Pórticos de aço em perfis celulares: análise comparativa com perfis soldados de alma cheia

Abstract

Given the growing demand for more efficient structural solutions for steel buildings, cellular beams have emerged as an attractive alternative due to their improved structural performance, reduced steel consumption, and architectural advantages, such as enhanced visual lightness, integration of building services within the structural system, and improved use of natural lighting. In this context, this study presents a comparative analysis between steel portal frames designed using welded I-shaped solid-web sections and cellular sections. Six portal frame models were analyzed, considering different span lengths and column heights. The solid-web portal frames were designed using the SAP2000 software, with Serviceability Limit State (SLS) and Ultimate Limit State (ULS) verifications carried out in accordance with the requirements of ABNT NBR 8800:2024. The cellular sections were designed using the VCA+ software, developed by ArcelorMittal Brasil, complemented by methodological adaptations to accurately represent the structural behavior of portal frame systems, since no specific design standards are currently available for members with web openings. The results showed that the portal frames with cellular sections achieved an average reduction of 17.6% in steel consumption compared with conventional solid-web solutions, as well as an average reduction of 54.9% in service displacements due to the increased moment of inertia provided by the expansion process. These findings demonstrate that cellular sections constitute an efficient structural alternative for steel portal frames, particularly in long-span buildings, combining structural performance, material savings, and constructive and architectural advantages.