swp, of the critical web-post section should be given by:
 2 
  2 d wp  
s wp= ho  α − 1 −    (8.52)
  ho  
   
 
(5) The equivalent design force for web-post buckling acting on the critical section should be calculated
from:
6 M wp,Ed, t
N w ,Ed, t =
 2
  d wp, t   for the top part (8.53)
s wp  1 − 4   
  ho  
 
 
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6 M wp,Ed, b
N w ,Ed, b =
 2
  d wp, b   for the bottom part (8.54)
s wp  1 − 4   
  ho  
 
 
The in–plane bending moment at the critical section is given by:
Mwp,Ed,t = Vwp,Ed dwp,t + Mwp,Ed for the top part (8.55)
Mwp,Ed.b = Vwp,Ed dwp,b - Mwp,Ed for the bottom part (8.56)
where Mwp.Ed is determined in 8.6.2(4).

(6) The distribution of the shear force between the top part and the bottom part should be taken as:
Vt,Ed = kAv,t VEd and Vb,Ed = (1-kAv,t) VEd (8.57)
where the factor kAv,t is given by
Av,tTη
k Av,t = (8.58)
Av,tTη + Av,bTη
where Av,tT is the shear area of the top Tee and Av,bT is the shear area of the bottom Tee.
1 (8.59)
η= for 1,08 ≤ α < 1,5
9, 48 − 4, 84 α
and η = 0,45 for α ≥ 1,5.

NOTE For symmetrical sections, kAv,t=0,5 according to (8.58).
(7) The buckling resistance of the web-post should be given by:

Νw.Rd = χw ξ swp tw fy / γM1 (8.60)
where
χw is the reduction factor using buckling curve a defined in EN 1993-1-1:2022, 8.3.1.3 and from
the relative slenderness given in (8);
ξ is the shape factor of the critical section, where
2 × 10 −5
ξ = 1,5 + (8.61)
4
(α − 1 )
(8) The web-post relative slenderness should be obtained from:
ξ fy
λ= (8.62)
σ w,cr
where
σw,cr is the critical principal stress in the critical section at the edge of the opening, which can be
obtained either by buckling analysis or appropriate analytical formulae as for instance the ones in
[3] and [4].
42
BS EN 1993‑1‑13:2024
EN 1993-1-13:2024 (E)
(9) The post-critical factor is given by the following formula:

κ = 1 + 0,625 (ψ – 0,3) but: 1,0 ≤ κ ≤ 1,25 (8.63)
where ψ is a moment ratio given as follows:
For the top Tee: ψ = Mpl,Rd,tT / (sVt,Ed) (8.64)
For the bottom Tee: ψ = Mpl,Rd,bT / (sVb,Ed) (8.65)

With Mpl,Rd,tT and Mpl,Rd,bT are the design plastic resistance to bending of the top and bottom Tee cross-
section respectively.
8.11 Alternative method for sinusoidal openings
8.11.1 General
(1) This alternative method applies only to steel beams that are symmetric about both axes of the cross-
section.
(2) The method applies to sinusoidal openings, whose shape is defined in Figure 1.1 (f), in which the edge
to edge spacing of the openings, bo, is not less than 150 mm.
(3) The web-post buckling resistance should be verified. The simplified method in 8.6.3(6) may be used.
(4) The method is described in detail in [5] and provides specific rules for Vierendeel bending resistance
and horizontal shear resistance of the web-post.
8.11.2 Vierendeel bending
(1) The global bending and shear resistances should be verified at the centre of the openings.
(2) The effects of Vierendeel bending of the Tees should be verified along the opening, at sections with
increments Δi of not more than ao/50 (see Figure 8.9).
Key
1 cross-section i
Figure 8.9 — Internal forces and moments at section i of a sinusoidal opening
(3) The bending moment due to loading applied to the Tee should be included in the design checks.
(4) Shear, compression and bending interactions should be checked at all increments.
(5) At all increments, i, the shear force, VEd,i, should satisfy the shear resistance in 8.2.6 of
EN 1993-1-1:2022.
43
BS EN 1993‑1‑13:2024
EN 1993-1-13:2024 (E)
(6) The moment and axial force interaction should satisfy:
Γ MNV , tT 2 + Γ MNV , bT 2
Γ MNVo ≤ 1, 0 (8.66)
2
where ΓMNV,tT and ΓMNV,bT are the interaction criteria for the top and bottom Tees respectively that are
defined in (7).
(7) The moment, axial force and shear force interaction criterion Γ MNV for a Tee should be calculated as
follows, considering the tee cross-section of index i with the highest value of Γ MNV
 αv 
 M Ed,i  N  
Ed,i
Γ MNV 
= +   (8.67)

 M V , pl,Rd, i  N V , pl,Rd, i  
   
 
where
MEd,i, NEd,i are the applied bending moment and the axial force in the Tee cross-
section of index i;
MV,pl,Rd,i, NV,pl,Rd,i are the plastic bending resistance and axial resistance of the Tee cross-
sections of index i, reduced due to the presence of shear force according to
8.2;
αV is a calibration parameter which may be conservatively taken as 1,0.
α V may have a value between 1,0 and 2,0 provided that the rules given in
[5] are followed
8.12 Lateral torsional buckling
(1) A laterally unrestrained member with web openings subject to a major axis bending moment should
be verified against lateral torsional buckling. The maximum design value of the bending moment MEd
along the beam should satisfy the condition Formula (8.68):
M Ed
≤ 1, 0 (8.68)
M b,Rd
where
Mb,Rd is the design buckling bending resistance of the beam with web openings.
(2) The design buckling bending resistance Mb,Rd should be calculated according to 8.3.2.1(3) of EN 1993-
1-1:2022, using a value of MRk calculated at the centre of the largest opening.
(3) The relative slenderness for lateral torsional buckling, λLT , should be calculated according to
8.3.2.2(1) of EN 1993-1-1:2022, using the cross-section properties calculated at the centre of the largest
opening.
44
BS EN 1993‑1‑13:2024
EN 1993-1-13:2024 (E)
(4) χLT should be calculated to 8.3.2.3(2) of EN 1993-1-1:2022 using the following buckling curve
selection:
— buckling curve c for double symmetrical beams fabricated from rolled profiles;
— buckling curve d for other cases.
(5) For double symmetrical beams, 8.3.2.3(1) of EN 1993-1-1:2022 may be used.
9 Serviceability limit states

(1) Large web openings lead to additional bending and shear deflections which should be calculated by a
suitable method based on elastic principles, such as in 7.2(4) and (5). However, approximations are
appropriate for standard cases such as uniformly loaded and simply supported beams with multiple
evenly spaced circular or hexagonal openings. For other cases, the contribution of each opening to the
deflection at mid-span should be determined according to (3) and added for all openings. For a long
opening for which aeff exceeds 2ho, (5) and (6) apply.
(2) Provided that the conditions in 8.1.2 and 8.1.3 are satisfied and the beam is subject to quasi-static
loading, simplified rules (4) to (7) for calculating additional deflections may be used and it is not
necessary to calculate the stresses at the openings at the serviceability limit state.
(3) For simply supported uniformly loaded beams, the additional deflection at mid-span wadd under the
combined effect of the global bending and the Vierendeel bending, due to a single opening at position, xo,
from the nearer support may be given approximately by:
 h 3t  2  I  3
w add x  x   a  2x   a   h 3
=1, 6  o w   1 − o   o   eff  + 29k o  a   1 − o   eff    for xo ≤ 0,5L (9.1)
wb  I  L   L   L   h3 t  L   h − ho  L
 a    w  
where
wb is the pure bending deflection at mid-span calculated using the second moment of area, Ia,
of the solid web beam;
aeff is the effective opening length taken for deflection purposes as in 7.4(2);
tw is the web thickness. The average value may be used in case of a beam with openings made
from two different Tee sections.
ko is a coefficient given by:
ko = 1,0 for unstiffened openings;
ko = 0,5 for longitudinally stiffened openings satisfying the limits in 8.1.2(1).
(4) For simply supported beams with multiple evenly spaced circular or hexagonal openings subject to
uniformly distributed loading, the additional deflection at mid-span, wadd, may be calculated according to
Formulas (9.2) or (9.3):
3
w add h   h 2
= 10no  o    for so or b0> 0,35 ho (9.2)
wb  h  L
 
45
BS EN 1993‑1‑13:2024
EN 1993-1-13:2024 (E)
3
w add h   ho   h 2
= 3, 5no  o      for so or b0≤ 0,35 ho (9.3)
wb  h  s  L 
   o 
where
no is the number of web openings;
ho, so, bo: see Figure 1.1.
(5) For openings in which aeff exceeds 2ho, the shear deflection due to Vierendeel bending across the
opening should not exceed wVier,max.
NOTE wVier,max is taken as equal to aeff/200, unless the National Annex gives different values.
(6) The shear deflection due to Vierendeel bending across a rectangular, elongated or sinusoidal opening
may be determined from:
3
Vser,Ed aeff
w Vier,add = (9.4)
(
12E I tT + I bt )
where
Vser, Ed is the shear force at mid-length of the opening at the serviceability limit state.
46
BS EN 1993‑1‑13:2024
EN 1993-1-13:2024 (E)
Bibliography
References contained in recommendations (i.e. “should” clauses)
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content,
although not requirements strictly to be followed, constitutes highly recommended choices or course of
action of this document. Subject to national regulation and/or any relevant contractual provisions,
alternative standards could be used/adopted where technically justified. For dated references, only the
edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.
[1] EN 1993-1-5:2024, Eurocode 3 — Design of steel structures — Part 1-5: Plated structural elements
[2] EN 1993-1-8, Eurocode 3 — Design of steel structures — Part 1-8: Joints
Other references
[3] D. Bitar, P.O. Martin, Y. Galéa, T. Demarco; Revue Construction Métallique CM2006-1; “Poutres
cellulaires acier et mixtes – Partie 1 : Proposition d’un modèle pour la résistance des montants”
[4] P.O. Martin; Revue Construction Métallique CM2018-3; “Elastic buckling of cellular beam post”
[5] P.O. Martin, M. Couchaux, O. Vassart, A. Bureau; Engineering structures 143 (2017) 113-126; “An
analytical method for the resistance of cellular beams with sinusoidal openings”;
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2017.03.048
47
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BS EN 1993‑1‑13:2024

BSI Standards Publication

Eurocode 3 — Design of steel structures

Part 1-13: Beams with large web openings

ICS 91.010.30; 91.080.13

Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 1993-1-13

ICS 91.010.30; 91.080.13

Eurocode 3 - Design of steel structures - Part 1-13: Beams

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 1 January 2024.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels

European foreword ............................................................................................................................................ 4

8.7 Longitudinally stiffened openings ................................................................................................ 34

0.1 Introduction to the Eurocodes

— EN 1991 Eurocode 1: Actions on structures

— EN 1992 Eurocode 2: Design of concrete structures

— EN 1993 Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures

— EN 1994 Eurocode 4: Design of composite steel and concrete structures

— EN 1995 Eurocode 5: Design of timber structures

— EN 1996 Eurocode 6: Design of masonry structures

— EN 1997 Eurocode 7: Geotechnical design

— EN 1998 Eurocode 8: Design of structures for earthquake resistance

— EN 1999 Eurocode 9: Design of aluminium structures

0.2 Introduction to the EN 1993 series

EN 1993-6, Design of Steel Structures — Part 6: Crane supporting structures;

EN 1993-1-4, Design of Steel Structures — Part 1-4: Stainless steel structures;

0.5 National Annex for EN 1993-1-13

— rolled or welded beams with closely spaced web openings;

a) Circular opening b) Rectangular opening

c) Elongated opening d) Closely spaced circular openings

e) Closely spaced hexagonal openings f) Closely spaced sinusoidal shaped openings

Figure 1.1 — Different shapes of web openings in steel beams

1.1.3 Stiffened openings

Figure 1.2 — Stiffening of openings in beam webs

EN 1990, Eurocode — Basis of structural and geotechnical design

EN 1991 (all parts), Eurocode 1 — Actions on structures

3 Terms, definitions and symbols

Figure 3.1 — Definition of eccentricity of a web opening

3.2 List of symbols

aeff Effective length of an opening for buckling and deflection calculations

bs Length of sinusoidal part of opening, see Figure 1.1

Mel,wp,Rd Design value of elastic bending resistance of web-post

MT,pl,Rd Design value of plastic bending resistance of the Tee

VEd,i Applied shear force in the Tee cross-section of index i

λw Relative slenderness of web next to opening

λep Relative slenderness of end-post

λ wp Relative slenderness of web-post between closely spaced openings

d) stability of the Tee in compression at long openings,

e) resistance to web-post shear, bending and buckling.

Figure 7.1 — Modelling of a beam with regularly spaced circular openings

7.4 Classification for global bending.

t w ε , a web outstand of depth dt should be treated as Class 2 for Vierendeel bending.

t w ε , a web outstand should be treated as Class 3 for Vierendeel bending.

8 Ultimate Limit States

c) resistance to shear by Vierendeel bending of the Tees – 8.4,

d) web buckling resistance next to widely spaced openings – 8.5,

f) influence of stiffeners on web-post buckling – 8.7,

g) end-post buckling and shear resistance next to the connections – 8.8.1,

j) alternative method for web-post buckling between circular openings – 8.10,

k) alternative method for Vierendeel bending of sinusoidal–shaped web openings – 8.11.

Table 8.1— Limiting dimensions for different shapes of unstiffened openings

Shape of Maximum Maximum Minimum edge to Minimum depth of Tee